Care for Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence
Conditions first diagnosed in childhood or adolescence — including oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and autism spectrum disorder — are genuine, brain-based conditions, not just "difficult phases." Our team works closely with families to tell the difference between typical childhood behavior and something that actually needs clinical support.
Book an AppointmentThe Conditions We Treat
Each of these conditions has its own pattern and course. Here's how they generally show up.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
A persistent pattern of irritable mood, arguing, and defiance toward authority that lasts at least six months — going well past ordinary childhood pushback. It typically includes frequent temper loss, blaming others, and a tendency to deliberately provoke.
Conduct Disorder
A more serious pattern involving repeated violations of others' rights or basic social rules — aggression toward people or animals, property destruction, deceit or theft, or serious rule-breaking. Onset before age 10 tends to run a different course than onset in adolescence.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Diagnosed roughly between ages 6 and 18, DMDD involves a chronically irritable or angry mood punctuated by severe, frequent temper outbursts — well beyond typical moodiness. Because it can resemble childhood bipolar disorder, screening for a family history of bipolar disorder is part of a proper evaluation.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
A developmental condition affecting social communication and interaction, often paired with repetitive behaviors or intensely focused interests. It presents differently in every child, from subtle social differences to significant communication delays.
Signs Worth Bringing Up With a Specialist
These signs span the conditions above — a child doesn't need to show all of them for an evaluation to be worthwhile:
Our Approach to Diagnosis & Treatment
Because these conditions can overlap with each other and with ADHD, anxiety, or mood disorders, getting the diagnosis right comes first:
Careful Differential & Comorbidity Screening
ODD, conduct disorder, DMDD, and autism can share overlapping features — and DMDD in particular can resemble bipolar disorder. We screen for family history and co-occurring conditions like ADHD or anxiety before finalizing a diagnosis.
Family-Inclusive Behavioral Therapy
Treatment usually works best when it involves the whole family, not just the child — building consistent strategies for managing outbursts, defiance, and daily routines at home.
Developmental & Autism-Specific Assessment
For suspected autism spectrum disorder, we assess social communication, behavior patterns, and developmental history directly with the family, since early signs often show up first in everyday routines rather than a single obvious moment.
Medication Management, When Appropriate
Medication isn't the starting point for every diagnosis, but it can help manage co-occurring conditions or severe symptoms alongside therapy, prescribed carefully given the child's age and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ODD different from normal childhood defiance? +
Every child pushes back sometimes. ODD is diagnosed when the irritability, arguing, and defiance are persistent — lasting six months or more — and go beyond what's typical for the child's age and developmental stage.
Could DMDD actually be childhood bipolar disorder? +
It's a reasonable question, since the two can look similar. Part of a proper DMDD evaluation includes screening for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder specifically, to help tell them apart.
At what age can autism spectrum disorder be identified? +
Signs can appear quite early — things like no cooing by 12 months or no single words by 16 months are worth mentioning to a specialist. That said, presentations vary widely, so an evaluation is based on the whole developmental picture, not one age cutoff.
Will my child need medication? +
Not necessarily — it depends on the diagnosis and severity. Many children do well with behavioral therapy and family-based strategies alone; medication is considered case by case, often for a co-occurring condition rather than the primary one.
Will I be involved in my child's treatment? +
Yes — for these conditions especially, family involvement is central to treatment, not optional. We build strategies you can actually use at home, not just in session.