Does Your Son Struggle with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

Parents and loved ones of young boys who struggle with Oppositional Defiant Disorder symptoms can find caring support and help at an affordable, family-style home and boarding school, Vision Boys Academy, in rural Sarcoxie, MO.

“Personal experiences with adoption, rebellion, and academic troubles help us connect and relate one on one. Leading at-risk boys, ages 8-12, to be Godly and upright young men – that’s our purpose!” affirms Shawn Parker, Executive Director of Vision Boys Academy.

“Our goal is to get boys to a place where they can learn to manage their emotions and learn to be responsible. Once we get a young man to identify and accept responsibility for his actions, then we can help that young man make some lasting changes. That’s also when the Nouthetic (Biblical) counseling starts making an impact.”

Our emphasis on family communication is also critically important in the treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Your boy can avoid developing social and behavioral issues later in life and instead, go on to enjoy healthy relationships with you and with others.

The qualified boarding school staff at Vision Boys Academy helps struggling pre-teen boys who suffer from ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and Autism, as well as at-risk boys who are in need of a change in environment, disconnected from the internet and harmful relationships.

Call (888)500-4090 to learn more about our therapeutic residential school program.

What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavior disorder in which a child displays a pattern of an angry or cranky mood, defiant or combative behavior, and vindictiveness toward people in authority. The child’s behavior often disrupts their daily routine, including activities within the family and at school.

It’s not unusual for children — especially those in their “terrible twos” and early teens — to defy authority every now and then. They may express their defiance by arguing, disobeying, or talking back to their parents, teachers, or other adults. When this behavior lasts longer than 6 months and is more extreme than what’s usual for the child’s age, it may mean the child has ODD.

Estimates suggest that 2% to 16% of children and teens have ODD. In younger children, ODD is more common in boys. In older children, it happens about equally in boys and in girls. It typically begins by age 8.

Many children and teens with ODD also have other behavioral problems, like attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, mood disorders (such as depression), and anxiety disorders. Some children with ODD go on to have a more serious behavior disorder called conduct disorder. The exact cause of ODD is not known, but a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors may contribute to the condition. 1

• Brain chemistry: ODD has been linked to certain types of brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, that doesn’t work the right way. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of ODD and other mental illnesses. Further, many children and teens with ODD also have other mental illnesses, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, depression, or an anxiety disorder, which may contribute to their behavior problems.
• Other brain differences: Some studies suggest that defects in or injuries to certain areas of the brain can lead to serious behavior problems in children.
• Temperament: Kids who have trouble controlling their emotions are more likely to have ODD.
• Family history: Many children and teens with ODD have close family members with mental illnesses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. This suggests that a risk of getting ODD may be inherited.
• Family issues: Things like dysfunctional family life, substance abuse, and inconsistent discipline by parents or other authority figures may add to the development of behavior disorders.
• Peers: Attention from peers or others may sometimes reinforce ODD behaviors

How Families Can Help a Boy with ODD

Although it may not be possible to prevent ODD, recognizing and acting on symptoms when they first appear can ease distress to the child and family, and prevent many of the problems linked to the illness. Family members also can learn steps to take if signs of relapse (a return of symptoms) appear. Providing a nurturing, supportive, and consistent home environment with a balance of love and discipline may help with symptoms and prevent episodes of defiant behavior.1

Strategies you can try at home if your son has ODD include:

• Praise specific positive behaviors.
• Offer rewards for good behavior, especially for younger children.
• Model the behavior you want to see in your child.
• Avoid power struggles.
• Pick your battles.
• Set clear limits and boundaries.
• Follow a consistent schedule and routine.
• Spend time together doing things you both enjoy.
• Make sure both parents or other family members are working together consistently.
• Set your child up for success in household chores or other tasks.
• Don’t worry if you don’t see improvement right away.
• Find support for yourself.

Vision Boys Academy Helps Young Boys, ages 8-12

Vision Boys Academy focuses on providing a nurturing learning environment for at-risk boys, in a safe, daily structured program that promotes personal, spiritual, and academic growth. One-on-one discussions and interaction with trained staff significantly contribute to each boy’s development into a fruitful, godly young man.

A stable and sustaining environment is necessary for your young boy to learn to create healthy attachments and relationships. That’s why we suggest that you check out Vision Boys Academy!

Our 27-acre campus in Sarcoxie, MO includes a fishing pond, basketball court, and weight-lifting area. Students live in a comfortable dorm, able to house 12-15 boys in a safe, understanding environment monitored by staff 24/7. We serve healthy meals every day next door in our family-style cafeteria.

Boys attend classes, Monday through Friday, in our newly updated schoolhouse. Vision Boys Academy staff and their families live on-campus in houses attached to the school.

With a heart for adopted boys, Vision Boys Academy’s Director, Shawn Parker earned his BS degree from Oklahoma Baptist College. As an ordained Baptist minister, he provides Bible-based counseling to each boy as they interact daily on-site. He also keeps parents up to date on their son’s progress with a personal phone call every other week.

And yes, your young boy struggling with ODD may benefit from enrollment at an all-boys school like Vision Boys Academy. Please call us today (888)500-4090. We look forward to speaking with you!

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/oppositional-defiant-disorder