ODD: Children Who Talk Back

Here are a few characteristics common in children with ODD:

 
1. Often has angry outbursts
   
2. Often argues and bickers with adults
   
3. Often rebels against adults' requests or rules
   
4. Often deliberately annoys and picks on people
   
5. Often shifts the blame on others for his poor conduct and mistakes.
   
6. Is often very sensitive or easily irritated by others
   
7. Is often angry, resentful and upset
   
8. Is often spiteful or vindictive

These behaviors also happen to be severe enough to affect social, academic or occupational functioning. The impact of oppositional defiant disorder on the family is great. Dealing with children who talk back and throw violent tantrums daily causes a great deal of tension for parents, siblings and other family members.

So what is the treatment for ODD and what is the prognosis for children with this behavior disorder? About half will eventually grow out of it, usually by age of 8. Of the other half that will continue to have the condition will have in combination with a variety of other conditions. These include anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD and ADD.

If not treated early on, ODD can develop into a conduct disorder, which is much more serious and harder to treat condition later on. Very few children with ODD go on to have conduct disorder. However, most people diagnosed with conduct disorder were initially diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder. Early diagnosis in the first few school years or earlier has better chances of success in helping the child.

Treatment of ODD aims at tackling the behavioral problems by adjusting your approach to the child and their behavior, rather than using medical intervention. This can apply in cases where ODD accompanies another condition which is treated using drugs.

Children with oppositional defiant disorder talk back because winning the argument becomes their main goal. It is simply unthinkable for them to back down. They will deliberately stir up trouble and start arguments in order to win. It is important that you be firm and consistent in correcting this behavior, while not encouraging further debate or conflict.

So what's the best way to deal with children who talk back? Typical techniques parents usually use to reprimand children may not work. Removing privileges, treats or pocket money isn't very effective with children with ODD. To them, winning the argument or battle is more important than avoiding punishment or loss of privileges.

Time outs are effective. They immediately end the argument and give the child and parent time to cool down. After a time out, do not return to the issue of the conflict, since mentioning it again will only reignite the argument.

Choose your battles and stick to your guns on important issues. If you feel yourself becoming angry or frustrated then use a time out to end the argument.

Handling ODD children who talk back is a challenge and not something which can be done alone or even as family unit. Getting support from others, like extended family members, professionals, teachers and other individuals with the same situation will help you help your child control his behavior and ultimately achieve his potential.