1 of 7 / Overview

What are behavioral and emotional disorders in children?

Behavioral and emotional disorders are persistent patterns of disruptive, anxious, withdrawn, or defiant behaviors that interfere with a child’s daily life. These are not occasional mood swings or tantrums—they are clinical conditions that may require professional support.

How common are these disorders?

According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 children in the U.S. experience a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder in any given year. Early identification and intervention can greatly improve long-term outcomes.

What types of disorders fall under this category?

How can DrSensory help?

DrSensory offers a national directory of pediatric occupational, speech, and physical therapists who support children with emotional, sensory, communication, and behavioral challenges.

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Overview Learn by Diagnosis Category

2 of 7 / Signs & Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms Learn by Diagnosis Category

What are the early warning signs of emotional or behavioral disorders?

Red flags may include:

  • Persistent irritability or sadness
  • Frequent tantrums or meltdowns
  • Withdrawal from social interactions
  • Defiance that goes beyond age-appropriate behavior
  • Difficulty focusing or regulating emotions

How do symptoms differ by diagnosis?

Each disorder has its own set of symptoms. For example, ODD involves defiance and argumentativeness, while anxiety disorders center around avoidance and fear. You can view detailed signs on each diagnosis page in our Resource Center.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Children: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Children: Signs, Support & Resources 

When should I be concerned about my child’s behavior?

If the behavior:

  • Lasts longer than 6 months
  • Impacts school, family, or peer relationships
  • Seems extreme for their age
…it may be time to seek professional guidance.

Can these symptoms overlap with sensory processing issues?

Yes. Children with sensory processing challenges may become overwhelmed and exhibit behaviors similar to anxiety, defiance, or mood dysregulation. A pediatric occupational therapist can help assess these needs.

Sensory Processing Disorder and Learning: How Sensory Challenges Affect Education

Sensory Processing and Autism: Understanding Sensitivities, Overload & Effective Therapies

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3 of 7 / Causes & Risks

What causes emotional and behavioral disorders in children?

Most disorders are caused by a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, environment, and life experiences. No single factor is to blame.

Are these disorders hereditary?

Yes, some disorders—like anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders—often run in families. A child with a parent or sibling who has a similar condition may have a higher risk.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Children: Signs, Support & Resources 

OCD in Children: Signs, Causes & Therapy Support 

Mood Disorders in Children: Signs, Support & Resources

Can trauma lead to behavioral disorders?

Yes. Childhood trauma, neglect, abuse, or chronic stress can increase the likelihood of developing emotional regulation difficulties and behavioral disorders.

Do neurological or developmental disorders increase risk?

Children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or learning disabilities are at greater risk of co-occurring emotional or behavioral conditions due to overlapping challenges in communication, self-regulation, and sensory integration.

Autism Resource Center

ADHD Resource Center

SPD Resource Center

Learning Differences DrSensory Resource Center

 

Causes and Risks Learn by Diagnosis Category

4 of 7 / Diagnosis & tests

Diagnosis and Tests Learn by Diagnosis Category

Who diagnoses behavioral and emotional disorders?

Diagnoses are typically made by:

  • Child psychologists or psychiatrists
  • Licensed clinical social workers
  • Developmental-behavioral pediatricians

How are these disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve:

  • Structured clinical interviews
  • Behavioral observations
  • Parent and teacher questionnaires
  • Psychological and educational assessments

Can schools provide a diagnosis?

No. Schools can identify learning and behavioral challenges through evaluations (like an IEP process), but only a licensed mental health provider can make a formal clinical diagnosis.

How can therapy professionals support diagnosis?

While OTs, SLPs, and PTs don’t diagnose emotional disorders, they can:

  • Observe patterns across environments
  • Identify sensory and communication barriers
  • Work collaboratively with families and diagnostic teams

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5 of 7 / Care & treatment

What treatment options are available?

Treatment may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Family therapy or parent training
  • Developmental therapy (occupational, speech, or physical therapy)
  • Medication (in some cases, under medical supervision)

How do developmental therapists help?

Pediatric OTs, SLPs, and PTs support children by:

  • Building self-regulation and social communication
  • Addressing sensory overload or avoidance
  • Improving functional participation at home and school

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Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR): Signs, Causes, and How to Help Kids and Adults Cope

Sensory Under-Responsivity: Signs, Causes, and Support for Children and Adults

Social Anxiety in Children: Signs, Support & Therapies

Do all children with these disorders need medication?

Not necessarily. Many children benefit from therapy alone, especially when supported early. Medication may be recommended in moderate to severe cases.

What’s the first step in starting care?

Begin by consulting with your pediatrician or a mental health professional. Then, use the DrSensory Directory to find therapists who support emotional and developmental needs.

Care and Treatment Learn by Diagnosis Category

6 of 7 / Living With

Living With Learn by Diagnosis Category

Can children with behavioral disorders lead successful lives?

How can parents support their child at home?

Establish:

  • Clear routines and expectations
  • Positive behavior reinforcement
  • Emotional coaching (naming feelings, co-regulation)
DrSensory’s therapist partners often provide parent coaching strategies as well.

What role does school play in long-term success?

Schools can provide support through:

  • IEPs or 504 plans
  • Counseling services
  • Behavioral support plans

Collaboration between home, school, and therapy teams is essential.

How does DrSensory help families over time?

DrSensory connects parents to a network of pediatric therapy providers and gives them access to expert-vetted educational content to help navigate every stage of their child’s development.

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