According to the DSM-5, individuals can be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder if they start showing symptoms of conduct disorder before age 15; such symptoms may include aggressive behavior toward people or animals, purposeful property destruction, and deceit or theft, among others. Children who are diagnosed with conduct disorder before the age of 10 appear to have a significantly greater risk of meeting the criteria for ASPD in adulthood. However, not all children who receive a diagnosis of conduct disorder go on to be diagnosed with ASPD. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the likelihood that they will learn to manage their symptoms and grow into adjusted adults.
For more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of childhood antisocial behavior, see Conduct Disorder.