Four Steps

The Disorganized

I.	Behavior
II.	Effects
III.	Action
IV.	Mistakes

« Behavior List

Related Behaviors

•	The Distracter
•	The Forgetter
•	The Noncompleter

Recently Viewed Behaviors

1.	The Disorganized
2.	The Hyperactive
3.	The Irresponsible
4.	The "Idiot" Syndrome
5.	The Goldbrick
6.	The Blurter
7.	The Chiseler
8.	The Goer
9.	The Dreamer
10.	The Failer

Instructions

Learn more about using this resource:

Introduction
I.	Behavior
II.	Effects
III.	Action
	Primary Causes of Misbehavior
	Primary Needs Being Revealed
	Secondary Needs Being Revealed
	Methods, Procedures, and Techniques
IV.	Mistakes

Behavior Information

The Disorganized

Behavior: How exactly is my child behaving?

1. Disorganized in terms of schoolwork, room, schedules, clothing, and literally his or her entire life.
   
   
2. Can't find homework.
   
   
3. Can't remember appointments or event dates.
   
   
4. May hold a job outside school and give the job higher priority than school.
   
   
5. Just doesn't seem to have a motivation for order.
   
   
6. Attention span is very short. Thinking is "scattered."
   
   
7. Disorganization makes schoolwork and chores at home much harder than they need to be.
   
   
8. Easily distracted by anything that goes on. Really wants to be distracted because he or she is not prepared for class.
   
   
9. Seldom completes an assigned task as instructed.
   
   
10. Makes all kinds of excuses that involve others and then blames them for his or her disorder.
    
    
11. Paradoxically, constantly keeps track of the parent, teacher, and other children.
    
    
12. Takes a long time to get back on track, and then has no time left to do anything really productive.
    
    
13. Wastes considerable time and effort.
    
    
14. Because of disorganization, is constantly in motion—physically and mentally. And even this motion is disorganized.
    
    

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Please Note

We are labeling behaviors, not children!

For the sake of convenience, we will describe behaviors with terms such as The Whiner or The Interrupter.

Never use such labels when talking to—or about—children!

Doing so could cause many new problems and seriously damage the parent-child relationship.

Seek professional assistance!

Many behaviors--or changes in behavior--can signal an underlying emotional or mental health issue.

Don't hesitate to contact your child's school social worker, counselor, or doctor for any concerns you may have.

Contact Us

We welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact us.

In the event that you have questions regarding how to handle a specific child's behavior, please seek professional assistance.