Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Karly Pierce Lystad
November 23, 2022
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) can be hard to distinguish from a strong-willed or emotionally sensitive child. Adverse behavior is normal for children during certain developmental stages. However, it becomes diagnosed as ODD when “a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance or vindictiveness toward adult caregivers and other authority figures (mayoclinic.org)” begins to disrupt their daily lives.
What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
As defined by the Mayo Clinic, ODD is “a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance or vindictiveness toward adult caregivers and other authority figures.” Many of these characteristics are completely normal behaviors for young children to exhibit. In contrast, when these behaviors become more severe and frequent and disrupt a child’s life on a daily basis, they become symptoms of ODD. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is usually diagnosed in young kids and is more common in boys (however, that ratio becomes more equal as children get older). ODD can be outgrown by most children but can lead to emotional disorders later in life if left untreated.
ODD may present itself as…
It’s important to remember that Oppositional Defiant Disorder is more than simply “bad behavior”. It’s a complex behavioral disorder that requires patience, understanding, and strategies from caregivers and adults in the child’s life.
ODD can be broken down into three parts: defiant behavior, irritable mood, and vindictiveness, and can range from mild to severe. According to the Mayo Clinic, defiant behavior, irritability, and vindictiveness may look like this:
How Can We Help?
There are several strategies we can use in class to help our students with ODD succeed. Keep in mind, ODD is not a “one-size-fits-all” behavior disorder. What works for one student may not work for another.
As always, talk to the dancer, the dancer’s therapist, and their family to learn how to best support the individual.
Additional Resources
For more resources on working with students with ODD, check out these resources below:
difficultstudents.com
weareteachers.com
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance is a ground-breaking rhythm & dance program designed for those with learning differences and special needs. RWID is committed to helping you meet the needs of all your students. While we focus on working with students who have special needs, we have no doubt you’ll utilize the material in all of your dance, music, special education, physical education and other classes.
Check out our different instructor certification options.
Interested in our Custom Staff Inclusion Training? Email: jaclyn.smith@rhythmworksid.com to learn more.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and never miss a Quick Tip!
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) can be hard to distinguish from a strong-willed or emotionally sensitive child. Adverse behavior is normal for children during certain developmental stages. However, it becomes diagnosed as ODD when “a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance or vindictiveness toward adult caregivers and other authority figures (mayoclinic.org)” begins to disrupt their daily lives.
What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
As defined by the Mayo Clinic, ODD is “a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance or vindictiveness toward adult caregivers and other authority figures.” Many of these characteristics are completely normal behaviors for young children to exhibit. In contrast, when these behaviors become more severe and frequent and disrupt a child’s life on a daily basis, they become symptoms of ODD. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is usually diagnosed in young kids and is more common in boys (however, that ratio becomes more equal as children get older). ODD can be outgrown by most children but can lead to emotional disorders later in life if left untreated.
ODD may present itself as…
It’s important to remember that Oppositional Defiant Disorder is more than simply “bad behavior”. It’s a complex behavioral disorder that requires patience, understanding, and strategies from caregivers and adults in the child’s life.
ODD can be broken down into three parts: defiant behavior, irritable mood, and vindictiveness, and can range from mild to severe. According to the Mayo Clinic, defiant behavior, irritability, and vindictiveness may look like this:
- Argues with adults or people in authority
- Refuses to comply with adults’ requests or rules
- Deliberately annoys or upsets people
- Blames others for their mistakes or misbehavior
- Loses temper
- Annoyed by others
- Often angry and resentful
- Often spiteful or vindictive
- Studies show that at least 40% of children with ADHD have co-existing ODD (healthline.com)
How Can We Help?
There are several strategies we can use in class to help our students with ODD succeed. Keep in mind, ODD is not a “one-size-fits-all” behavior disorder. What works for one student may not work for another.
- Stay consistent with discipline and rewards
- Although it’s difficult, do your best not to argue with the student. Instead, stay consistent in how you react to an outburst.
- Create a “chill-out space”
- Designate a dark, quiet corner, room, or area as a “chill-out space”. Fill it with sensory items, pillows, crash pads, and a timer.
- Give choices
- “Do you want to take a break or try the routine with us?” is a great example of giving choices. Do your best to stay consistent and not falter from your choices if they argue. This helps set boundaries for you and the student. Students with ODD are more likely to complete a task that they’ve chosen for themselves, rather than what an authority figure has asked them to do.
- Make personal connections and build a relationship
- If the child perceives you as reasonable and trustworthy, they’re more likely to listen to you.
- Let the little things go
- Pick your battles. Sometimes, you just have to let the small things go.
- Give special responsibilities
- Give the student a special job such as taking attendance or advancing the visual schedule to help them feel a part of the class. This also allows them to take pride in their task and gives them a small sense of power.
- Approach the student from the side, rather than the front
- Walking up to a student from the front can often be perceived as confrontational. Instead, try approaching them from the side.
- Don’t give up!
- Remember that you are human and sometimes you need a break, too. Keep in mind that the student isn’t actually angry at you. Instead, you’re the outlet for their anger. By not giving up on the child, you can be the one who makes a difference in their life!
As always, talk to the dancer, the dancer’s therapist, and their family to learn how to best support the individual.
Additional Resources
For more resources on working with students with ODD, check out these resources below:
difficultstudents.com
weareteachers.com
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance is a ground-breaking rhythm & dance program designed for those with learning differences and special needs. RWID is committed to helping you meet the needs of all your students. While we focus on working with students who have special needs, we have no doubt you’ll utilize the material in all of your dance, music, special education, physical education and other classes.
Check out our different instructor certification options.
Interested in our Custom Staff Inclusion Training? Email: jaclyn.smith@rhythmworksid.com to learn more.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and never miss a Quick Tip!