Disruptive Behavior
When your child’s behavior constantly feels like a battle, it’s easy to feel exhausted, worried, or even helpless. You’re not imagining it and you’re not alone.
Behavior therapy in tampa & online
We support children and teens with disruptive behavior patterns, including those related to ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder, and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). Whether your child’s behavior looks like defiance, aggression, frequent outbursts, or explosive reactions that seem to come out of nowhere, we’re here to help.
Why Behavior Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Behind every challenging behavior is a child trying to communicate something, often stress, frustration, or unmet emotional needs. At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, we look beyond surface behaviors to understand what’s driving them, so we can offer tools that work in real life, not just on paper.
Our approach is compassionate, collaborative, and backed by research. We don’t believe in “bad kids” or “bad parenting.” We believe in finding the missing pieces and rebuilding connection, skills, and confidence on both sides.
Our Support for Disruptive Behavior Includes:
Comprehensive Evaluation: To clarify what’s going on and whether a diagnosis like ADHD, ODD, or DMDD is part of the picture.
Individual Therapy: To help kids build self-regulation, problem-solving, and emotional skills in a supportive environment.
Parent Support & Coaching: Because lasting change happens when caregivers have the tools they need to respond effectively and consistently.
School Behavior Interventions: Evidence-based strategies that reduce conflict, improve communication, and support better outcomes at home and school.
We tailor our support to your child’s age, developmental stage, and unique needs, whether they’re a preschooler with daily tantrums or a teen showing signs of oppositional or risky behavior.
What is Disruptive Behavior?
Disruptive behavior refers to a pattern of actions that interfere with daily life at home, school, or in relationships. This may include:
Frequent arguing, yelling, or refusal to follow rules
Angry or irritable mood most of the time
Physical or verbal aggression
Difficulty managing frustration
Blaming others or refusing to take responsibility
Risk-taking or destructive behavior
These challenges often overlap with underlying diagnoses such as ADHD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, or DMDD. In some cases, children may not meet full criteria for a diagnosis but still struggle with emotional regulation, impulse control, or persistent defiance.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
It’s common for families dealing with disruptive behavior to feel judged or isolated. But these patterns don’t mean you’re failing as a parent—they mean your child needs support, and so do you.
We work with families across Tampa and Florida via telehealth, as well as 42 other states! Whether you're just starting to wonder if something more is going on or you’ve already tried a few things that haven’t worked, we’re here to help.
👉 Book a video consultation with one of our providers today or learn more about Therapy for Parent Stress.