What is ODD in children? What teachers need to know

Mrs. Kim, a third grader, is really fighting with her student Aiden. Every day, he argues over common things, seemingly simply to cause problems. He refuses to accept responsibility for his actions, even if he is caught red-handed. And today, Aiden ripped off a fellow student’s art project when that student wouldn’t let him use their red marker. Her parents say she is the same at home. One school counselor finally suggested that many of these behaviors align with the symptoms of ODD in children – anti-defective disorder.

What is anti-defective disorder?

Describes infographic anti-defective disorder

Photo: TES Resources

Anti-depressive disorder, commonly known as ODD, is a behavioral disorder where children-as the name implies প্রতি are hostile to the extent that it interferes with their daily lives. The DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, defines it as a pattern of angry, vindictive, argumentative, and defensive behavior that lasts at least six months.

In an article in the Headmaster Update, Dr. Nicola Davis puts it this way: “The goal of a student with Offensive Disorder (ODD) is to gain control and maintain control by breaking authority to the limit, breaking and inciting and prolonging. Argument. In the classroom, it can be confusing for both teachers and other students. “

About 2 to 16 percent of the population may have ODD and we are not entirely sure of the causes. Scientists believe it could be genetic, environmental, biological or a combination of the three. It is most often diagnosed in boys younger than girls, although in their teens, both seem to be equally affected. It co-occurs in many children with ADHD, with some studies showing that up to 50 percent of students with ADHD also have ODD.

What does ODD look like in children?

The infographic shows the symptoms of ODD in children

Photo: ACOAS

We all know that children of a certain age, especially children and adolescents, often argue and deny. In fact, they may be appropriate behavior at that age, as children explore the world around them and learn how it works.

However, much more than ODD, where students with ODD disrupt their own lives and often the lives of everyone around them. Children with ODD push the boundaries of disobedience beyond reason. Their problem behavior is much more extreme than that of their peers, and it happens much more often.

Contempt and argument

Most kids get to a point where “no” is their favorite word, but for students with ODD, that episode never ends. They question everything, all the time, and consistently refuse to comply with rules and requests. Their need for argument can cause them to deliberately try to create conflict in order to annoy others. However, they usually refuse to take responsibility for their mistakes or behavior, blaming others for everything.

Anger and resentment

These kids seem to be angry all the time and fly off the handle at the slightest provocation. Their excessive reactions can lead not only occasionally but also frequently to mood swings. Therefore, your every conversation with them seems to be a struggle.

Revenge

Ongoing anger in children with ODD may require revenge and retaliation. They are vicious and vindictive, angry and demanding punishment for others.

Not surprisingly, these behaviors force students with ODD to struggle both at home and at school. It’s hard for them to make friends, and their school work often suffers. They may become depressed or anxious, or develop behavioral or substance abuse disorders as they age. Early detection and treatment are important to help these children.

How can teachers help children with ODD?

Strategies for anti-kids infographic posters

It is vital that teachers and parents work together to help students with ODD. Experienced teachers in the WeAreTeachers Helpline group on Facebook recommend using these methods at school and at home. Find more ideas on Pathway 2 Success.

Be consistent

“Instead of arguing, just repeat your words and the consequences,” says Brandi T. “I use trigger words that I often repeat so that the student knows I mean business. If a student tries to argue, I just say ‘not now,’ ‘later’ or ‘fix the problem!’ Students then know that they can go into their chill-out space if they need to calm down. “

Give them a place to reset

Children with ODD can learn to recognize when they feel overwhelmed and ready to be challenged or denied. It may be helpful to give them a safe place to calm down and to reconsider their choices. This is why quiet-down corners have become so popular in the classroom. “Put books, paint, Lego bricks, etc. in a place where they can go on their own when they feel they need a break,” Tobe G said. Need a safe place to calm down. Let them decide when and where they have to make their own excuses. ”

Give them a choice

Kids with ODD are looking for control. Instead of letting them control their situation, you can give them a sense of control. “Always like,” Holly advises. “Say your choices – then leave. Give the student time to process and decide which choice to make. If they don’t like the choices, don’t get involved. When they try to argue, repeat the choices and leave again. If the student If they do not vote yet, they will not be able to participate in the activities of their choice. “

As with other situations, it pays to be consistent with your classroom rules and discipline. “Once I make a choice, I always strengthen the rules and procedures of the classroom and follow with a proper result,” said Crystal R. Stick to your rules and follow. “

Offer positive reinforcement and appropriate rewards

Children with ODD often respond to the strengthening of positive behavior. Instead of trying to recover, they wallow in their sadness and thus, experience more failure. For example, give them the ability to earn screen time when they are asked, without threatening to snatch the screen when they refuse.

When using a reward system, make sure it is appropriate and not perceived as manipulative. Leslie L. Uses a behavior tracking system and a reward system where students can give points for an incentive (iPad time, lunch with a teacher, etc.). Leslie added, “I make breaks in their schedule.” “And I try to be as patient and understanding as possible.”

Teacher Erica M. It also uses a point system checklist with options A and B. If they do each, they earn “points” for an incentive, which is often the iPad time during the last 15 minutes of class. “Find an interest and use it to your advantage!” Says Erica.

De-escalation techniques and techniques for odd children

Avoid power struggles

Most teachers agree: stay away from that undefeated power struggle. As Chris W says, “Choose your fight. One of my students corrects me all the time, whether I make a mistake or not. I answer, ‘OK, let’s double-check it.’ If I make a mistake, I correct it and we move on; if he makes a mistake, I silently let him know. “

Create personal connections

Often children with ODD are looking for a relationship with a teacher who can help them deal with their own problems instead of isolating them in a negative way. Creating a connection with them will help you get to the root of the problem.

“Almost all of my students have ODD, and I have a good relationship with most of them,” Kendra J said. “Find out what they’re interested in and have conversations at their level during breaks.” Allow them to set goals and decide together what will happen if they do not meet the goals.

Carol H. Says, “Find something at the level of student interest. I once had a high school girl who hated all her teachers and was out of control. He would curse, scratch, bite, and refuse to finish work for adults and peers. I found out he played football for a tour team. My son did the same. A few weeks into the school year, she had a game with my son, and I was able to watch her play. It has changed everything. He’s a freshman at college, and we’re still in touch. “

Find ODD resources.

This is an overview of what students with ODD are experiencing. Educate yourself about the situation in your classroom to find more ways to understand and help these kids.

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Have more questions about kids ODD? Come share your thoughts and ask for advice on the WeAreTeachers Helpline Facebook group.

Also, snatch this free printable: 11 Biggest Classroom Management Mistakes (plus how to fix them).

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