Discussing Challenging Behavior and Diagnosis with Amelia Bowler

As parents, we all have moments where our child displays erratic, emotional, out of control behavior.  But when do you know if this behavior warrants a diagnosis from a psychological or medical professional?  Amelia Bowler is a writer, artist and behaviour consultant. She's the owner of Creative Connected Parenting and on this episode we are discussing how to identify when you should get help for your child’s behavior.  We also discuss what Opposition Defiant Disorder, an area she specializes in, and when a diagnosis for your child is appropriate and when it could potentially hurt. 

Highlights from this episode include:

• Identifying when you should get help for your child’s behavior
• When a diagnosis on behavior is appropriate and when it can hurt
• Explanation of Opposition Defiant Disorder
• Steps parents can take in getting help when they are experiencing difficult behavior in their child
• How we as parents can approach a difficult behavior situation

As a child, Amelia was diagnosed as “gifted” but struggled to stay organized and meet expectations at school. She resolved to become a classroom teacher, so she could help learners like herself.  She never stopped asking questions about the “WHY” of behaviour, and looking for creative new ways to teach. After earning a Master’s Degree in Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Amelia also gained her credential as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.  Her mission is to help families build empathy and cooperation.

Through her experience as a mother to two high-spirited boys and working as a behaviour consultant in a multi-disciplinary clinic, Amelia learned to infuse her clinical expertise with compassion, playfulness and perspective.  She lives in Toronto, writing, painting and teaching, using art and creativity to bring families closer together.

www.ameliabowler.com

Book: The Parent’s Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Your Questions Answered

Connect with Amelia on Instagram @ameliabehaviour

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Visit our website www.sweetestandtoughestjob.com for additional episodes, resources, guest contact info and blog posts.

Thank you for listening!