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Day: June 2, 2026

Is it misbehavior — or communication?

By Kelly Pelletier, LICSW CEIS  Regional Clinical Supervisor at Pariva Health  Adults often interpret children’s distraction, avoidance, or restlessness as misbehavior. But what if we’re wrong?  Behavior is a form of communication. Children almost always use those behaviors to express an unmet need, whether sensory, executive function-related, or communicative. Understanding this is the first and most essential step for any caregiver or teacher.  […]