Out of Control Behavior

23 month old has Ventricular Peritoneal Shunt (Grade I IVH on left).  Exhibits uncontrolable behavior (i.e., temper tamtrums, screaming, crying, falling out and kicking) aggression towards other toddlers and adults (hitting, bitting), defiant. stubborn, hyper.  He appears to know when he is doing something unacceptable and will obey for a short time before he resumes the same behavior.  He gets angry with his toys and throws them and destroys them.  He becomes totally erratic when you try to get him to following instructions and/or do something that he doesn't want to do.  Time out and separation from other toddlers has been used as discipline technique.

Is it possible that these behaviors are side effects of the hydrocephalus and/or the VP Shunt?  HELP...What discipline techniques do you recommend?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Linda,

Yes, it's possible, but by no means necessary, that your son's behavior disorder is related to hydocephaly. At the bottom line, of course, whether it is related or not, it needs to be managed.

In general, the tactis you are using make sense. The key will be the manner in which you are using them. Rather than even attempt to offer you specifics in this kind of format, I suggest you contact a child behavioral helath clinician. You will need ongoing help and support, and it makes sense to establish a relationship with a clinician who can assist you. Your son's behavior does not reflect a normal-spectrum child behavior problem.