Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Children

The Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) applies when a child has been thoroughly and pervasively locked into battle with their caregivers regarding the daily functions of life. This may very well begin as a relational disorder in which the child is defending against the tyrannical dictates of a parent or when the child is demanding limits and structure from ineffective parents however, the child internalizes this relational conflict and precedes through life as if this conflict is warranted in all situations. The child’s need to be in control paradoxically places them out of control in most of life’s situations. The goal of the counselor is to help the child begin to understand the importance of thinking and acting on their own behalf and not simply contrary to someone else. Parents or caregivers will require assistance in establishing new patterns of interaction with this child.