How Do You Work With A Child With Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
All children and adolescents can be difficult at times. They may argue and refuse to do what they are told. Some children and adolescents, though, seem angry much of the time, and much more argumentative and noncompliant than their same-aged peers. They may be vindictive, hostile and seem to have little conscience. Such children may be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Only a mental health professional can diagnose Oppositional Defiant Disorder and psychotherapy is strongly recommended. However, there are things you can do in the classroom to help manage the behavior of the child with ODD. Choose your battle wisely. Students with ODD will try to create power struggles, so pick the areas that are most important to focus on, rather than making an issue of every misbehavior. Consult with the parents. Children with ODD are very difficult to deal with both at home and at school, and a better outcome is more likely if you and the parents can support each other. The parents may ha
