Oppositional Defiant Disorder

All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behaviour is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behaviour becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child's social, family, and academic life.
In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behaviour toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster's day to day functioning.
Your child may have ODD if your child is regularly and consistently:

• Angry
• Disobedient
• Argumentative
• Quick to take offense
• Malicious
• Vindictive
• Aggressive toward other children
• Resentful
• Cruel

Oppositional Defiant Disorder children display their defiance by:

• Talking back to adults
• Refusing to obey requests from adults
• Blaming others for mistakes or misbehaviors
• Deliberately flaunting rules
• Willfully annoying others
• Being quick to anger
• Speaking harshly to others
• Seeking revenge
• Having frequent temper tantrums
• Having difficulty maintaining friendships

If your child is persistently disobedient, willfully defiant, constantly negative, or incessantly hostile toward you or other figures of authority, you may have a reason for concern.

The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school. Five to fifteen percent of all school age children have ODD. The causes of ODD are unknown, but many parents report that their child with ODD was more rigid and demanding than the child's siblings from an early age. Biological and environmental factors may have a role.

Treatment of ODD may include: Parent Training Programs to help manage the child's behaviour, Individual Psychotherapy to develop more effective anger management, Family Psychotherapy to improve communication, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to assist problem solving and decrease negativity, and Social Skills Training to increase flexibility and improve frustration tolerance with peers. A child with ODD can be very difficult for parents. These parents need support and understanding. Parents can help their child with ODD in the following ways:
• Always build on the positives, give the child praise and positive reinforcement when he shows flexibility or cooperation.
• Take a time out or break if you are about to make the conflict with your child worse, not better. This is good modelling for your child. Support your child if he 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 your child to do. If you give your child a time out in his room for misbehaviour, don't add time for arguing. Say "your time will start when you go to your room."
• Set up reasonable, age appropriate limits with consequences that can be enforced consistently.
• Maintain interests other than your child with ODD, so that managing your child doesn't take all your time and energy. Try to work with and obtain support from the other adults (teachers, coaches, and spouse) dealing with your child.
• Manage your own stress with exercise and relaxation. Use respite care as needed.
Hope this help to understand your child better
Regards
JAY VOSLOO