Behavioral Disorders in Children in Grand Rapids, Michigan

All young children can be naughty, defiant, or impulsive at times, and this is a normal part of growing up. But when challenging behaviors are frequent, severe, and interfere with school, home life, or friendships, a child may be experiencing a behavioral disorder.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, parents often notice these concerns more during stressful times—such as long winter months indoors, school transitions, or family changes. Understanding behavioral disorders and knowing where to get help locally can make a major difference for your child.

Common Behavioral Disorders in Children

The most common disruptive or behavioral disorders in children include:

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
  • Conduct Disorder (CD)
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

These conditions can overlap, and a child may have more than one diagnosis. Emotional issues (like anxiety or depression), family stress, learning problems, and substance use in older children and teens can all worsen behavior.

In Grand Rapids, pediatric behavioral health services are available through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Around 1 in 10 children under age 12 are thought to have ODD. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls.

Typical Signs of ODD

A child with ODD may:

  • Argue frequently with adults, especially parents or caregivers
  • Refuse to follow rules or requests
  • Deliberately try to annoy or provoke others
  • Blame others for their own mistakes or misbehavior
  • Become easily angered, annoyed, or irritated
  • Have frequent temper tantrums or emotional outbursts
  • Show a low frustration tolerance and “short fuse”
  • Have low self-esteem, often feeling “picked on” or misunderstood

These behaviors usually occur across multiple settings—home, school, and social situations—and last for at least six months.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

Children with conduct disorder are often unfairly labeled as “bad kids.” In reality, CD is a serious mental health condition that needs professional treatment.

About 5% of 10-year-olds are thought to have CD, with boys affected more often than girls. Around one-third of children with CD also have ADHD.

Typical Signs of CD

A child or teen with conduct disorder may:

  • Be aggressive toward people or animals
  • Bully, threaten, or intimidate others
  • Start physical fights or use weapons
  • Show cruelty or sadistic behavior
  • Engage in criminal behavior such as stealing or shoplifting
  • Deliberately damage property (vandalism, breaking into houses or cars)
  • Set fires on purpose
  • Frequently lie or deceive others
  • Run away from home or stay out all night without permission
  • Skip school regularly (truancy)
  • Use alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, or other drugs at an early age
  • Show little empathy or concern for others’ feelings
  • Have occasional suicidal thoughts or behaviors (more rare but serious)

In Grand Rapids, early intervention through school counselors, pediatricians, and child psychiatrists can help prevent these behaviors from worsening into adulthood.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD affects an estimated 2–5% of children, with boys diagnosed more often than girls. ADHD can occur alone or together with ODD or CD.

Core Features of ADHD

ADHD includes three main areas of difficulty:

Inattention

  • Trouble concentrating or staying on task
  • Forgetting instructions or losing items
  • Starting tasks but not finishing them
  • Being easily distracted (especially in busy classrooms)
  • Difficulty organizing schoolwork or activities

Impulsivity

  • Talking over others or interrupting frequently
  • Acting without thinking about consequences
  • Difficulty waiting their turn
  • Quickly reacting in anger or frustration (“short fuse”)

Hyperactivity (Overactivity)

  • Constant restlessness and fidgeting
  • Difficulty sitting still in class, at church, or during meals
  • Excessive talking
  • Seeming “on the go” all the time
  • Being more accident-prone

In West Michigan, long winters and limited outdoor play time can make ADHD symptoms more noticeable, especially when kids are indoors for extended periods.

Why Do Behavioral Disorders Occur?

The exact causes of ODD, CD, and ADHD are not fully understood. Most experts believe these conditions arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Known Risk Factors

  • Gender

    • Boys are diagnosed with behavioral disorders more often than girls.
    • It is unclear how much is due to genetics versus social expectations and how boys and girls are raised.

  • Pregnancy and Birth Factors

    • Premature birth
    • Low birth weight
    • Complications during pregnancy or delivery

  • Temperament

    • Very intense, highly reactive, or difficult-to-soothe babies and toddlers may be at higher risk, especially without consistent support.

  • Family Life and Environment

    • Exposure to domestic violence
    • Poverty or housing instability (a concern in some Grand Rapids neighborhoods)
    • Parental mental health issues (depression, anxiety)
    • Substance abuse in the home
    • Inconsistent or harsh discipline
    • Lack of positive attention or supervision

  • Learning Difficulties

    • Problems with reading, writing, or math
    • Undiagnosed learning disabilities
    • Repeated school failure or negative feedback from teachers

  • Intellectual Disabilities

    • Children with intellectual disabilities are about twice as likely to have behavioral disorders.

  • Brain Development

    • Studies show that brain areas involved in attention and impulse control may be less active or develop differently in children with ADHD.

In Grand Rapids, families can access support and education through the Kent County Health Department, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and local community mental health services.

Diagnosing Behavioral Disorders in Children

Because many symptoms overlap, diagnosing ODD, CD, and ADHD can be complex and time-consuming. A thorough evaluation is important to ensure that the right supports are put in place.

What a Diagnostic Evaluation May Include

  • Comprehensive medical and developmental history
  • In-depth interviews with:
    • Parents or caregivers
    • The child or teen
    • Teachers or school staff
  • Behavior rating scales or questionnaires
  • Review of school reports, grades, and disciplinary records
  • Screening for:
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Learning disabilities
    • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Use of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Ruling Out Other Causes

It is important to rule out sudden stressors or changes that could temporarily affect behavior, such as:

  • A serious illness in a parent or family member
  • Bullying or victimization at school or online
  • A recent move, divorce, or major family conflict
  • Grief after a death in the family

Addressing these issues may significantly improve behavior without a formal behavioral disorder diagnosis.

