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Study Links Behavior Problems With BPA Exposure Before Birth

A study finds a connection between exposure to BPA while in the womb and behavioral and emotional problems later on. This is especially notable in girls who have reached toddler age. This could help to explain to parents why their child has certain kinds of behavior problems. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is found in a wide variety of products. It has been used to make plastic bottles (including baby bottles and “sippy cups”). It also is used in the lining of metal-based cans of food. The federal government has been saying that BPA is safe, in low … Continue reading →

One Instance Does Not Make a Behavior Problem

As a parent there are so many times when we do not know if we do are doing or saying the right thing with our kids, or whether or not they are developing bad habits or behavior problems. When I am chatting with other parents, they often express concerns at an instance that happens with their kids and worry that it is indicative of something major. I think we need to remember that one (or even two) instance does not necessarily mean something huge is going on. A temper tantrum at the supper table, or a power struggle in the … Continue reading →

When They Behave Differently at Day Care or School

We want our children to learn that different behaviors are appropriate at different times and places, but they often discover this on their own too. Parents often are surprised to discover that a child who is well-behaved at home acts out while at day care or school or vice versa—a child may be “better-behaved” when he or she is not at home. Other things can differ as well like eating habits, toileting, and sleep habits. Is there anything we can do about this as parents or are we doomed to accepting the differences? Early on, you may notice that a … Continue reading →

Don’t Take It Personally

Rule number 853 of parenting: Don’t Take Things Personally! Okay, maybe it should be in the top ten of rules for parents, but learning how to not take the things your child says and does personally is one of the major challenges that I’ve wrestled with over the years. After all, it’s pretty darn hard not to take something like “I hate you!” to heart… The fact is, as soon as children are able to talk, they will start complaining and saying unpleasant things and it often feels like they are taking all of their frustrations out on the closest … Continue reading →

Why Does My Child Keep Overreacting?

It’s always a good idea to remind ourselves that our children with special needs have brains that interpret and assimilate information differently. In a previous blog I wrote about “brain wiring” with respect to people with autism. A neurologist who was evaluating my son’s behaviors said, “It’s the way his brain is wired.” I’ve certainly observed that my son sees and comprehends the world around him in his own unique way. This is especially true for children with sensory integration dysfunction, who receive all kinds of confused signals as their brains process sensory input. These kids have curious, peculiar behaviors … Continue reading →

“It’s Time for a Family Chill-Out.”

Children with special needs, and especially those with behavior problems, can get easily overwhelmed. As your child becomes more verbal and enters pre-adolescence, you’ll likely face numerous meltdowns and family fights. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself swept into the battle and getting as frenzied as your child. Soon everybody is yelling, crying, or complaining. Before things escalate out of control, step in and call for a family “chill out.” Here’s how it works: Mom or Dad calls a “chill-out.” Everybody has to stop talking, or making any vocalizations, for ten minutes. Whatever the current problem is, put … Continue reading →

Impulse Control Disorder

Shortly after the boys moved in, the words “dysfunction” and “disorder” became commonplace in our everyday language. There were a multitude of them, some diagnosed, others lying in wait to be discovered in the boys’ everyday behavior. We were aware of Randy’s ADHD, FAE, and learning disabilities. We soon learned Daniel had real and critical problems with Attachment Disorder and hoarding issues. However, it took us awhile to realize there was a serious issue with Randy; he had been diagnosed with Impulse Control Disorder, but we weren’t aware of it until we experienced his behavioral symptoms. Our first inclination of … Continue reading →

8 Difficult Autistic Behaviors (And Why They Happen)

Children with autism have numerous challenging behaviors for parents to deal with. Sometimes the behaviors seem to make no sense whatsoever. The child might seem unreachable, temperamental, and impossible to deal with. However, when we take a look at the underlying deficits that contribute to the problems, we can gain a better understanding. And with a little understanding, we are better equipped to find ways to help. The following is a list of eight typical behaviors of an autistic child, and their likely causes. This is not an exhaustive list of all autism symptoms, and some autistic children will only … Continue reading →

Mom Calls Police On Own Son

I had to look at my calendar to make sure it was December and not April 1st. When I came across this story I was certain it was a joke but apparently it’s the real deal. Seems a South Carolina mother called the police on her own son. That’s not that unusual, many parents turn their own kids in for crimes. But what is so amazing to me about this story is the crime itself. The crime was, get this, opening a Christmas present early. The police actually arrested the kid and charged him with petty larceny. The boy’s great … Continue reading →

Don’t Get Frustrated–Take A New Look at Your Child’s Behavior

Sometimes developmentally delayed children will exhibit behaviors which are hard to understand. That’s because the behavior is occurring at an age when we typically wouldn’t see it happening in ordinary kids. For example, if a two-year-old hits another child, as a parent we might say “Let’s not hit,” but we don’t become tremendously concerned. A two-year-old hitting another toddler is normal behavior. But if an eight-year-old hits his peer, it’s more troubling. Most eight-year-olds have learned that hitting someone else is wrong. It’s important to remember that in the special needs child, inappropriate behaviors may have a purpose. The child … Continue reading →