Four Steps

The "Idiot" Syndrome

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

« Behavior List

Related Behaviors

•	The Class Clown
•	"I Can't"
•	"I Don't Care"

Recently Viewed Behaviors

1.	The "Idiot" Syndrome
2.	The Cheater
3.	The Do-Nothing
4.	The Complainer
5.	The Hider
6.	The Griper
7.	The Attention Demander
8.	Satisfied with Second Place
9.	The Noisemaker
10.	The Sneak

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 "Idiot" Syndrome

Behavior: Specific attitudes and actions of this child at home and/or at school.

1. Doesn't attend to assignments because, he/she claims, "I've never seen that before" or "I don't know anything about that."
   
   
2. Always raises his/her hand before, during, and after the assignment is given to ask questions that usually waste class time.
   
   
3. Asks to have directions repeated.
   
   
4. Repeatedly says things like "Do another one for me."
   
   
5. Uses expressions like "Huh?" "Why?" "I don't understand," and "I'm dumb."
   
   
6. May have low potential and use the "idiot" syndrome as a cover.
   
   

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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.