In Grand Rapids, diagnostic assessments can be provided by:

  • Pediatricians and family doctors
  • Child psychologists and child psychiatrists
  • Behavioral health clinics within:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

Why Early Treatment Matters

Without treatment, children with behavioral disorders are at higher risk for:

  • Academic failure or dropping out of school
  • Substance use and addiction
  • Legal problems
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Mental health conditions in adulthood (anxiety, depression)
  • Difficulty holding a job

Early, consistent intervention improves long-term outcomes. Research from large U.S. studies (including those supported by the National Institute of Mental Health) shows that carefully managed medication and behavioral therapies for ADHD and related disorders can significantly improve behavior at home and at school.

Treatment Options for Behavioral Disorders in Children

Treatment is usually multifaceted, meaning several approaches are used together. The exact plan depends on the child’s diagnosis, age, strengths, and family situation.

1. Parental Education and Training

Parents learn:

  • How to communicate more effectively with their child
  • How to set clear, consistent rules and expectations
  • Positive behavior strategies and reward systems
  • How to respond calmly to challenging behaviors
  • Ways to reduce power struggles and improve cooperation

Many Grand Rapids providers offer parent training programs, sometimes in group formats or through telehealth.

2. Family Therapy

Family therapy focuses on:

  • Improving communication among family members
  • Strengthening problem-solving skills
  • Reducing conflict and blame
  • Building a more supportive home environment

This can be especially helpful when multiple family members are stressed, or when there is a history of conflict, divorce, or trauma.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps children and teens:

  • Recognize and change unhelpful thoughts and beliefs
  • Learn coping skills for anger, frustration, and anxiety
  • Practice problem-solving and decision-making
  • Improve self-control and emotional regulation

CBT is often provided by licensed psychologists or clinical social workers in Grand Rapids clinics and private practices.

4. Social Skills Training

Children are taught key social skills, such as:

  • How to start and maintain a conversation
  • Taking turns and sharing
  • Playing cooperatively with others
  • Reading social cues and body language
  • Handling teasing and peer conflict

Social skills groups are sometimes available through schools, community mental health agencies, and hospital-based programs in the Grand Rapids area.

5. Anger Management and Stress Management

Children and teens learn:

  • Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation)
  • Ways to recognize early signs of anger
  • Strategies to cool down before acting (taking a break, using “stop and think” steps)
  • Healthy outlets for stress (exercise, art, journaling)

Given Michigan’s long winters and shorter daylight hours, helping kids find indoor ways to manage stress is especially important.

6. Support for Learning and School Difficulties

For children with learning problems or ADHD:

  • Educational testing and evaluation
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan through the school
  • Reading or math support
  • Classroom accommodations (extra time, seating changes, movement breaks)
  • Coordination between parents, teachers, and healthcare providers

Grand Rapids Public Schools and surrounding districts often partner with local health systems and mental health providers to support students with behavioral and learning challenges.

7. Encouraging Strengths and Talents

Many children with behavioral disorders experience repeated failure and criticism. Building on their strengths can improve self-esteem and behavior.

Examples include:

  • Sports (basketball, hockey, soccer, swimming)
  • Outdoor activities (biking, hiking, parks along the Grand River)
  • Music, art, or theater programs
  • Youth groups or community organizations

In West Michigan, seasonal activities—such as winter sports, summer camps, and community recreation programs—can provide positive outlets for energy and socialization.

8. Medication

For some children, especially those with ADHD or severe ODD/CD symptoms, medication may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Medication can help:

  • Improve attention and focus
  • Reduce impulsive behaviors
  • Decrease hyperactivity
  • Support better participation in school and therapy

Medication decisions should always be made in consultation with a pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or other qualified medical professional, with regular follow-up to monitor benefits and side effects.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you are concerned about your child’s behavior, start by talking with your primary care provider or pediatrician. They can screen for behavioral disorders and provide referrals.

Healthcare Providers

  • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (Corewell Health) – Grand Rapids
    • Pediatric behavioral health and ADHD clinics
  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    • Pediatricians, child psychologists, and psychiatrists
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Behavioral health services for children and adolescents
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Family medicine and pediatric behavioral health referrals

Public and Community Resources

  • Kent County Health Department
    • Information on child mental health, developmental screening, and family support programs
  • Grand Rapids Public Schools
    • School counselors, psychologists, and special education services
  • Local mental health agencies and private practices
    • Child psychologists, licensed counselors, and social workers offering therapy and parent training

You can also look for:

  • ADHD and behavioral disorder support groups
  • Parenting classes
  • Community education programs through hospitals and local nonprofits

When to Seek Help

Consider seeking professional help in Grand Rapids if:

  • Your child’s behavior is frequent, severe, and lasts more than six months
  • Problems are occurring at home, school, and with friends
  • You feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless as a parent
  • Teachers report serious behavior or attention concerns
  • Your child talks about self-harm or shows dangerous behaviors

Early evaluation and support can prevent more serious problems later on and help your child thrive at home, in school, and in the community.

Key Points

  • The most common disruptive behavior disorders in children are Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
  • These disorders share many symptoms, so diagnosis can be complex and should be done by qualified professionals.
  • Causes are not fully understood and likely involve a mix of genetics, brain development, temperament, and environmental factors such as family stress and learning difficulties.
  • It is important to rule out acute stressors (such as bullying or a sick parent) that may temporarily disrupt a child’s behavior.
  • Effective treatment is usually multifaceted, including:
    • Parental education and training
    • Family therapy
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    • Social skills training
    • Anger and stress management
    • Support for learning and school issues
    • Encouraging the child’s strengths and talents
    • Medication when clinically appropriate
  • In Grand Rapids, Michigan, families can access care through local health systems, schools, and community resources to support children with behavioral disorders.