So, your child is showing signs that have you worried. They lie with nothing to gain, show little to no empathy, and exhibit sociopathic behavior by ignoring what is right and wrong. Perhaps it has even crossed your mind that your son or daughter might be a sociopath. If this worry is lingering in your mind, how do you know what steps to take?
The clinical term for someone with this mental health disorder is antisocial personality disorder or ASPD (Guha, 2014). According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic guide for psychology, the main symptoms of ASPD include:
- Violation of the physical or emotional rights of others
- Lack of stability in job and home life
- Irritability and aggression
- Lack of remorse
- Consistent irresponsibility
- Recklessness, impulsivity
- Deceitfulness
- A childhood diagnosis of conduct disorder
The exact causes of ASPD have not yet been defined. However, there are signs that there may be a genetic link that predisposes a person to develop the disorder and that certain life circumstances may trigger its development (Antisocial Personality Disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, n.d.). Some experts have found a possible link to an adaptation during brain development in utero (Mead et al., 2010).
Understanding Sociopathy in Children
When we talk about sociopathy in children, we’re referring to a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. Sociopathy manifests in behaviors that show a blatant disregard for the rights and feelings of others. In children, these behaviors can be particularly alarming and challenging for many parents to manage.
Definition of Sociopathy and Its Relation to Antisocial Personality Disorder
Sociopathy, or antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), is characterized by a persistent pattern of antisocial behavior, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. Children who exhibit these traits may be diagnosed with conduct disorder, a precursor to ASPD. Conduct disorder involves a range of behaviors that violate societal norms and the rights of others, such as aggression, deceitfulness, and serious rule violations (Baker, 2013).
While conduct disorder and sociopathy are related, they are not identical. Conduct disorder is a broader term encompassing various antisocial behaviors, whereas sociopathy specifically refers to the lack of empathy and impulsivity that define ASPD. Understanding this distinction is crucial for parents and mental health professionals when developing a treatment plan for a sociopathic child.
Signs of Sociopathy in Children
As a parent, what behaviors should you look out for if you suspect your child might have ASPD? Sociopathic behaviors in children can include actions such as cruelty to animals, vandalism, and other forms of aggression.
These are 5 signs that your suspicion might be correct. Keep in mind that many children go through phases where they tell lies or act uncharacteristically. This doesn’t necessarily make them sociopaths. But, if you are seeing these signs regularly it might be time to talk to a mental health professional.
1. Not Differentiating Between Right and Wrong
It’s commonplace for very young children to not fully grasp the difference between right and wrong, but research shows that by the age of two, kids should start to understand this concept (Sloane et al., 2012).
Children with ASPD often show a lack of awareness about the difference between right and wrong. They typically will ignore societal norms and rules, as well as ignore classroom and home rules. They don’t seem to mind breaking rules and care little for the consequences.
2. Frequent Lying
It’s important to note that they don’t just lie, but lie with no guilt. It’s the lack of guilt that makes it different from typical juvenile lying, which is commonplace. Children with ASPD often lie with little to be gained and lie in situations that won’t get them out of trouble.
3. Manipulative Behaviors
Children and adults with ASPD are often very manipulative. This manipulation may be used as a tool to get what they want or, in some cases, they may do it just because they can.
The severity of the manipulation is typically dependent upon the child’s age, with older children displaying more manipulative behavior than younger children.
4. Lack of Empathy
An additional sign that your child may have antisocial personality disorder is that they lack empathy for those around them. They often won’t feel sorry when people around them are hurting. Additionally, they may not understand why the people around them are sad or upset. Parents will sometimes report that they seem to be missing that natural characteristic of feeling for those around them.
5. Aggressive or Violent Behaviors Indicative of Conduct Disorder
It’s also possible that they may act out with displays of physical or verbal aggression. These sociopathic behaviors can include cruelty to animals, vandalism, and other forms of aggression. In some instances, it can be frightening for parents because it happens suddenly. This could also take the form of agitation, irritability, and significant mood changes.
Emotional and Social Development
The emotional and social development of sociopathic children can be significantly impacted by their condition. These children often struggle with forming healthy relationships due to their lack of empathy and manipulative behavior. They may find it challenging to engage in prosocial behavior, leading to social isolation and difficulties in school and other social settings.
Early intervention is key to helping these children to develop coping mechanisms and social skills. Working with a mental health professional can provide the necessary support and guidance to address these challenges. Through therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family intervention, sociopathic children can learn to manage their behaviors and improve their interactions with others.
By understanding the signs and seeking appropriate help, parents can play a pivotal role in their child’s emotional and social development, paving the way for a more positive future.
What to Do if You Signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder in Your Child
If you are seeing some or all of these signs in your child, don’t let your imagination start running wild with visions about the type of life your child with lead. Teachers or other parents may also bring attention to troubling behaviors, indicating the importance of community awareness and involvement. Start by consulting with a mental health professional. There are treatment options for children and adults who show the characteristic symptoms of sociopathy. A diagnosis of this personality disorder could be a first step in the right direction for your family.
Treatment Options
There are several clinical treatment options if your child is living with ASPD. Some of the current treatment options include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Problem-solving interventional training
- Behavioral family intervention
- Family therapy
A big piece of the treatment plan will revolve around teaching the parents to become more adept at parenting a child with ASPD. Research shows that parenting traits like showing warmth and positive regard are excellent and simple tools. It is necessary to have a discipline plan, with an authoritative parenting style being an ideal form of parenting (Streight, 2008).
The most important thing if you suspect that your child might be a sociopath is to choose a therapist who can help guide you through the process of diagnosis and treatment. They will be your and your child’s best advocate and source of information.
Raising a child with a mental health issue can be a challenge. Once your child receives a proper diagnosis and begins treatment, their strengths will surface, paving the way for a bright future.
References
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5 (5th edition). (2014). Reference Reviews, 28(3), 36–37. https://doi.org/10.1108/rr-10-2013-0256
- Baker, K. (2013). Conduct disorders in children and adolescents. Paediatrics and Child Health, 23(1), 24–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2012.09.007
- Kazdin, A. E., Siegel, T. C., & Bass, D. (1992). Cognitive problem-solving skills training and parent management training in the treatment of antisocial behavior in children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60(5), 733–747. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.60.5.733
- Mead, H. K., Beauchaine, T. P., & Shannon, K. E. (2010). Neurobiological adaptations to violence across development. Development and Psychopathology, 22(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579409990228
- Sloane, S., Baillargeon, R., & Premack, D. (2012). Do infants have a sense of fairness? Psychological Science, 23(2), 196–204. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611422072
- Streight, D. (2008). Parenting for Character: Five Experts, Five Practices.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Antisocial personality disorder. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000921.htm
Kristen has a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She worked as a rape crisis counselor and an inmate counselor. She also founded a company specializing in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, applying clinical psychological practices in the business world. She is currently the Clinical Program Manager at Resility Health and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Rowan College.