| After close observation of their
own children, with a combined age of 61 years, observations of
many other children in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Israel, Greece,
Italy, Swiss, France, Holland, Belgium, England, Scotland, and the
Bahamas, and numerous reports throughout recorded history, the
authors have determined that a widely-distributed behavioral
disorder has somehow been overlooked by psychiatrists. They have
labeled this disorder "CHILD"1.
Just like "ADD", "ADHD", and "Asperger's
Syndrome", CHILD is not based on any medical evidence or test
whatsoever, but it should nonetheless be a useful diagnosis for
mental health professionals, school administrators, and parents.
Symptoms
Stage 1:
cries when left alone at night
cries when put into car seat
cries when being diapered or dressed
cries when hurt
naps too long (or) does not nap long enough
potty-training does not go smoothly
poor hand-eye coordination
fussy when teething
clingy during times of family stress
dribbling
Stage 2:
- tantrums when frustrated
- incoherent babbling
- climbs onto dangerous areas
- enters roads without looking
- fussy when hungry
- insists on favorite cup at meals
- refuses all vegetables
- clingy following a parent's return from a trip
- clingy following a move
- clingy following birth of sibling
- clumsiness with frequent dropping and spilling
- continues unwanted behavior even when told to stop
- punishment doesn't work
Stage 3:
- sudden unexpected movements
- irrational fears that don't respond to logic
- funny noises, sudden shrieks, inappropriate giggling
- talks to dolls and stuffed animals
- may have imaginary playmates
- fidgets when bored; unable to sit still
- runs and climbs; always on the go
- insists on wearing favorite clothing
- does not come promptly when called
- tells silly jokes
- embarrasses parents in public
- interrupts when parent is on the telephone
- grumpy when tired
- angry when losing a game
- dawdles when hurried
- fights with siblings
- insists on own way of doing things
- punishment doesn't work
Stage 4:
- prefers playing to doing chores
- stammers when nervous
- doesn't listen to reason
- selectively forgetful
- talks excessively (or) does not talk enough
- ignores direct questions
- sudden, energetic behavior
- self-centered, egocentric behavior
- walks away when parent lectures
- sullen when mistrusted
- forgets to say "please" and "thank you"
despite repeated reminders
- grumpy when ill
- resists structured teaching; prefers own way of learning
- punishment doesn't work
Etiology
The causes of this disorder are not yet clear, but the authors
suspect that the primary cause is premature birth, i.e. birth
prior to age 20. This is probably inevitable, as a 20-year
gestation would be stressful for the human female.
Prevention
This disorder is not preventable; it appears to be universal
among low-age populations. However, there are several approaches
that can minimize behavioral difficulties:
cosleeping
carrying in the first years
breastfeeding with child-led weaning
eye contact
gentle touch and hugs
respectful listening
undivided attention
validation of feelings
empathy
trust
avoidance of punishment
natural learning
Prognosis
The prognosis is excellent, as this disorder subsides over
time, provided the preventative measures listed above are taken.
Drugs are not recommended.
"While intelligent
people can often simplify the complex, a fool is more likely to
complicate the simple."
- Dr. Gerald Grumet
For more information on
misleading labels, see Dr.
Fred Baughman's website and Jan Hunt's article "Learning
Disability":A Rose by Another Name.
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