There is
considerable benefit in identifying and treating
problems early while behavior may be more
responsive to treatment than later when behavior
is fixed in the child's pattern of functioning. In
addition, there are real suffering and impairment
associated with DBDs in preschool children for the
child and family (e.g., social isolation for family
and child, family relationship problems, and
difficulties in academic or preschool functioning).
Early treatment provides an opportunity to intervene and influence the course of disruptive
behavior problems. Intervention at the preschool
age may be advantageous because behavioral
control emerges during this developmental period
and offers the opportunity to modify regulatory
skills