To The Editor:

When children refuse to clean up their toys or eat their vegetables, most parents know how to best handle the situation. But what if a child’s reaction to appropriate consequences is extreme, escalating to physical aggression and even property damage and making the home unsafe?

In these situations, parents often take on blame and can feel too ashamed to ask for help. But as the program director of the High Road School of Wright City, a school for K-12 students with special needs, let me assure parents that resources are available. This is not something they have to navigate on their own.

When a child’s behavior becomes extreme, it could be the sign of emotional/behavioral issues that could be caused by a learning difference or emotional disturbance. It may need to be treated medically or by using behavior protocols, or both.

The first step is to schedule an appointment with the child’s physician. If the doctor concludes it is not a medical concern, he or she may refer parents to a counselor.

I recommend parents contact the child’s school. Teachers might be managing the same behaviors and most likely have best practices they could share with parents that would also work at home. Consistency is critical to improvement. Since children spend so much time at school, replicating what is working in that environment often yields the best results.

Part of the Catapult Learning family of schools, the High Road School of Wright City can be a great resource. Our teachers and staff, including counselors, psychologists and occupational therapists, do whatever it takes to ensure families have all the tools they need to be successful.

Making sure individuals guiding the child also have access to resources is a top priority. We also offer workshops for all parents in the community — not just High Road parents — to learn about topics that will help them cope with their children’s emotional/behavior issues.

Every child deserves the best chance to succeed. With a holistic approach, various entities work together and consistently move toward what is working for the child. Only then will parents see true results and the creation of a better future for their children and families.

Aaron O’Neal 

Program Director 

High Road School of Wright City