Why Trust Cadabam' s CDC for Your Child’s Conduct-disorder Diagnosis?

Choosing the right pediatric diagnostic center is the most important decision you will make. It requires a team that combines deep expertise with genuine compassion. Here’s why families trust Cadabam' s CDC.

A Multidisciplinary Team Offering a 360° Diagnostic Perspective

A Conduct-disorder diagnosis is complex and should never rest on a single opinion. Our approach involves a multidisciplinary diagnosis for Conduct-disorder, bringing together developmental paediatricians, child neurologists, clinical psychologists, and therapists. This collaborative evaluation ensures we see the whole child, ruling out other potential causes and identifying co-occurring conditions for a truly comprehensive picture.

Child-Friendly Infrastructure for Accurate and Stress-Free Assessments

We understand that a clinical environment can be stressful for a child, which can affect the accuracy of a pediatric assessment for Conduct-disorder. Our centre is designed to be welcoming, safe, and engaging. This child-friendly setting helps your child feel more comfortable, allowing our specialists to observe their natural behaviours and conduct a more accurate child developmental evaluation.

From Diagnosis to a Clear, Personalised Treatment Plan

Getting a diagnosis is only half the journey. We are dedicated to diagnosis and therapy planning, translating our findings into a clear, actionable, and personalised treatment plan. We partner with you to set achievable goals and map out the specific therapies and support systems your child needs to thrive.

Over 32+ Years of Specialised Expertise in Neurodevelopmental Care

For over three decades, Cadabam's has been at the forefront of mental health and neurodevelopmental care. This legacy of specialisation means our team has unparalleled experience in neurodevelopmental screening and diagnosing complex conditions like Conduct Disorder. We combine time-tested knowledge with the latest evidence-based practices.

Recognising Early Signs of Conduct Disorder

Early recognition is the first step toward effective intervention. If you are wondering how to identify developmental delays or severe behavioural issues, here are some key areas to watch for.

Developmental and Motor Delays

While not a primary symptom of Conduct Disorder, sometimes underlying frustrations from learning disabilities or subtle developmental delays can contribute to behavioural outbursts. A thorough evaluation will explore these possibilities.

Atypical Behaviours or Sensory Responses

These are the core early signs and symptoms of Conduct Disorder and can include a persistent pattern of:

• Aggression toward people or animals (bullying, physical fights, cruelty).
• Destruction of property (deliberate fire-setting or vandalism).
• Deceitfulness or theft (lying, conning others, shoplifting).
• Serious violations of rules (staying out late, running away from home, truancy from school).

Speech, Feeding, or Communication Challenges

Difficulty expressing needs, understanding social cues, or processing language can lead to intense frustration that manifests as aggressive or defiant behaviour. Our evaluation assesses for any communication deficits that may be contributing to the problem.

Co-Occurring or Associated Difficulties

Conduct Disorder rarely exists in isolation. It often co-occurs with other conditions, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), anxiety, or depression. An accurate diagnosis must identify and address these related issues.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Diagnostic Process at CadabamsCDC

We believe in a transparent and collaborative process. Here’s how Conduct-disorder is diagnosed at our centre.

Step 1 - Initial Consultation and Developmental Screening

Your journey begins with a comprehensive initial consultation. Here, we listen to your concerns and conduct an initial developmental screening for Conduct-disorder. This helps us understand the scope of the challenges and determine the necessary components for a full evaluation.

Step 2 - Detailed Medical & Developmental History Review

We collect detailed information from you, your child’s school, and any previous medical records. Understanding your child's complete medical, family, and developmental history provides crucial context for our diagnostic team.

Step 3 - Physical, Neurological & Behavioural Examination

A developmental paediatrician or neurologist conducts a thorough physical and neurological exam. This is essential to rule out any medical conditions or neurological issues that could be causing or contributing to the behavioural symptoms, ensuring the early diagnosis of Conduct-disorder is accurate.

Step 4 - Observational and Standardised Diagnostic Tests

Our clinical psychologists use a combination of direct observation, structured interviews with you and your child, and globally recognised standardised rating scales and tests. This structured approach ensures our findings are objective, reliable, and evidence-based.

Step 5 - Collaborative Diagnosis & Goal Setting with Families

The final step is not a pronouncement, but a conversation. Our multidisciplinary team meets to consolidate their findings and form a diagnosis. We then sit down with you to explain the diagnosis in clear, understandable terms, answer your questions, and collaboratively set the initial goals for your child’s therapy plan.

Understanding the Role of the DSM in Conduct-disorder Diagnosis

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, currently in its 5th edition (DSM-5), is the primary tool used by clinicians to diagnose behavioural and mental health conditions.

Beyond the Primary Diagnosis: Understanding the Whole Child

An understanding of DSM diagnosis is about more than just a label. The DSM-5 provides specific criteria—a checklist of symptoms, duration, and impairment—that must be met for a DSM diagnosis of Conduct-disorder. This ensures the diagnosis is made systematically and not based on a single opinion or a bad week.

Identifying Co-Occurring Conditions Using DSM-5 Criteria

The DSM-5 framework is crucial for identifying comorbid (co-occurring) conditions. Our team carefully assesses for other disorders that often accompany Conduct Disorder, as treating these conditions simultaneously is often key to successful outcomes.

