How To Recognise Behavioural Disorders In Children!
Expat Living Singapore|September 2022
Raising children is difficult. But raising difficult children can be flat-out life-altering! Here, DR TRISHA UPADHYAYA of Osler Health International shares how to recognise some of the key characteristics of common behavioural disorders in children and how you can act on any concerns you might have.
Amy Greenburg
How To Recognise Behavioural Disorders In Children!

Behaviour and emotional dysregulation are normal for children as they go through different phases of physical, mental, emotional and social development. Of course, there are also mental and behavioural problems that can affect children. They may coincide together, with other emotional problems, mood disorders or family circumstances aggravating their condition, explains Dr Trisha.

At Osler Health International’s Star Vista clinic, she provides primary care to patients of all ages, including children right from birth. The following list comprises the most common behavioural disorders she sees in children.

#1 Conduct disorders

Often called antisocial behaviour, conduct disorders are a group of disorders with varying difficulties in controlling aggressive behaviour, self-control and impulses. They are the most common mental and behavioural problems in young people worldwide.

Typical behaviours of a child with conduct disorder include:

• refusal to obey parents or other authority figures

• lack of empathy towards others

• lying or stealing without any sign of remorse or guilt when caught

• being aggressive towards animals and other people

• involvement in more violent physical fights, often with the use of weapons

• showing behaviours such as bullying, physical or sexual abuse

• refusal to follow rules

• breaking the law

• tendencies to run away from home

#2 Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

This is a milder form of antisocial behaviour that’s mostly seen in younger children. Some characteristic behaviours may include:

• getting easily annoyed, irritated or angered

This story is from the September 2022 edition of Expat Living Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2022 edition of Expat Living Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EXPAT LIVING SINGAPOREView All
Say Namaste!
Expat Living Singapore

Say Namaste!

Want to turn an ordinary workout into a transformative experience for body and mind? Roll out the mat and discover the many benefits of yoga and Pilates at these two top studios in Singapore.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
5 Road Trips In Western Australia
Expat Living Singapore

5 Road Trips In Western Australia

Looking for a wind-in-the-hair adventure? Head Down Under and hire a car!

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
Birthday Shopping Fun!
Expat Living Singapore

Birthday Shopping Fun!

In the lead up to my last birthday (lucky 44), my friends asked what I'd like for a joint present. The answer was easy - a gift voucher for Badger & Fox! That way I could put their kind gestures into something I really wanted rather than them taking a shot in the dark. Here's why, and what I invested in.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Two Is Better Than One
Expat Living Singapore

Two Is Better Than One

This month is all about celebrating women and their friendships-including that of Cove Collection founders JACQUIE HOURIHANE and EMILY GREALLY. From good friends to successful business partners, this dynamic duo is doing it all-while having tons of fun!

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
An Unexpected Sanctuary
Expat Living Singapore

An Unexpected Sanctuary

While tigers aren't native to Africa, it doesn't mean they can't thrive in African habitats. At Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve in South Africa, a careful conservation effort is underway to protect this endangered big cat species. EL's LARA SAGE finds out more.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
New in Phuket
Expat Living Singapore

New in Phuket

M Social Phuket is a new hotel located in a trendy corner of Patong that offers easy access to Thailand's gorgeous coastline and is also rolling out some enticing culinary offerings over the next couple of months. We take a look at three of them, below, and run our eye over the wide range of room options.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
More than a Meal
Expat Living Singapore

More than a Meal

Blurring the lines between home kitchen and mini restaurant, this hidden culinary gem is bringing the sun-kissed flavours of the Mediterranean to life in Singapore.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Making Moves
Expat Living Singapore

Making Moves

TANVI TRIVEDI touched her first chess piece at the age of four and a half. In the subsequent four-and-a-half years, the Singapore PR has represented the little red dot in numerous chess tournaments and achieved some podium finishes - her most recent being Gold in the Under-8 Girls category at the 15th Penang Heritage Open Challenger in December 2023. Here, she tells us what she loves about chess-plus her parents share a tip for nurturing talent in young ones.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Breaking It Down
Expat Living Singapore

Breaking It Down

Elementary School students running a marathon? Sounds like a big ask! Here's how it's done at the Singapore American School (SAS).

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Giving Back
Expat Living Singapore

Giving Back

During the year-end festivities of December 2023, the community of Stamford American International School helped to spread some joy to migrant workers in Singapore.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024