Oppositional defiant disorder

      Characteristics         Help in the Classroom        Additional Resources

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the child’s day to day functioning.

What causes ODD?

The causes are unknown, but biological and environmental factors may have a role.

What are characteristics of children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

ü     Frequent temper tantrums

ü     Defies authority and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules

ü     Excessive arguing with adults and excessive anger

ü     Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people

ü     Blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior

ü     Often having touchy moods and is easily annoyed by others

ü     Loses temper easily

ü     Mean and hateful talking when upset

ü  Spiteful and vindictive: holds grudges for days and seeks revenge

How can I help the student in the school setting?

· Build on positives: give children praise and positive reinforcement when they show flexibility or cooperation

· Set clear expectations

· Avoid power struggles and always give students choices

· Help students by discussing moral reasoning and problem-solving skills

· Model effective and appropriate communication skills

· Remain calm and do not show anger when misbehavior occurs

· Take a time-out or break if you are about to make the conflict worse, not better.  This is good modeling for students to show how to take a time-out to prevent overreacting.  Support students’ requests for time-out.

  For additional information on Oppositional Defiant Disorder, click on the following websites.

http://www.conductdisorders.com/

References

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
            http://www.aacap.org/