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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Meet the specialists
I have dedicated over four years to supporting adolescents and families navigating the challenges associated with an ODD diagnosis. Behavioral interventions, parent-child interaction therapy, and parenting classes are some of what I provide for my clients.
— Benita Tonti, Licensed Professional Counselor
ODD, oppositional defiant disorder, includes frequent episodes of anger, deliberately irritating or hostile behavior, and a pronounced intolerance for authority. The key is to stop the sequence of events that leads to these behaviors as early as possible.
— Marli Criniti, Licensed Professional Counselor in Manassas, VA
You noticed the increasing presence of heightened emotions, refusal to follow directions, constant arguing, and difficulty getting along with others.
— Latasha Teamer, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TXI 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
I work with children and adolescents who struggle with ODD. I have a behavioral training background and believe in treating the whole child. That means for those who are diagnosed with ODD it impacts their home, school and the community. I work with all three of those areas, consulting and treating to make sure the child/adolescent receives the best care. ODD is a diagnosis that very easily can burn out families. I provide family/ caregiver support on treatment needs.
— Melissa Morehouse, Therapist in Beverly, MAParent-Child Interaction Therapy (see PCIT.org) is a very well-researched and effective family therapy for children who argue, refuse to follow directions, and may even be aggressive. It helps parents enjoy their children again, reinforce and increase desired behaviors, and also respond calmly and consistently to misbehavior so that it decreases, typically within 12-20 sessions. In office or virtual. I also have several years’ experience working with foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers.
— Sara Pollard, Psychologist in Addison, TX
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, FL