Anyone can struggle with challenging behaviours, but children and young people with CP can be particularly vulnerable, due to the physical and emotional challenges they face as a result of their CP. While managing challenging behaviours can be complex, it is important for parents and families to remember that good support and treatments options are available to help. 

There are many reasons why some children and young people with CP have behavioural issues. They may be linked to learning difficulties, problems with communication, epilepsy, severe pain, stressful situations or feelings of frustration. Teenagers with CP could develop anxiety or depression disorders.

This can cause friction within the family and with others who the child or young person interacts with. It may also affect their learning and development as they navigate through primary and secondary school.

For a child or young person with CP, there are several specific behavioural disorders that may be diagnosed, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and oppositional defiant disorder (where the child is constantly disobedient and hostile).

It is important for parents and caregivers to be able to recognise behaviours that are frequent, persistent and difficult, so that the child’s healthcare team can diagnose any potential disorder, and then provide treatment and support.

These behaviours may include:

• anger issues that can lead to conflict
• missing school
• anxiousness
• self-harm
• disobedience
• hyperactivity
• impulsivity
• antisocial behaviour

If you have concerns about your child’s behaviour, talk to your GP or paediatrician for advice or a referral to an allied health professional.

There are mental health and behavioural specialists who can help you and your child cope with and learn to change their challenging behaviours. This will improve their relationships with those around them and enhance their quality of life.