Developmental Assessment for Conduct Disorder | Cadabam’s CDC
Watching your child struggle with defiance, aggression, or rule-breaking can leave you searching for answers. A developmental assessment for Conduct Disorder gives parents the clarity they need and a clear path forward. At Cadabams CDC, we combine compassionate care with gold-standard tools to uncover what’s really going on—and what can be done about it.
Why Choose Cadabams CDC for Conduct Disorder Assessment?
- Over three decades of child mental-health expertise
- Multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and special educators under one roof
- Family-centred approach that keeps parents informed and involved at every step
- In-house standardised tools so reports are ready faster and more accurately
- Transparent pricing and assistance with insurance paperwork
What Is Conduct Disorder?
Core DSM-5 Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists four symptom clusters for Conduct Disorder:
- Aggression toward people or animals
- Destruction of property
- Deceitfulness or theft
- Serious violations of rules At least three criteria must be present in the past 12 months, with one in the past six months, to meet diagnosis.
Typical Age of Onset & Symptom Progression
- Childhood-onset type: symptoms appear before age 10; higher risk of persistent antisocial behaviour.
- Adolescent-onset type: symptoms appear after age 10; generally better prognosis.
- Without intervention, early aggression can escalate to school suspension, substance use, or legal troubles.
Differences Between CD, ODD & ADHD
| Feature | Conduct Disorder (CD) | Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) | ADHD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core issue | Violation of others’ rights | Defiance & argumentativeness | Inattention & hyperactivity |
| Aggression | Severe, can be pre-meditated | Verbal outbursts | Impulsive, not rule-breaking |
| Age of concern | 7–18 years | 4–8 years | Before 12 |
Our Comprehensive Assessment Process
Step 1: Clinical Interview & Family History
- 90-minute session with parents and child
- Screens for genetic loading, early trauma, and parenting stress
- Digital intake forms sent 48 hours prior to save clinic time
Step 2: Standardised Rating Scales (DAS, Vanderbilt, SDQ)
- Completed by parents and teachers
- Normed on Indian population for higher accuracy
- Scores flagged instantly via our secure portal
Step 3: Multi-Informant Reports (Parents, Teachers, Peers)
- Teacher tele-consults scheduled within 72 hours
- Optional peer sociometric checklist for school-age kids
- All data triangulated to reduce single-source bias
Step 4: Risk & Protective Factors Evaluation
- Home-visit option (Bangalore & Hyderabad) to observe interactions
- Screens for neighbourhood violence and online risk exposure
- Protective factors (e.g., pro-social hobbies, supportive relatives) documented for treatment planning
Evidence-Based Screening Tools We Use
- Delinquent Activities Scale (DAS): Measures frequency and severity of rule-breaking acts.
- Vanderbilt Assessment Scale: Identifies comorbid ADHD and learning issues.
- Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ): Tracks emotional symptoms and peer problems.
- Conners 4th Edition: Latest normative data, includes teacher and self-report versions. All tools are digitally scored to reduce human error and speed up report turnaround.
Risk Factors We Evaluate
Family Dynamics & Parenting Style
- Inconsistent discipline
- High expressed emotion (criticism vs. warmth)
- Parental mental-health history
Peer Influence & Social Environment
- Association with deviant peers
- School climate—bullying, teacher support
- Screen-time exposure to violent content
Substance Use & Trauma History
- Early alcohol or nicotine experimentation
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Witnessing domestic violence
Neurodevelopmental Comorbidities
- ADHD, learning disorders, or autism spectrum features
- Executive-function deficits
- Sensory-processing issues that may mask CD symptoms
Interventions Recommended After Assessment
Psychosocial Interventions
- Parent Management Training (PMT): 8–12 weekly sessions, role-plays, and home assignments.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Targets anger cues and problem-solving skills.
- Multisystemic Therapy (MST): Intensive, home-based for high-risk teens.
Family Support Programs
- Sibling support circles to reduce household stress
- Couple-counselling when marital conflict fuels behaviour
- Weekend respite camps for parents
Pharmacotherapy for Comorbidities
- Stimulants for ADHD
- SSRIs if depression or severe irritability present
- Close monitoring for side-effects every 4 weeks
Ongoing Monitoring & Skill-Building Groups
- Monthly check-ins via our app
- Pro-social clubs—coding, music, sports—to replace deviant peer groups
- School liaison visits to track IEP goals
Success Stories & Case Snapshots
Arjun, 11: Escalating fights at school led to a developmental assessment for Conduct Disorder. Assessment revealed undiagnosed ADHD and harsh parenting style. After 10 weeks of PMT and a low-dose stimulant, classroom referrals dropped by 80 %. Meera, 15: Court-referred after shoplifting. MST addressed academic failure and gang affiliation. Six months later, Meera re-enrolled in school and now mentors younger girls in Cadabams CDC’s leadership program.