| Oppositional defiant disorder is a continuing pattern of | | | | 3. Frequently challenging the rules |
| disobedient, hostile and defiant behavior toward | | | | 4. Has a hard time abiding with the rules/Defiant |
| authority which goes beyond the limits of normal | | | | 5. Intentional attempts to irritate people |
| childhood behavior. This disorder is usually diagnosed in | | | | 6. Can't own up to his misbehavior |
| childhood. Children and adolescents with Oppositional | | | | 7. Easily upset by others |
| Defiant Disorder are more troublesome to others than | | | | 8. Frequent anger and resentment |
| they are troubled themselves. | | | | 9. Mean and spiteful talking when angry |
| What Causes Oppositional Defiant Disorder? | | | | 10. Seeks revenge |
| While the cause of Oppositional Defiant Disorder is | | | | Most symptoms are noticeable when the child is either |
| unknown, there are two principal theories suggested to | | | | at home or in school. If your child presents any |
| explain the development of ODD. It is said that ODD | | | | symptom, he should have a comprehensive evaluation. |
| develops in toddlers. Children and adolescents who | | | | You may also want to look for other conditions such |
| develop ODD may have had a hard time isolating from | | | | as ADHD. There are a lot of programs that you can |
| their first attachment figure and developing | | | | use such as The Total Transformation by James |
| independent skills. ODD is observed as an extension of | | | | Lehman to help you with your child. |
| the normal developmental issues that were not | | | | A child that has ODD can be very challenging for |
| properly settled during the toddler years. | | | | parents. Parents can help their child with ODD in the |
| It is suggested that ODD may be the result of bad | | | | these ways:a.) Always focus on the positives. Give |
| techniques used by parents or authority figures. The | | | | him praise when he shows compliance.b.) Take a |
| use of bad techniques by parents is seen as | | | | break if you are about to make matters worse. This |
| increasing the rate and eagerness of oppositional | | | | would set as a good example for your child. |
| behaviors in the toddler as it fulfills the desired attention, | | | | Encourage him to take a break as well if he is about |
| time, and love with parents or authority figures. | | | | to lose control.c.) Choose your battles. You cannot be |
| Oppositional Defiant Disorder does run in families. If a | | | | fighting with your child with every single misbehavior |
| parent is an alcoholic and has trouble following the law, | | | | that he does. Choose first what you think is the most |
| their children will likely have ODD. | | | | important.d.) Be reasonable when you give |
| How will you Know that your Child has ODD? | | | | consequences like time-outs. His age should be |
| Here are a few signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder: | | | | considered.e.) Manage your own stress and temper. |
| 1. Constant temper tantrums | | | | Try exercising or other relaxation methods. |
| 2. Always arguing with adults | | | | |