Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary film provides “information and insight for parents struggling to understand” behaviour disorders. From the opening question, “When is a behavior problem a behavior disorder?” to the resources listed at the end and on the container insert, the film explores the issue and examines developmental disabilities that occur in children and youth. The film highlights in detail Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), ADHD symptoms without the hyperactivity, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder.

The documentary informs, inquires, illustrates, and provides solutions to viewers as they journey into the lives of four children with different behavior disorders. We learn of the biology of the disorders, the neurological malfunctioning, and the social risks the children face every day. We are able to see and hear the struggles of parents as they learn what is appropriate for medical and psychological intervention. The film also provides guidelines and resources that may help provide some structure to lives that typically see structure as a tremendous challenge.

The alternating conversations with parents, experts, and the child make for a very effective presentation and “debunks the myth that children with behaviour disorders are just bad kids, without hope.” The film provides support and answers as well as much needed understanding of the biology, psychology, and neurology of the disorders. The positive thrust of the film combined with the comprehensive information makes this documentary an excellent addition for collections in college and universities as well as larger public library systems. Highly recommended.