When a child’s behavior regularly interferes with normal education and socializing, he or she may have a behavioral disability. A child who has behavioral disabilities may be easily distracted and have trouble paying attention. He or she may be overactive or passive and listless or have difficulty managing him or herself, learning social skills, or knowing how others want to be treated. The child often does not fully understand how his or her actions affect others.

Teaching Tips

• Speak in a calm, pleasant voice.
• Encourage activities that decrease agitation, anxiety, and unpredictable behavior.
• Make instructions simple, and give them one at a time.
• Establish a few simple rules, and apply the rules consistently.
• Recognize and praise the child’s efforts.
• Use special activities to reinforce appropriate behavior.
• Create a calm teaching environment that is not likely to stimulate inappropriate behavior.
• Respond with love when behavior is inappropriate.