FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida. There’s treatment for drug addiction. If you’re arrested for heroin use or opioid use, there are many options available to help you curb your addiction. There’s alcohol treatment for individuals who are found guilty of drunk driving. But what happens if you’re a parent with a violent child? Curbing violent behavior and violent tendencies at a young age may be a child’s only real chance for reform. Wait too late and the child could be lost in the system, or commit a more serious crime.

Sociopaths are people with personality disorders. According to Psychology Today, the traits include, a lack of empathy or lack of concern for others’ feelings, Sociopaths may have higher thresholds for disgust and may not be as good at detecting fear in the faces of other people. Sociopaths may not experience emotion the same way the average person does. These individuals may also not take responsibility for their actions and they may be very good at lying and can be charming while doing so. They may be overconfident in their abilities, may have trouble planning, and may be prone to violence.

But what is a parent to do if their child exhibits these traits?

The courts might opt to throw your child into juvenile detention, but institutionalization can be more damaging than reformative. The Atlantic recently reported on treatment being offered to children with violent tendencies. For many parents, these programs offer much needed relief and support.

In the old days, sociopaths were called psychopaths and psychologists believed there was no treatment. Today, there are more options. In fact, in small doses, sociopathy can be beneficial—creating politicians, focused surgeons, and skilled athletes.

So, what do psychologists do to treat sociopathy in children? Researchers have found that children with sociopathy may not be impacted by punishment. A time-out or time in juvenile detention center might not bother them. However, these children’s brains are driven to seek reward. New therapies are looking to use this part of the brain to treat these children. The outcome can have an effect on crime, especially if it is successful.

In one facility, children are rewarded for good behavior. The hope is that children will come to see that pro-social behavior can lead to rewards outside the treatment facility—rewards like marriage, a job, money.

If you are struggling with a child who has faced trouble with the law, it can feel like an uphill battle, but there may be options available to you. Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. is a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida who helps individuals facing a range of criminal charges. If you have a child who is facing criminal charges, the stress and challenges can be immense. You need a qualified criminal defense lawyer on your side, helping you understand your options. Visit us at https://mdwlawfirm.com/ to learn more.

 

Michael D. Weinstein, P.A.
Courthouse Place
12 Southeast 7th Street, Suite 713
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Telephone: 954-761-1420