ADHD and ODD

You’ve heard the acronyms, maybe even heard them as a diagnosis for your own child but do you really know what they mean? Let’s admit it, most of the time we just trust our child’s pediatrician hoping their knowledgeable enough and not just “practicing” medicine on our kids. However, they don’t live with us or understand the chaos and our “I don’t want to be the adult anymore” attitude. So, we must do our own research to navigate and survive. So, what is ADHD and ODD and what if my child has symptoms of both? First, let me just say that, acting out is typical childhood behavior and doesn’t always mean a child has a behavioral disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. ODD is related to a child’s conduct and how they interact with their family, friends, teachers, and authority figures. Below are lists of common symptoms of both ADHD and ODD.

SYMPTOMS OF ADHD

• difficulty focusing

• inability to pay attention at school

• trouble listening and following directions

• unorganized

• frequently misplacing items

• easily distracted

• forgetting daily assignments or chores

• nonstop fidgeting

• talking too much

• blurting out answers in class

• interrupting conversations

SYMPTOMS OF ODD

• easily loses temper or is easily annoyed

• angry and resentful

• shows hostility toward authoritative figures

• refuses to comply to requests

• purposely annoys or upsets others

• blames others for their mistakes

Second, just know that there IS help. Oftentimes, children with ADHD and ODD are prescribed medication to treat the symptoms. For some, this is enough. For others, the behaviors associated with ODD must be addressed through therapy. Families often find success by working with a Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who creates a plan then trains parents on how to help their child learn new ways to interact and engage appropriately. Children with ODD also respond well to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Research proves that progress takes place more often when all of these therapies are intermingled. The child learns new ways that are more socially acceptable, thus gaining positive attention and “reward” for their new behaviors and they also learn to take personal responsibility for their actions.

If you are a parent of a child with these symptoms (whether diagnosed or not), life can be tough. You may not know where to turn, especially since this pandemic has flipped our lives upside down. There is hope for you and your child. Reach out today for a free consultation or follow along with me as I educate and advocate!

Thanks for reading. Now, go be a GREAT parent today!

Trina, BCBA