4 - Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder
1. The Video Clip - Watch, Listen or Read
This part of the workshop will assist you in identifying the differences between Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder, two similar sounding disorders.
Select the desired media link below to watch the video, listen to the audio, or read the transcript.
Watch the Video
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2. Notes
In this video, Dr. DiPasquale looks at the subtle but important differences between these two disorders:
1. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Onset of this problem is generally seen before the child reaches the age of 8, and it never occurs any later than early adolescence. It is characterized by hostile and angry behaviour towards authority figures. These children have a very low frustration tolerance, and typically will act out in class. The prevalence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder is estimated at around 2-5% of the school-aged population.
2. Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder is different from Oppositional Defiant Disorder in that although aggression characterizes both, students with Conduct Disorder seem to have a much broader focus for their aggression. Children with this disorder can demonstrate aggression towards people and animals, engage in theft, and show little or no remorse for their behaviour. They may seemingly have an inability to respect the rights of others. Conduct Disorder typically has a far more general onset throughout childhood and adolescence, and is generally more prevalent in males than females.
3. Discussion Question
Unlike most of the other videos, in this one Dr. DiPasquale does not outline any strategies for working with students with Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder. Drawing on your own experience in the classroom, what strategies have you used to support the learning of children with these kinds of problems? Do you know of any programs that have been used in your school that have helped curb these kinds of behaviours? How important is the role of the parent in addressing these conditions?
Please post your observations, comments, and questions below.
We have a student in the class I work in who has been diagnosed with ODD. She has been placed in the Self-Contained classroom that I am an EA in. The classroom has a lower number of students with an opportunity for weekly counselling. She is currently on several behaviour modification program to help her control and recognize her anger issues. We have the support of her parents which has greatly affected the success of the program. She is doing very well with very few outbursts.
The students that I have worked with with ODD have been in a secluded classroom with a seperate room to go if they "act-out". being trained in Crisis Intervention Prevention I think is very beneficial to have when dealing with this group of students. To be able to understand and remain calm is the best way to help these sstudents. A consistent coping plan is essential.
Communication is key to working with students who have ODD; you must word requests in such a way that is non-confrontational. If they feel as though their back is against the wall than they will most certainly react in a negative way. Providing choices wherever possible allows them to feel as though they have some control. Also explicit lessons in dealing with no must be taught, role-played and reinforced.