Children naturally show a wide range of emotions and behaviours as they grow. Occasional tantrums, fears, irritability or difficulty following instructions can be part of normal development. Persistent or severe behavioural difficulties may require further assessment.
Common behavioural concerns
Frequent tantrums
Aggressive behaviour
Excessive activity
Difficulty concentrating
Impulsivity
Anxiety
Irritability
Social withdrawal
Sleep problems
School difficulties
Difficulty following routines
Possible contributing factors
Age and developmental stage
Family changes
Stress
School difficulties
Bullying
Sleep problems
Learning difficulties
Communication difficulties
Emotional or mental health concerns
Developmental conditions
When to seek professional guidance
Behaviour significantly affects school performance.
Family relationships are being affected.
The child has persistent difficulty making friends.
There is a major change in behaviour.
Anxiety or emotional distress is persistent.
Behaviour interferes with daily activities or sleep.
Understanding the underlying reason for a behavioural concern is important before deciding how it should be managed.
