Behavioral Disorders in Children
Lee Health Behavioral Health providers are here to be your trusted partner in helping you navigate your child's unique behavioral health needs. Our goal is to ensure you have all the necessary information and resources to navigate the complexities of behavioral disorders and the behavior difficulties associated with them.
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Lee Community Healthcare Inc. Pediatric Behavioral Health - Bonita Health Center
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Lee Community Healthcare Inc. Pediatric Behavioral Health - Lehigh Acres
3415 Lee Blvd Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
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Lee Community Healthcare Inc. Pediatric Behavioral Health - Women & Children's Medical Plaza
Your Child's Behavioral Health
All children go through emotional ups and downs. Behavioral disorders involve a pattern of disruptive behaviors in children that last for at least 6 months. They can cause problems in school, at home, and in social situations.
Almost all children will have tantrums, or act in aggressive, angry, or defiant ways at some point. It is important to be able to differentiate when your child is going through an impulsive or defiant phase or if they need to be seen by a pediatric behavioral health specialist.
What are pediatric behavioral disorders?
Pediatric behavioral disorders involve a broad spectrum of conditions that impact a child's behavior, emotional health, and social interactions. These disorders can significantly impact a child's development and overall well-being and at times can be difficult to diagnose.
While the exact causes or behavioral health disorders remain unclear, a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors seem to play a role. Additionally, risk factors such as exposure to toxins during pregnancy, a family history of mental health disorders, or traumatic experiences can increase the likelihood of a child developing a pediatric behavioral disorder.
Learn about specific disorders here!
The ability to recognize the symptoms of pediatric behavioral disorders is an important part of getting the support you and your child may need. Learn more about specific disorders below.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Learn more here about how our specialists at Lee Health can help.
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in children. Learn more here about signs and symptoms of ASD and how to help your child.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves both obsessions and compulsions that typically affect the ease of daily functions on children. At Lee Health our physicians are here to help relieve those stressful rituals and anxiety. Learn more here!
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
When a child's behavior is definite it often disrupts their daily routine as well as the people involved in their daily routine. Learn more here about ODD.
What Could Help: Next Steps
The management of behavioral disorders can vary depending on the child’s needs, their family’s needs, and the type and severity of their disorder. Treatment options include
- parent management training
- cognitive behavior therapy
- medication
- treatment for associated problems
Your child may also need to continue to be seen by a psychiatrist or developmental-behavioral pediatrician. With early and appropriate treatment, families can learn to manage the behaviors.
If you think your child may suffer from a behavioral disorder contact our Pediatric Behavioral Health office.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Support & Resources
Our providers work closely to ensure you and your family receive the support you need when navigating an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, ensuring accessible compassionate care for you and your family.
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Autism Certified Care Options at Lee Health
Lee Health's Golisano Children's Hospital is proud to be certified as an Autism-friendly hospital.
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in children. Learn more here about signs and symptoms of ASD and how to help your child.
