Table 2 Five different categories of Difficulties (D) with subcategories and problems, as described by the mothers in the study

Difficulties with behavioral regulation

Difficulties with hyperactivity

Cannot sit still; Does not know when to stop

Trouble with compliance

Has difficulty being corrected; Has difficult to accept no; Gets upset being told off

Difficulties with independence

Cannot play alone and self-entertain; Requires constant attention; Always need to be in centre

Difficulties with emotional regulation

Difficulties regulating anxiety

Is concerned about mother; Wants to be very near parents when going to sleep; Difficult to separate when going to school

Difficulties regulating mood

Has difficulty mastering temper; Easily angry; Loses control over temper

Difficulties with flexibility

Difficulties with changes

Difficulties with different transitions; Needs much preparation; Sensitive to change; Unsure in new situations

Becomes fixated

Hard to break off activities; Rigid in many situations

Cognitive difficulties

Lack of concentration

Cannot concentrate; Is careless with everything

Inattention

Has difficulty listening; Is difficult to reach and talk to

Difficulties with intellectual capacity

Does not always understand; Does not understand consequences

Difficulties with social Interaction

Limited social skills

Can only interact with one person at a time; Has difficulty with social skills

Limited in acting in groups

Has difficulty acting in a group; Has difficulty interacting with peers; Has difficulty with social interactions in school