Help for Children With Behavioral Problems in Texas

The word "behavior" carries a vague meaning because it can be displayed intrinsically or extrinsically, and the perception of a behavior being a problem is based on the person dealing with the behavior. Behaviors can be caused by external stimuli as well as by chemical imbalances. However, there is help for many childhood behavioral problems, and in Texas, the range of help is extensive.

Texas Children's Hospital

• At the Texas Children's Hospital, there is a learning support center that helps provide support for various behavioral problems that children experience. The programs are set up to help children of all ages. Neuropsychologists, psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors are all involved to help support the needs of the children that are referred to the programs. Through the learning support center, children are tested to determine their behavioral need and grouped into a specified program that will help them master their behavioral goals. The programs comprise individual, group and family therapy. They also focus on using cognitive behavioral, social and behavioral and instructional interventions. The center also provides support for children diagnosed with specific disorders, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Boys Town of Texas

• The Boys Town of Texas is a treatment facility made up of five homes and specified programs in which youth can receive the appropriate care and treatment for their behavioral problems. Children who have suffered abuse or neglect or have been removed from their biological parents' care are placed in the Treatment Family Homes to receive round-the-clock care. They learn to socialize well within the family environment and learn basic living skills. The Foster Family Services program is designed to promote a safe environment for foster children of all ages. They are guided and comforted by foster parents who provide support and compassion while they are in transition to returning to their biological or adoptive parents. If parents are experiencing problems within the home due to their child's behavioral issues, they can seek help through the Boys Town In-Home Family Services program. Through this program, parents can learn parenting skills and obtain resources in the community that can help promote a safe and secure home environment. Boys Town also offers outpatient services through their Behavioral Health Clinic in San Antonio. Counseling for children with serious behavioral problems, such as aggression, violence, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts is provided through the clinic.

Mental Health Hospitals

• There are various mental health hospitals all over the state of Texas that provide ongoing care and support for children of all ages who experience severe behavioral problems. If a child is admitted to the hospital, she is initially evaluated to determine the cause of her behavioral issue. With the evaluation, physicians, nurses and counselors can treat the children based on their individual needs. Mental health hospitals provide round-the-clock care to monitor medication side effects. They also provide crisis resolution, counseling and respite care to help service the family after the child is discharged.

Specialized Facilities

• Many families are currently being impacted by the rising numbers of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children with this disorder engage in behaviors that require specific interventions, such as applied behavior analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Facilities across Texas have developed programs and centers designed specifically to treat the behavioral problems associated with autism. Furthermore, the facilities provide the parents of the children with autism with services and community resources to help support and train the parents to work with their children at home.