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Phone Number
713-725-5982

Oppositional Defiance Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by a pattern of angry, defiant, and hostile behavior towards authority figures, such as parents, teachers, or other adults. It often emerges during childhood or adolescence and can significantly impact a person's relationships and functioning in various settings, including home, school, and social environments.

Common signs and symptoms of ODD may include:

odd mental health

Frequent temper tantrums: Individuals with ODD may display intense and frequent temper outbursts, often over minor issues.

intellectual disability and schizophrenia

Argumentative and defiant behavior: They may frequently argue with adults, refuse to comply with rules or requests, and deliberately provoke or annoy others.

defiant personality disorder

Blaming others: They may frequently blame others for their mistakes or misbehavior, showing little remorse or accountability for their actions.

odd behaviour in adults

Vindictiveness: Individuals with ODD may be spiteful or vindictive, seeking revenge or deliberately trying to hurt others when they feel wronged or aggrieved.

intellectual disability and mental health

Difficulty with authority: They may resist authority figures and have trouble following rules and instructions.

All children can have these symptoms from time to time. What distinguishes ODD from normal oppositional behavior is how severe it is, and how long it has been going on for. A child with ODD will have had extreme behavior issues for at least six months.
ODD is professionally diagnosed by a child psychologist, child psychiatrist or pediatrician specializing in behavioral disorders. Diagnosis involves detailed interviews with the child (if they are old enough), parents and teachers, and comparing the child’s behavior with the checklist for ODD contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association.
Be consistent
Instead of arguing, repeat your words and consequences calmly. If a student tries to argue, simply say either ‘not now,’ ‘later,’ or ‘fix the issue!’ The student then knows they can go to their safe space if they need to calm down.
Kids with ODD can learn to recognize when they’re feeling overwhelmed and getting ready to challenge or defy. Giving them a safe space to calm down and rethink their choices can be beneficial. Safe spaces within the classroom have become popular for this very reason. Put out books, squishy balls, pillows, etc., in a place where they can go on their own when they feel like they need a break. Often immediately after activities with a lot of stimulation, these kids need a safe space to calm down. Let them decide if and when they need to excuse themselves.
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