Can SleepTalk assist with Behaviour Management like Autism or ODD?

Q. What areas of behaviour management can this method assist children with? For example, can it assist Autism or the controversial Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
A. Yes it can!

The Autism spectrum is actually very wide because there are many variations in symptomatology.

For example, some children experience difficulties with speech, some won’t look at you, some have temper tantrums…

However, Goulding SleepTalk consultants around the world are indicating positive results with a wide range of behaviour disorders from health issues, learning issues, stress, and anxiety, to Autism or the spectrum disorders.

The labels ‘Asperger’ and ‘Autism’ seem to be very prevalent at the moment and some case histories report major changes in the children’s social skills and behaviour, which is very rewarding.

Another area that responds well to the method is an ongoing pattern of disobedient, hostile and defiant behaviour toward authority figures that goes beyond the bounds of normal childhood behaviour.

This type of behaviour is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as ‘Oppositional Defiant Disorder’ (ODD), a diagnosis that is considered controversial by some professionals.

It’s important to remember that labels don’t necessarily reflect causes; often the labels given to children are descriptions of their behaviour, which is the effect rather than the cause.

Common features of ODD include excessive, often persistent anger, frequent temper tantrums or angry outbursts, and disregard for authority.

Children and adolescents with this disorder may appear very stubborn and often annoy others on purpose and blame others for their mistakes.

Parents observe more rigid and defiant behaviours than in siblings. These ODD children may appear resentful of others and even take revenge when someone does something they don’t like.

In order for a child or adolescent to qualify for a diagnosis of ODD these behaviours must cause considerable distress for the family and/or interfere significantly with academic or social functioning.

We are delighted that the method does appear to be able to assist with both of these disorders.

Certainly the parents I’ve had the pleasure of working with have reported very positive changes in their children, and often for the entire family. calmness replaces anger and frustration, co-operation replaces Oppositional Defiance.