9781422272367

1 chapter

Introduction to DISRUPTIVE Disorders

Case Study: Wyatt A few weeks before he turned five, Wyatt began to act out. He talked back to adults who made simple requests. He began to have trouble following the rules at preschool. Wyatt’s teachers told his parents that other students in his class complained that Wyatt was bothering them. At first, his parents chalked it up to Wyatt’s desire to test the limits of the rules at home and in the classroom. They weren’t sure whether there was a real problem. Soon, Wyatt’s behaviors became even worse. Wyatt became unkind to others, ruining a teacher’s belongings when he felt the teacher had wronged him. His refusal to follow rules transitioned into tantrums that lasted for hours. Wyatt’s tantrums disrupted his entire family. He became violent with his mother and father. The household lived in constant fear of Wyatt’s next outburst. It became hard for anyone to relax at home. It was difficult to plan family activities that included Wyatt.

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