To help professionals and parents deal with this increasing problem, Ball State and Ball Memorial Hospital are sponsoring a free program: "The Aggressive-Impulsive Child," from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Ball Memorial Outpatient Medical Pavilion.

The program, which has been endorsed by Muncie Community Schools, will aid participants in identifying initial symptoms, a key in helping children get early treatment that could prevent long-term complications, said Theresa Kruczek, program panelist and Ball State assistant professor of counseling psychology.

"The earlier we are able to identify and intervene with children who are at risk for acting out aggressively, the better we can prevent them from harming themselves or others," Kruczek said.

The program will also address violence in schools and mental health issues that contribute to aggressive and impulsive behaviors in children. Specific presentations will address bipolar disorders in juveniles and out-of-control toddlers.

In addition, Kruczek will discuss strategies to help parents cope with children's Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder.

"I hope to give parents and counselors some useful tools to help children manage their aggressive urges and to help children develop positive problem-solving strategies," Kruczek said.

Psychologists attending the course will earn continuing education credits through Ball State's counseling psychology and guidance services department. To register for the program, call (765) 741-1073 or (800) 237-9625 by Feb. 19.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Kruczek at (765) 285-8040 or tkruczek@bsu.edu.)