Changing the focus : a therapy group to aid behavioral disordered children with social skills

Abstract

Within the classrooms of the schools there is a population of children experiencing varying degrees of behavior disorders, resulting in various forms of aggressive and impulsive behavior. These behaviors put the child at risk of developing problems with perceived competence, coping skills and social skills. Causal factors influencing behavioral disorders are many, personal, family, school, peer group and cultural, produce an intricate web with lasting impact and influence on the children involved. Interventions that have been explored exist within the context of social learning; modifying the environment and teaching appropriate social skills. The recommendations involve understanding the goals behind the behaviors of the disruptive child and examining the communication style of the adults involved. The final section of the paper provides an overview of the goals of therapy groups and detailed session descriptions outlining a 10 week therapy group for children with behavioral disorders.