Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a
thief
It steals relationships. Calls and visits from family and
friends, who have become fed up with the ODD child’s
behavior, become fewer and fewer until the ODD child and
his family are left completely isolated at a time when they
need help the most.
ODD cheats parents out of time, since children suffering
from it need constant supervision. Mothers and fathers get
precious little time to sleep, exercise, relax or take time
for themselves.
It robs families of memories of happy holidays and festive
occasions. Instead they are replaced with recollections of
special events marred by outbursts.
ODD takes away the ability to learn. Frustrated,
overburdened teachers often don’t have the skills to cope
with an ODD child, and many times just give up.
The disorder pilfers any social confidence or
self-assurance its young victims might have. School becomes
hell for the ODD child, his parents and his teachers.
By the time most children have been diagnosed with ODD,
parents are exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster
they’ve endured by living with the uncontrollable outbursts
and constant arguing. Families sometimes are disrupted to a
point where the child has to leave the home for foster care
or a hospital.
Although the situation may seem hopeless, families have
found ways to work together and cope with an ODD child.
Many children get better and sometimes are even rid of the
disorder after treatment. Others - especially those with
more than one psychological or behavioral problem, a common
problem with ODD children - may not. What is important for
parents to understand is that their family can cope with an
ODD child whether the disorder improves or not.
Many parents have trudged this road before you and have
plenty of wisdom to share. Look online for support groups
in your area. It always helps to share your burden with
someone who has been there already.
© Tracy Linville - http://www.AnswersAboutODD.com All
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