ODD and how to handle it
Oppositinal Defiancy Disorder (ODD) is one disorder that is very rare in younger children. ODD is the disorder when a child purposely yet unintentionally goes against a parents orders. Not only is it defiancy, but its also short attention span. ODD is an intensified form of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.
Jacquelyn is 6 years old. She had ODD, although she has not yet been diagnosed with the disorder, she fits in all categories of diagnostics. The symptoms of ODD are the following.
•Anger, irritability, argumentative.
•Occurs mainly within an only child.
•Causes significant problemsat school, work, or home.
•ODD occurs on its own rather than a mental health problem, such as substance use disorder, depression or bipolar disorder.
•Typically lasts 6 months.
•Often has a short temper.
•Disrespect towards an adult figure.
•Easily annoyed.
•Refusal to comply with an adults orders.
•Is often spiteful of vindictive.
Cases of ODD vary from severity.
Mild being only in one setting, like at home and not in school or at work.
Moderate being at two settings like at home and school.
Severe being at three or more settings.
Your child isn't likely to notice when they are misbehaving.
In Jacquelyns case, she has had signs of ODD since she was three years of age. It occurs in mainly at a preschoolers age. Although she has not been diagnosed yet, she has all the symptoms. Her family has a tough time of trying to teach her right from wrong. She constantly goes against what all of her adult figures order.
The real question is, if ODD is mainly caused by substance use, or depression, what is making her defy like this? Surely she isn't taking any drugs. She has been tested for depression and bipolar disorder.
Jacquelyns case is mild. Her kindergarten teacher has observed her and filled out a form which stated they haven't had any issues with her yet. Her mother has also filled one out and the results were the complete opposite from her teachers; Showing us that her case is mild yet she only misbehaves when she is with family. When she is at school or under the care of someone who is not family, or associated with her family she acts like a "normal child."
Other than Jacquelyn disobeying her family she is also guilty of compulsively lying, sneaking into her brothers room and getting into/taking his stuff and breaking it/losing it. Another person who lives in the house with them is her brother, Isaac, and his fiancè, me, Cassidy. Although I am not family, but am soon to be apart of the family, Jacquelyn constantly defys me. Not only does she steal my stuff, but she yells at me, argued, defys, and in some cases she has even hit me. This is not a pity story. Just a story about ODD because I feel that it has not been introduced enough into the world. Most pediatricians don't even believe in ODD. We can't find a doctor close enough to us to actually be seen by someone who does care about the disorder. Please help us spread awareness about ODD and what causes it.