Important Information about ODD

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Definition of ODD

Estimates vary as to how common ODD actually is. A prominent 2007 study suggested that 10.2% of children develop ODD at some point during their childhood or adolescence.¹
Children with ODD are at greater risk of developing, or already having other issues, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (About 28% of children with ODD also have Autism
Spectrum Disorder – Scott Walls book page 27), Conduct Disorder, Anxiety and Depression.²

About a third of children with ODD go on to develop Conduct Disorder (Kidspot).³ Conduct Disorder is defined as “a repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviour in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated”. Some common behaviours of individuals with conduct disorder include physical aggression, theft, and lying or manipulation.⁴
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has a strong relationship with ODD. One study suggests that 65% of children with ADHD also have ODD, ⁵ whilst one expert suggests that up to 60% of children with oppositional behaviours also have ADHD.⁶ (Please note that estimates vary on the comorbidity of ADHD and ODD and vice versa.)
ODD has been associated with increased risk for suicide attempts, even after comorbid disorders (ADHD, Autism etc.) are accounted for.⁴

Children with ODD are at greater risk of both bullying peers and being bullied by peers.⁴
Adolescents and adults with ODD have a higher rate of substance abuse.⁴
One study found that over a 7-year period an average of $13,000 USD is spent on helping treat a child with ODD. The study also found that this figure increases if the child with ODD also has other behavioural disorders, such as Conduct Disorder or ADHD, or if the child is from a low-income family.⁷

Whilst some of these facts paint a negative picture of ODD, we believe in ODD children and believe that they can succeed academically and in all areas of their life, which can bring improved self-esteem, better social relationships, and so much more! Click below to view our academic programs specifically designed for ODD students, and click across to view just some of the many strengths of ODD children.

Click here to view our Academic Programs for ODD students

Children with ODD are usually highly competitive

When channelled the right way, competitiveness can help children achieve their best in virtually any field of interest - whether its sport, music, drama or even academics.

Children with ODD usually have a strong concern for justice!

A strong concern for justice means that children with ODD often stick up for important causes they are passionate about, such as freedom of religion and cultural expression, or simply refusing to let their friend be bullied. With the right guidance this can even manifest into an interest in history and politics when areas of fairness or justice are discussed.

Stronger Thinking Style

Evidence suggests that children with ODD are more likely than children without ODD to have a stronger thinking style. With a stronger thinking style, individuals are determined to pursue their dreams or goals even if they face relentless opposition from others.

Determined and Persistent

Children with ODD are often determined and persistent to get what they want.

Practical Learning Style

Research shows that ODD students are far more likely to have a practical or kinaesthetic learning style rather than an imaginative learning style. This means that these students will likely enjoy practical, hands-on activities such as pairing ideas with movement, acting out an academic concept, solving a puzzle, building a physical model to demonstrate knowledge etc.

Click here to read about a kinaesthetic learning style

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References

Boat, T. F., Wu, J. T., Institute Of Medicine (U.S.). Committee To Evaluate The Supplemental Security Income Disability Program For Children With Mental Disorders, & National Research Council (U.S.). Center For Education. (2015). Mental disorders and disabilities among low-income children. National Academies Press.‌
Walls, S. (2016). Oppositional defiant & disruptive children and adolescents : non-medication approaches for the most challenges Odd behaviors. Pesi Publishing & Media.
Devine, R. (2015, December 2). Does your child have ODD? This could be the solution [Review of Does your child have ODD? This could be the solution]. Kidspot; Kidspot. https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/does-your-kid-have-odd-this-could-be-the-solution/news-story/53b5fdc0cb1fc6096feec4bf087ccc25?utm_source=SEM&utm_medium=PPC_SEM&utm_campaign=%7bcampaign%7d&gclid
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, text revision DSM-5-TR. (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association.
Fraser, A., & Wray, J. (2008). Oppositional defiant disorder. health, 3, 7.
Oppositional Behavior in the ADHD Patient. (n.d.). http://Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2011/10/oppositional-behavior-in-the-adhd-patient
Christenson, J. D., Crane, D. R., Malloy, J., & Parker, S. (2016). The Cost of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Disruptive Behavior: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 9(25), 2649–2658. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-016-0430-9