Common Co-Occurring Conditions in Conduct Disorder

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Specific Learning Disorders
• Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
• Substance-Related Disorders (in adolescents)

The Power of a Unified, Collaborative Approach

By using the DSM-5, our entire multidisciplinary team speaks the same clinical language. This unified approach ensures that the paediatrician, psychologist, and therapist are all aligned in their understanding of your child's diagnosis and treatment needs.

Understanding the ICD Classification for Conduct Disorder

Alongside the DSM, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), published by the World Health Organization (WHO), plays a vital role in healthcare.

What an ICD Diagnosis Means for Families

An ICD diagnosis for Conduct-disorder is the global standard used by physicians, public health agencies, and insurance companies. It translates the clinical diagnosis into a universal code, which is essential for medical records, health statistics, and processing insurance claims.

Key ICD-10 & ICD-11 Codes Explained

The ICD-10 codes for Conduct-disorder fall under the F91 category (Conduct disorders). For example, F91.1 refers to "Unsocialized Conduct Disorder." The newer ICD-11 classification for Conduct-disorder offers even more detail, with codes like 6C91.0 for "Conduct-dissocial disorder with prosocial emotions" and 6C91.1 for "Conduct-dissocial disorder with limited prosocial emotions," allowing for greater diagnostic precision.

The Benefits of ICD-11: A More Precise Picture

The move from ICD-10 to ICD-11 allows for a more nuanced understanding of Conduct Disorder. By specifying factors like the presence or absence of "limited prosocial emotions" (e.g., lack of remorse, guilt, or empathy), the ICD-11 helps tailor interventions more specifically to the child's unique psychological profile.

How CadabamsCDC Ensures ICD Accuracy

Our clinicians are proficient in both DSM and ICD systems. Following a thorough evaluation and DSM-based diagnosis, we assign the corresponding ICD code accurately. This ensures your child's records are compliant with national and international standards, facilitating smoother processes with schools and insurance providers.

From Diagnosis to Development: Your Child’s Journey Forward

A diagnosis is the starting line for positive change. Our goal is to provide the critical support your child and family need to move forward with confidence.

Early Intervention: The Critical Next Step

The research is clear: the sooner a child receives help, the better their long-term outcome. Our focus on early intervention assessment and planning means we begin creating a supportive framework for your child immediately following diagnosis.

Customised Paediatric Therapy Plans

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for Conduct Disorder. Your child’s plan will be a unique blend of evidence-based therapies, which may include:

• Parent Management Training (PMT): Empowering you with effective strategies to manage behaviour.
• Family Therapy: Improving communication and resolving conflicts within the family.
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helping your child develop anger management, problem-solving, and moral reasoning skills.

Family Coaching & Home-Based Support

We believe in supporting the entire family unit. Our family coaching and home-based support programs provide you with ongoing guidance, helping you implement therapeutic strategies consistently at home, where it matters most.

Meet the Experts Behind the Diagnosis

Our strength lies in our people. The multidisciplinary diagnosis at CadabamsCDC is powered by a team of dedicated and experienced professionals.

Developmental Paediatricians & Neurologists

Our medical doctors lead the diagnostic process, conducting comprehensive physical and neurological evaluations to ensure a medically sound basis for the diagnosis.

Occupational, Physiotherapists & Speech-Language Pathologists

This team assesses functional, sensory, and communication skills. They identify underlying challenges that may contribute to behavioural issues and develop therapies to build foundational skills.

Clinical Psychologists & Special Educators

Our psychologists are experts in behavioural assessment and a developmental disorder diagnosis. They administer standardised tests, conduct interviews, and provide therapeutic interventions, while special educators help bridge the gap between therapy and academic success.

Expert Quotes & Insights

"A diagnosis of Conduct Disorder can be frightening for parents. Our primary role is to replace that fear with a clear plan and a sense of partnership. We are not just diagnosing a disorder; we are understanding a child and empowering their family to help them succeed." – Lead Clinical Psychologist, CadabamsCDC

Real-Life Journeys: From Diagnosis to Progress

Case Study 1 - Early Diagnosis and Improved Outcomes

Rohan, age 8, was referred for aggression and frequent suspensions from school. A comprehensive evaluation identified Conduct Disorder co-occurring with ADHD. An early diagnosis of Conduct-disorder led to a plan combining medication for ADHD, parent management training, and CBT for Rohan. Within a year, his suspensions stopped, and his relationships with family and peers improved significantly.

Case Study 2 - A Path from Confusion to Clarity

14-year-old Priya’s parents were at a loss due to her constant rule-breaking and deceitfulness. Our child developmental evaluation uncovered not only Conduct Disorder but also severe underlying anxiety. The diagnosis brought clarity—her disruptive behaviour was partly a maladaptive coping mechanism. Therapy focused on both anxiety management and behavioural contracts, providing a dual-pronged approach that led to gradual but steady progress.

Family Testimonial - “Diagnosis Was the Beginning, Not the End”

"We came to CadabamsCDC feeling hopeless. The team gave us more than a diagnosis; they gave us a roadmap and the tools to help our son. For us, the diagnosis was the beginning of our healing journey, not the end." - Parent of a 10-year-old

Holistic Developmental Programs for Conduct Disorder: Building Skills, Confidence & Independence

What Are Developmental Programs for Conduct Disorder?

Beyond the initial diagnosis, CadabamsCDC offers integrated developmental programs designed to address the core challenges of Conduct Disorder. These are not just weekly therapy sessions; they are structured, goal-oriented programs that combine individual therapy, group social skills training, parent coaching, and academic support to help your child build the emotional, behavioural, and social skills they need for a successful and independent future.