Oppositional Defiant
Disorder (ODD)
Life Skills Applied Behavior Analysis
and Psychological Services, P.C.
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What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
Defiant behavior in children may be a sign of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. ODD is characterized by an angry
and irritable mood, and argumentative and defiant behavior towards parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Children with ODD often
display temper tantrums and deliberately annoy people.
Children with ODD are more likely than other children to have additional problems such as:
- Trouble with social and interpersonal relationships
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Academic underachievement
- Sleep issues
- Problems tolerating frustration
How is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Treated?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is treated by a number of therapeutic approaches, including the following:
- Behavior Therapy
- Parent Training
- Supportive Psychotherapy
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Social Skills Training
For more information about how ODD is treated, see below.
How is Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treated?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is treated with several therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a learning-based approach that has been found to be helpful in the treatment of children with ODD. Behavioral issues
such as noncompliance and defiance are replaced by more appropriate behavior. Behavior Therapy teaches children more desirable ways of
getting what they want.
Parent Training
Parent Training is a type of behavior therapy that teaches parents and other caregivers specific techniques for changing their children’s
problem behavior. It is especially useful in dealing with tantrums, defiance, aggressive behavior, and school avoidance.
Supportive Psychotherapy
Supportive Psychotherapy focuses on providing emotional support to your child. The therapist will encourage your child to talk about their
feelings. Parents of children with ODD also can benefit from supportive psychotherapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why children behave the way they do. ABA is a specialized type of
behavior therapy that is used to replace unwanted patterns of behavior with skills that are necessary for success in life.
Social Skills Training
Social Skills Training helps children with ODD learn more effective conversational skills, as well as non-verbal communication through facial
expressions and eye contact. Additional skills that children can learn include the control of anger and the development of empathy.
Our team of compassionate, dedicated, and experienced professionals are committed to helping your child reach their full potential.
