DBC

Brochure
Disruptive Behavior Clinic
Through our Disruptive Behavior Clinic, we offer evidence-based treatment for children with
challenging behaviors. This evidence-based treatment involves social skills/problem-solving
group treatment for the children and behavior modification/parenting skills program for the
parents/caregivers.

Why a Disruptive Behavior Clinic?
Disruptive Behavior Problems are the most common reason children are referred for services.
By offering treatment to groups of parents and children:
(1) Families do not have to wait as long to get help if they waited for individual appointments
with providers, it could take several months for them to get in
(2) Families can come weekly for this type of treatment, weekly treatment is indicated; by
offering the family the group treatment, there is a scheduled time each week for them to
come
(3) The group times are offered when most families with school-age children prefer
appointments late afternoon, after school
(4) Also, the group format may be beneficial

Parents have ideas to help each other, which helps promote parenting efficacy (sense of
being an effective parents who can handle their childrens behavior)

Having a group provides a support network they realize they are not alone and can relate
to other parents who have children with similar problems

A group format provides increased social accountability, which can facilitate positive change

Children participate in intervention with peers, which facilitates skills practice

When?
The groups run weekly for 7 weeks (75 minutes per session). When indicated, family sessions
may be offered before groups start, concurrent with ongoing group treatment, and afterwards
for ongoing intervention. It is important to note that our work with you does not stop when the
group ends. We are available for additional problem solving and planning in family sessions at
your request. The group will provide the basic skills needed to establish a strong behavior plan
for your child, but we are available to provide problem solving and support afterwards.


Where?
Families should check in as they would for any regular doctors appointment and wait in the
waiting room until they are called (children will be called first, then parents).

Who?
-Children ages 5 to 10 years old who are having problems with listening, following directions,
physical and verbal aggression, hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention, temper tantrums, and
other behavior concerns.

DBC Brochure
-Families who are interested in learning the most effective strategies for reducing this unwanted
behaviors and replacing them with appropriate behaviors.

What?
Behavior Modification and Problem-Solving Skills Training
The Disruptive Behavior Clinic is based on good research done over the past 40 years at a
number of university and medical center clinics. Parenting a child who is strong-willed,
stubborn, oppositional, and/or hyperactive can be very challenging. Treatment is based on
evidence-based treatment protocols that are established as the most effective forms of
treatment for children with behavior problems.
In the parent-focused component, we focus on teaching the parents what behavior modification
principles are, and how to use behavior modification effectively at home and other settings
outside of the clinic.

In the childrens program, we focus on:
(1) Behavior modification children are sensitized to the use of behavior modification
procedures implemented by our childrens group leaders.
(2) Problem-solving skills training children are instructed and coached in problem-solving
skills.
(3) Social skills Note that the childrens group is not primarily a social skills group,
however, in the process of using behavior modification to shape positive behavior and
problem-solving skills training to teach them good self-control and decision-making,
many children benefit from reinforcement for and rehearsal of social skills.

How to get ready
We encourage you to make the Disruptive Behavior Clinic a priority for the next 7 weeks.
Families who work together to develop and implement the strategies consistently outside of
group see the best results. This group can be the start of significant changes in your child and
your family if you devote the necessary time and effort. We look forward to working with you
and supporting you in this process. Please call with any questions or concerns prior to the group
start date.