Behaviour problems in preschool children: A developmental context for assessment and intervention

Abstract

Some issues related to behaviour problems in preschool children are examined. Topics include prevalence and significance of early behaviour problems, problems in assessment of behaviour problems in very young children, and currently used classification systems and their relevance to very young children.The case for a developmental perspective will also be considered in conjunction with some recent methods of classifying child problems such as DC: 0-3 (Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families, 1997) and with more behaviourally oriented guidelines. Finally, relationships that develop over time ore examined with respect to risk and protection, the case for prevention and early identification, and a brief review of interventions for preschool children. In spite of the difficulty in identifying significant problem behaviour in very young children, it is argued that it is important to intervene early in order to prevent more serious problems later in life.

Keywords::

• Behaviour Problems
• Young Children
• Intervention