Our strong-willed preschool son is a defiant one! This strong-willed Kindergartener has been so demanding and obstinate lately. And we are exhausted!
We recently attended a foster care training on mental health issues, such as depression, PTSD, ADHD. And when the speaker showed the slide on Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), our mouths fell open…
What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
ODD is a pattern of negative, hostile and defiant acts that lasts more than 6 months. (How about 2+ years?)
Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Loses temper easily
- Argues with adults
- Refuses to obey rules
- Often annoys people on purpose
- Blames others for his mistakes
- Often touchy or easily annoyed with others
- Often angry and resentful
- Often spiteful
A child must exhibit at least 4 or more of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with ODD.
My son exhibits every single symptom of ODD!!!
Now don’t get me wrong – I am not diagnosing my son with ODD! To the contrary, my prayer is that he does not have ODD.
Because…get this: He has had no tantrums at school this entire year! My observations are that he only exhibits these symptoms of ODD with his parents! Since he only exhibits these symptoms with his primary caregivers, it could mean that he is expressing his needs due to his past trauma only when he feels safe – with his parents.
Read more about the overlapping symptoms of other disorders.
