Question

Anyone have experience with Oppositional Defiant Disorder in their child or child's friend or student, etc.? Thanks!  

Answer 1

Students, yes.  

Comments

@diocese2054 hi! Is the child in school? What age?  

---

@diocese2054 definitely start out with the school social worker if you haven’t already. They usually have a tremendous amount of resources and can do some testing

---

@diocese2054 me personally, what I’ve learned as a teacher is: 1. Avoid power struggles by all costs 2. Praise the positive BUT set clear consequences and follow through 3. Stay calm, even if you don’t feel calm

---

@diocese2054 I TOTALLY hear you. It’s incredibly hard. I struggle daily with my students and I’m only with them for 8 hours a day. Hugs, mama. See if you can seek someone to help him manage his emotions through school, that’ll be a big help in starting to handle it.  

---

@diocese2054 I’m also a teacher. You could try a visual schedule or get ready chart so he feels he has more power. Try something with Velcro pics of the steps or a dry erase marker. Having pictures are important. Also try offering two positive choices instead of telling him exactly what to do ie “Sam. Do you want to pick up all the blue legos or the red legos first? ” This sounds insane but sometimes if he still just does nothing you can say “Oh! I see you chose to do the blue. You’re picking up! ” Not sure why that works sometimes they just start doing it. I know it feels like there aren’t positives to mention, but once you start looking you’ll find them. Doesn’t have to be a new skill. “You’re taking bites with your fork like a big boy. Good job! ” “Thanks so much for remembering to flush the toilet. ” The teacher minimum is 4 positives for every correction.  

Answer 2

Pm sent

Answer 3

I am a psychotherapist and have about 13 years experience with kids. Feel free to message me any questions.  

Answer 4

Not professionally, but I know that it helps to consult with a therapist who works with kids with this diagnosis.  

Answer 5

Reach back out to the person who initially diagnosed him. They should have a list of local therapists that they could recommend who would be good for his age group or the family and could be helpful.  

Comments

Oh I see. I'm not sure what stage you are in the screening process but if you are looking for someone Dr Kris Umfress at Advocate Lutheran General is very good. She can do assessments that check for ODD as well as similar and overlapping conditions to make sure you're not missing anything. We had a good experience with her.  

Answer 6

I would definitely talk to his tea her to make sure they are on the same page as you. They may have some tricks to help as well.