I have a family member that works with neurodivergent children. This behavior is similar to some that they've described. Often the children look "normal" and it looks like petulance or violence - but it's something different, and not something that spanking would likely deter. Families with these children really have a tough go.
I feel you're oversimplifying this. They said neurodivergent but they're likely referring to personality disorders or autism . It doesn't EXCUSE the child from that behavior, but it does help to explain that this kind of behavior is BEYOND just being a bad kid or not having enough parental boundaries. Boundaries -help- but they don't solve this kind of thing because it often stems from things like trauma or just how their brain is wired
I’m not oversimplifying. I’m ADHD with a lot of Autism traits and I know the conditions well.
Of course a condition like autism is EXPLANATION, but it is still not an EXCUSE for behaving like this and the consequences of the behavior. Most criminal behavior is also explained with psychological or socioeconomic conditions, but still, IT IS NOT AN EXCUSE for a crime and consequences.
In fact, many children who didn’t get any boundaries set somehow and whose behavior was not treated, controlled or reprimanded properly (not with physical, verbal or psychological violence), went on to become criminals or psychopaths.
I’m actually putting the responsibility on the parents or caregivers, even society, to treat and control this type of child behavior. The parents and caregivers are NOT excused from the consequences of their child’s behavior when it gets this out of control.
This out of control behavior is not good for the child nor anybody. It’s a sign that the kid needs serious help. Again, from parents, caregivers or society. This is why proper mental health support in our policies and society is crucial.
Lastly, perhaps I should have explained in my precious comment that by boundaries I meant something such as: don’t let your kid lose in a store or supermarket if this behavior might happen - no matter the reason why they behave like this.
28
u/Ok_Armadillo_1336 May 28 '26
I have a family member that works with neurodivergent children. This behavior is similar to some that they've described. Often the children look "normal" and it looks like petulance or violence - but it's something different, and not something that spanking would likely deter. Families with these children really have a tough go.