How to Create Change With Conduct Disorder Adolescents

Creating change in adolescents with conduct disorder is challenging and requires consistency, commitment, firmness and persistence from the parents. The severity of conduct disorder ranges from mild to severe, and often requires professional intervention from a variety of sources in order to be successful in changing behavior. Parental intervention at home is essential, as well as working closely with a team of professionals.

Instructions

• 1

  Approach parenting and discipline with compassion, firmness and high structure. Be firm in parental requests and repeat requests until the child follows through. For example, "It is time to do your chores." When you're met with defiance, questioning or negotiation, repeat the request calmly and firmly. Give highly controlled choices whenever possible such as "You can do your chores now or in 20 minutes." If the child refuses to make a decision or tries to manipulate or negotiate the situation, make the choice yourself. Create a daily schedule that is strictly followed. This will help set a routine that is predictable and consistent, reducing the child's ability to manipulate and negotiate.

• 2

  Create a behavior plan that targets problem behavior and reinforces positive behavior. Prioritize two or three behaviors to modify. Define the problem behavior as well as an appropriate alternative positive behavior. Be realistic in your expectations, starting out with small goals in order to be successful. Decide on an appropriate consequence for each of the problem behaviors, as well as a reward for the positive alternative behavior. Discuss the behavior plan with your child and involve him in deciding on rewards. This will help ensure your child knows exactly what is expected, what the consequences are, and is rewarded in a way that will be meaningful. Review the behavior plan regularly and update it as needed.

• 3

  Work closely with the child's school, community support and law enforcement. Conduct disorder behavior rarely occurs in only one location or setting, and most often is seen at home, at school and in the community. Discuss with school officials the possibility of establishing a time out area where the child can go when her behavior is disruptive in class. Encourage the school to consider special education options or Section 504 accommodations so the child can participate in school and classroom activities. Search for a local support group or local organizations which can offer parent support. Some local law enforcement agencies offer programs for youth as early preventative intervention. Check with the local law enforcement to determine what programs are available in your area. Always contact local law enforcement in the event the child is in danger of harming himself or others, or is involved in illegal activity. Early intervention is essential to reduce the risk of ongoing criminal activity.

• 4

  Obtain support and assistance from outside sources and professionals. Obtain ongoing counseling or therapeutic services from a qualified therapist who specializes in adolescent conduct disorder. Enroll the child in anger management and social skills programs to learn appropriate and acceptable ways of interacting with others. Set up a meeting to collaborate with everyone involved--child, parents, teachers, counselor and therapist, law enforcement and others who work with you and your child--so that everyone is working together with the same goals in mind.