CASE VIGNETTE; CONDUCT DISORDER

Eight year old Dylan had recently been suspended from school for the fourth time for violent
behaviour towards other children, often resulting in injuries. He had only been attending this
current school for nine months.

Background

Dylan lives at home with his mother and only sees his father occasionally, during school holidays.
His father had a history of anti-social behaviour, with a number of juvenile offences, and there was
a family history of alcohol abuse. Dylan had been in child care since he was one. His mother
reported a 'very normal' childhood. No records of his previous behaviour or development were
available, as Dylan's family had moved from interstate.

His mother's job required her to be away from home for long periods and child care arrangements
were ad hoc and poorly planned. The mother initially did not see Dylan's behaviour as problematic
for her and blamed the school for his behavioural problems. In fact she was quite hostile to the
school as a report had been made to the Department of Human Services' Protection and Care
Branch, with concerns about his care. The Child Protection Service investigated this matter and
concluded that the child was not at significant risk at this stage.

The school urgently referred Dylan to the Department of Education psychologist, who found it
very difficult to gain a complete assessment as Dylan did not cooperate during the interview. Dylan
was then referred to a Child Mental Health Service.

Source; http://www.nevdgp.org.au/info/std_misc/Conduct_Disorder_children.htm#Case Study -

Conduct Disorder