Child Counsellor’s Perspective on Conduct Disorder | Cadabam’s CDC
Every parent hopes the next outburst is “just a phase.” When lying, aggression, or truancy become a pattern, the question shifts from “Why won’t my child listen?” to “What am I missing?” A child counsellor perspective on conduct disorder gives you the missing pieces—early clues, evidence-based tests, and therapy plans that protect your child’s future and your family’s peace of mind.
Why a Child Counsellor's Perspective Matters for Conduct Disorder
Seeing Beyond the Behaviour Tantrums and rule-breaking can look like “bad parenting.” Trained counsellors look deeper—at emotional triggers, learning gaps, and attachment styles—to find the real engine behind the behaviour.
Early Detection & Long-Term Impact Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that symptoms visible by age 6 predict adult antisocial outcomes if left untreated. Early counselling cuts later criminal involvement by up to 50%.
How Counsellors Collaborate with Parents & Schools
- Weekly parent-management training calls
- Classroom observation notes shared with teachers
- Joint goal sheets (e.g., “Zero physical aggression for 7 days”)
Understanding Conduct Disorder Through a Child Counsellor's Lens
Core Symptoms vs Normal Misbehaviour
| Everyday Misbehaviour | Possible CD Red Flag |
|---|---|
| One-time lie about homework | Chronic lying to manipulate others |
| Playground push | Planned assault with weapon |
| Skipping one class | Repeated truancy before age 13 |
DSM-5 Criteria Simplified Cadabams CDC follows the 3-3-1 rule:
- 3 behaviours (e.g., stealing, fighting, cruelty)
- Lasting 3 months
- Causing 1 major life impairment—school, home, or peers
Differential Diagnosis: ODD, ADHD & PTSD Symptoms overlap, so counsellors run standardised rating scales to separate:
- ODD: Defiant but not violently aggressive
- ADHD: Impulsive without intent to harm
- PTSD: Aggression linked only to trauma reminders
Assessment Process at Cadabam's Child Development Center
Step-by-Step Clinical Evaluation
- 15-min tele-consent with parents
- 90-min in-clinic child observation & play task
- Multi-disciplinary case conference (24 hrs)
- Feedback session + printed report
Standardised Tools: Conners & CBCL
- Conners 3: Flags impulsivity & conduct problems
- Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL): Parent report on rule-breaking, aggression
- Optional projective drawing test for kids under 8
Parent Interview & Child Observation Counsellors record:
- Antecedent: What happened before the hit?
- Behaviour: How long did the meltdown last?
- Consequence: Did shouting stop it or fuel it? Data shapes the personalised therapy plan.
Counselling & Therapeutic Interventions Offered
Individual Child Therapy (CBT, Play Therapy)
- CBT: 8–12 sessions teaching “Stop-Think-Act”
- Play Therapy: Uses sandbox & emotion cards for non-verbal kids
Parent Management Training (PMT) 12-week protocol:
- Week 1–3: Positive reinforcement menu
- Week 4–6: Clear commands & time-out rules
- Week 7–9: Token economies
- Week 10–12: School-home report card
Family Therapy & School Collaboration
- Joint sessions with siblings to reduce jealousy triggers
- Counsellor attends one classroom period per month for on-the-spot coaching
Evidence-Based Pros & Cons
| Approach | Proven Benefit | Typical Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| CBT | 60% drop in aggression scores | Weekly, 45 min |
| PMT | Improves parent stress index by 30% | 12 weekly group sessions |
| Medication (if added) | Reduces explosive rage within 2 weeks | Review every 4 weeks |
Case Insights: Real Progress Stories
Case 1: Reducing Physical Aggression in 8 Weeks
- Age: 9
- Issue: Daily fights, suspended twice
- Intervention: CBT + PMT
- Outcome: Zero physical fights at week 8; teacher noted 70% increase in compliant classroom behaviour.
Case 2: From School Suspension to Class Prefect
- Age: 12
- Issue: Truancy, vandalism
- Intervention: 6-month multi-modal plan—CBT, family therapy, weekly teacher check-ins
- Outcome: No suspension in current academic year; elected class prefect for discipline committee.
Meet Our Senior Child Counsellors
- Master’s in Clinical Psychology / M.Phil in Child & Adolescent Psychology
- Average 11 years of exclusive child behaviour experience
- Fluent in English, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam