Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
It is totally normal, and even expected, for children and teens to test boundaries and defy authority every now and then. However, if the young person is displaying behavior that is excessive for their age and lasts longer than six months it may be oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). ODD is a behavior disorder that is characterized by a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance and/or vindictiveness toward authority figures that disrupts activities school and/or home. ODD can vary is severity, from mild to severe, and typically begins to emerge during early childhood. Therapy for ODD can help the child develop more effective coping skills and can also be helpful for parents struggling to parent a child with ODD. If a child in your care is suffering from ODD (or you think they might be), reach out to one of TherapyDen’s ODD experts today.
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When children act out persistently so that it causes serious problems at home, in school, or with peers, they may be diagnosed with ODD. For younger children, the treatment with the strongest evidence is behavior therapy training for parents, where a therapist helps the parent learn effective ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship and respond to the child’s behavior. Dr. Edwards provides behavioral parent training online.
— Dr. Kristin Edwards, Psychologist in Tampa, FL
If you’re a parent of a toddler or preschooler, you might be feeling stuck in the daily power struggles and lost in the sea of conflicting parenting information about what to do. If you're an expecting or new parent, you might be struggling to manage your own stress, anxiety, or sleep problems. It is not uncommon for me to hear parents say, “I love my child, but it’s hard, because everything’s a fight.” A strategy session may be all you need to recalibrate a starting point and find your footing.
— Dr. Kristin Edwards, Psychologist in Tampa, FLI have a history of working with children with ODD and their parents. I work with both the client and their family to help them understand how to better communicate their needs to reduce fighting, aruging, and tears.
— Trevor Barger, Licensed Professional Counselor in Springfield, MO
I am trained to help children and parents with this disorder
— SUSAN RYAN-MICHALAK, Counselor in Palos Heights, ILResearch has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for treating children 2-7 years of age with Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
— Christopher Campbell, Psychologist in Oklahoma City, OK
Children and teens labeled with Oppositional Defiant Disorder typically have a lengthy history of cycling through various therapists, and being misunderstood by most of the adults in their lives. As early as preschool, some of these youth have already identified with the label of problem child, villain, bad kid, etc. When working with these clients, I strive to help them shed this label and move forward with a healthy view of themselves. I also enjoy supporting their parents.
— Stephanie Olarte, Psychologist in Rockville, MDI have been trained in curriculums, intervention, and parenting practices that are aimed at assisting children experiencing and displaying anger, defiance, and/ or ADHD symptoms.
— Alexis Bird, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Bakersfield, CA