Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Mild: Symptoms are confined to only one setting (e.g., at home, at school, at work, with peers). Moderate: Some symptoms are present in at least two settings. Severe: Some symptoms are present in three or more settings. |
Definition:
"Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a condition characterized by a persistent pattern of aggressive and defiant behaviour and a need to annoy or irritate others. Common behaviours include frequent temper tantrums, frequent arguing with both peers and adults, intentionally annoying others, blaming others for own mistakes, and appearing angry and vindictive. Oppositional defiant disorder usually shows up in children by eight years of age and sometimes as early as three years. Oppositional defiant disorder may develop as a way of dealing with depression, inconsistent rules or standards, or a traumatic event or situation, such as divorce, trauma or conflict. Treatment for oppositional defiant disorder may include counselling, behaviour therapy, parent education and medication. The number of symptoms tends to increase with age and, if not recognized early, behaviour patterns can become well-established and more resistant to treatment. Students with ODD also may have other disorders and difficulties, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities or depression, and are at risk for developing conduct disorder. Some younger students exhibiting characteristics of oppositional defiant disorder may develop a more serious conduct disorder later in life." (Learn Alberta, 2016). Code 42 |
Characteristics/Behaviours:
*Lasting at least six months *Physical aggression towards others is rare, usually absent |
What can I do in the classroom?
- Always build on the positives, give the child praise and positive reinforcement when he/she shows flexibility or cooperation.
- Take a time-out or break if you are about to make the conflict with the child worse, not better. This is good modeling for the child. Support the child if he/she decides to take a time-out to prevent overreacting.
- Pick your battles. Since the child with ODD has trouble avoiding power struggles, prioritize the things you want the child to do.
- Set up reasonable, age appropriate limits with consequences that can be enforced consistently.
- Maintain interests other than the child with ODD, so that managing the child doesn’t take all your time and energy. Try to work with and obtain support from the other adults (teachers, coaches, and parents) dealing with the child.
- Manage your own stress with healthy life choices such as exercise and relaxation. Use respite care and other breaks as needed
Resources/Links:
http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-With-Oppositional-Defiant-Disorder-072.aspx
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/inmdict/html/oppositional_defiant.html
http://www.safeandcivilschools.com
http://www.interventioncentral.org/behavioral-interventions/challenging-students/school-wide-strategies-managing-defiance-non-complianc
https://www.cde.state.co.us/sites/default/files/documents/cdesped/download/pdf/bbunderstandingodd_intheschoolsetting.pdf
http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-With-Oppositional-Defiant-Disorder-072.aspx
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/inmdict/html/oppositional_defiant.html
http://www.safeandcivilschools.com
http://www.interventioncentral.org/behavioral-interventions/challenging-students/school-wide-strategies-managing-defiance-non-complianc
https://www.cde.state.co.us/sites/default/files/documents/cdesped/download/pdf/bbunderstandingodd_intheschoolsetting.pdf