\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n It is important to recognize that not all children who are acting out or behaving in an oppositional manner, should be diagnosed.\u00a0 In fact, it is of extreme importance that children who act out in negative ways be given an opportunity to discuss the problems that plague their young lives.\u00a0 Moreover, as a good clinician, we should be looking at the entire scope of the child\u2019s life, including the psychosocial and economic perspective.\u00a0 Unfortunately, in some egregious cases, children are reacting rather than simply acting out.\u00a0 Therefore, as a clinician we must offer our best detective skills when looking at the life of a child.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE DIAGNOSTICS OF OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER 313.81<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The American Psychiatric Association (2000), diagnoses oppositional behaviors with the following criterion. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV-TR, Diagnostic criteria for 313.81 Oppositional Defiant Disorder:<\/p>\n A. A pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least 6 months, during which four (or more) of the following are present:\u00a0<\/p>\n (1) often loses temper\ufffd Note<\/strong>:\u00a0Consider a criterion met only if the behavior occurs more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level.\u00a0<\/p>\n B. The disturbance in behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.\u00a0<\/p>\n C. The behaviors do not occur exclusively during the course of a Psychotic or Mood Disorder.\u00a0<\/p>\n The APA DSM-IV-TR also indicates that \u201cOppositional Defiant Disorder usually becomes evident before age 8 years and usually not later than early adolescence.\u201d (APA, 2000, p. 101) Again, it is prudent to know the life of the child. What are the psychosocial and economic environments like for the child in question?\u00a0 Has the child been a victim of abuse, witness to abuse, or currently being abused?\u00a0 What are the overall pressures like in the child\u2019s home? \u201cAlthough usually unaware of what he (she) is doing, the Oppositional Child reacts specifically and adaptively to a pattern of parental pressures-pressures sometimes subtle but always so pervasive that usually there is really nothing constructive he can do but oppose them.\u201d (Braman, 1997, p. 7)\u00a0 Oppositional behaviors frequently occur when life is proving intolerable or overwhelming.\u00a0 Are you expecting too much from your child? What are the consequences when your child does not follow through with a direct order or request?<\/p>\n THE TEMPERAMENT OF AN OPPOSITIONAL CHILD<\/strong><\/p>\n The temperament of an Oppositional Child is often thought to be egregious in nature, but the truth is, the opposite is the reality for many of these children.\u00a0 For many oppositional children, there is a notable correlation of having low frustration tolerance. \u201cChildren with low frustration tolerance are adamant in wanting to end the cause of their frustration as quickly as possible.\u201d\u00a0 When they are having a hard time with a task (e.g., homework, some tasks they don’t immediately understand, or a toy or game that they can’t make work the way they want), they find that the best way to eliminate their frustration is to stop trying and do something else instead. If they want to do something and their parent (or another adult) won’t let them do it, the best way to eliminate their frustration is to act in ways that might get the adult to change their mind and leave them to their own desires and interests.<\/p>\n THE CAUSATION OF OPPOSITIONAL BEHAVIORS<\/strong><\/p>\n Oppositional behaviors occur when parents are trying too hard and children are not trying hard enough.\u00a0 Oppositional children are sometimes asking for help way too soon, rather than working out the details of a problem.\u00a0 ODD is frequently recognized in children who find it difficult to face a challenge.\u00a0 In our society of instant gratification, such children expect immediacy, rather than proving patient.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe parents of oppositional children may deny that they pressure their children.\u00a0 In fact, they are likely to be offended by such an accusation…From the child\u2019s point of view the answer is clear.\u00a0 He (she) is expected to excel, or at least come up to parental standards in all<\/em> the activities which the parents feel are important.\u201d (Braman, 1997, p. 8) \u00a0What are you expecting from your child?\u00a0 Are you being hypercritical, overindulgent, or undermining your child\u2019s potential?<\/p>\n ENCOURAGING AND REINFORCING YOUR CHILD<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cBeing the parent of a child with ODD isn’t easy. Counseling for you can provide you with an outlet for your frustrations and concerns. In turn, this can lead to better outcomes for your child because you’ll be more prepared to deal with problem behaviors. Here are some tips to help you:\u00a0<\/p>\n In the end, children want a parent to be unconditionally loving, forgiving, affectionate, and passionate.\u00a0 Do not allow the negativity of a moment to pollute the potential of a lifelong relationship.<\/p>\n Author<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Asa Don Brown, Ph.D., C.C.C.<\/p>\n References <\/strong><\/p>\n American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders<\/em>, (4th ed., text rev.). Washington, D.C.: Author<\/p>\n Boyd, D., Johnson, P., & Bee, H. (2012) Lifespan development<\/em> (4th Canadian ed.) Toronto, ON:\u00a0 Pearson Canada Inc.<\/p>\n Braman, O. R. (1997) The oppositional child.<\/em> Indianapolis, IN: Kidsrights<\/p>\n MayoClinic Staff (2012) Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), Coping and support. <\/em>Retrieved September 9, 2012 from http:\/\/www.mayoclinic.com\/health\/oppositional-defiant-disorder\/DS00630\/DSECTION=coping%2Dand%2Dsupport<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Dr.Asa-Don-Brown-ODD-2012.jpeg\" "\\"Dr.Asa")
<\/a>Children who act out in an oppositional manner, are frequently drawing upon an internal struggle to oppose or reject something in their lives.\u00a0 Oppositional children are often blamed for their defiant behaviors, but are not always offered a listening ear, to hear why they are acting out in a disobedient and uncooperative way.<\/p>\n
\n(2) often argues with adults\ufffd
\n(3) often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults’ requests or rules\ufffd
\n(4) often deliberately annoys people\ufffd
\n(5) often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior\ufffd
\n(6) is often touchy or easily annoyed by others\ufffd
\n(7) is often angry and resentful\ufffd
\n(8) is often spiteful or vindictive\u00a0<\/p>\n\n
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