ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER (ODD)?
Oppositional defiant disorder is a complex behavioural disorder when a child has consistent (over 6 months) hostility and defiance towards parents, caregivers and authority. It is also referred to as ODD. This disorder is more common in boys than girls.
Children with ODD are regarded as children with special educational needs.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH ODD DISPLAY?
The symptoms a child with ODD may have are:
- They are aggressive
- They are resentful
- They have unprovoked anger.
- They always lose their temper and have frequent temper tantrums.
- They are argumentative
- They are defiant, non-compliant and do not obey rules
- They are irritating
- They are deliberately annoying
- They can be spiteful and vindictive
- The have tantrums
- They blame others
- They have no sense of conscience
A child has ODD if they have at least 4 of the above symptoms for at least 6 months and over.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE ODD BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
There is no one single thing that causes this disorder. There can be a genetic aspect to this disorder which can be inherited from parents however it is accepted that many factors play a part in the development of this disorder. Some of these factors are:
- The child has been abused
- The child has been severely neglected and is desperate for the parents attention and time.
- A child who has suffered from consistent harsh discipline and punishments
- A child who has suffered a traumatic family breakdown.
- A child who comes from an unstable and chaotic family and one who has a very poor relationship with their parents.
- A child who has suffered from or witnessed a lot of violence.
- A child who has been rejected or abandoned
- A child who has a family history of ADHD, ODD or conduct disorder.
- The child’s temperament.
- The child has been exposed to toxins
- The birth mother smoked during pregnancy
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR ADHD
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR CONDUCT DISORDER
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF ODD?
Children with ODD first start to show this behaviour at 8 years of age.
CAN ODD GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
ODD is treatable and can be improved with support and guidance from your GP and other medical professionals and therapists.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ODD?
There are 2 different types of ODD. They are:
1. Childhood onset ODD – This type of ODD starts at a very young age and if not treated
2. Adolescent onset ODD – This type of ODD starts in the school years.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS ODD?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for ODD. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS ODD CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from ODD can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has ODD you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has ODD.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has ODD. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has ODD and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.