Continuum of Behavioral Concerns From: Anti-Social Behavior in School: Evidence-Based Practices 2 nd Edition H. Walker, E. Ramsey, F. Grisham Definition of Antisocial : hostility and aggression toward others, willingness to commit rule infractions, defiance of adult authority, and violation of social norms and mores. Anti-social behavior patterns that result in school-based referrals to mental health services include: defiance, noncompliance, aggression, bullying, stealing, and truancy. An estimated 20% of the entire school-age population has serious conduct disorder and related conditions and is in need of comprehensive mental health services. However, less than 1% are referred and receive services.

Facts on Anti-Social Behavior The vast majority of anti-social children are boys; antisocial behavior in girls is less evident and more often self-directed. Antisocial behavior early in a child’s school career is the single best predictor of delinquency in adolescence. Once aggressive behaviors have been identified, statistically they will not disappear, and in fact will increase over time if no intervention occurs. Antisocial children can be identified very accurately by age 3 or 4. If antisocial behavior is not changed by the end of grade 3, it should be considered to be chronic, and therefore managed with appropriate supports and continuing interventions. Early intervention in the home, school, and community is the single best way of diverting children from a path of antisocial behavior.

The Path to Long-Term Negative Outcomes for At- Risk Children and Youth 2. Leads to, Development of maladaptive behavioral manifestations 3. Produces negative Short-term outcomes 4. Results in negative, Destructive long-term outcomes 1. Exposure to family, neighborhood, school, and societal risk factors 1. poverty, abuse, neglect, incompetent parenting, drug and alcohol use by caregivers 2. defiance of adults, lack of school readiness, coercive interactive styles, aggression towards, peers, lack of problem- solving skills 3. truancy, peer and teacher rejection, low academic achievement, school discipline referrals, large number of different schools attended 4. school failure and drop out, delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, gang membership, violent acts, adult criminality, lifelong dependency on welfare system, higher death and injury rate.

Developmental Continuum of Services and Expectations for Antisocial Behavior (Bullis and Walker 1994). GradePhaseServices and Supports preschoolPreventionSocial skills K↓Academic instruction 1↓Family support 2↓Early screening & identification 3↓ 4RemediationSocial skills 5↓Academic instruction 6↓Family support 7AmeliorationSelf-control, Academic skills 8↓Prevocational skills, Family support 9AccommodationSurvival skills 10↓Vocational skills 11↓Transition work 12↓Coping skills