Conduct & Behavioral Problems
Types of Behavioral Concerns in Children and Teens
Frequent defiance or refusal to follow rules at home or school
Bullying behaviors or challenges respecting boundaries.
Aggressive outbursts (verbal or physical)
Impulsivity that may lead to unsafe or disruptive behavior.
Persistent lying, blaming others, or breaking rules
Withdrawal, avoidance, or sudden changes in behavior
Understanding Behavioral Challenges
Every child has moments of acting out. But when patterns of defiance, aggression, or rule-breaking become persistent and disruptive, families may begin to worry something more is going on.
Behavioral challenges are not simply ‘bad behavior’ or the result of ‘poor parenting.” They often signal underlying struggles with:
- Attention or impulse control
- Emotional regulation
- Learning difficulties
- Stress, trauma, or environmental factors
Testing helps uncover what lies beneath the behavior, so families can respond with understanding instead of blame.
Behavioral issues often show up across home, school, and peer relationships.
- Frequent calls from teachers or disciplinary actions
- Arguments and power struggles at home
- Aggressive or unsafe behavior with siblings or peers
- Persistent lying, stealing, or defiance
- Sudden withdrawal or refusal to participate in activities
When conduct issues go unaddressed, children and families may face lasting stress.
- At school: suspensions, academic decline, or negative teacher relationships
- At home: constant conflict, strained parent-child relationships
- With peers: rejection, bullying, or difficulty maintaining friendships
- For the child: feelings of being misunderstood, blamed, or “in trouble” all the time
Psychoeducational testing provides clarity about why behavioral struggles happen.
- Distinguishes between ADHD, mood disorders, learning disabilities, or conduct-related issues
- Identifies emotional and cognitive factors behind disruptive behavior
- Helps parents and schools understand whether defiance is willful, stress-related, or neurologically based
- Provides constructive, actionable strategies instead of punishment alone
Early testing shifts the focus from “misbehavior” to understanding and solutions.
- Reduces family stress by reframing behavior through the lens of causes, not blame
- Prevents children from being mislabeled as “troublemakers”
- Opens access to supports, services, or accommodations at school
- Helps children build positive coping skills and healthier peer relationships
What Happens When a Child Receives Psychoeducational Testing?
Families gain:
A clear explanation of what’s driving the behavior
Guidance for parents and teachers to respond effectively and consistently
Documentation schools can use for accommodations and support plans
Reassurance in knowing the behavior is understood and can be addressed constructively.
A written report with practical, strength-based recommendations
Behind Every Behavior, There’s a Story
An evaluation can uncover the reasons for your child’s behavior and guide you toward solutions that reduce conflict and build confidence.
