How do you deal with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder?

I have one and he is H A R D to to have in the class. Ideas are welcome!

Re: How do you deal with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder?

can i ask what is oppositional defiant disorder?

Re: How do you deal with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder?

Re: How do you deal with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder?

does he have an actual diagnosis and is there a 504?

Re: How do you deal with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder?

I had a student with that diagnosis a few years ago...let me think- he wasn't a bad kid, it was just that when backed into a corner he would totally lose it. I wouldn't reprimand him in front of others, always in private.

When I wanted him to do something, I would generally just make a request, tell him that I was confident that he would do the right thing, and then back away- turn my attention elsewhere. Once the focus was off him, he would usually do what I wanted (If I insisted he did something RIGHT NOW it could get ugly fast.)

Hope that helps- I'll think about it some more and see what else I can remember....

Re: How do you deal with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder?

Re: How do you deal with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder?

first off, get the parents involved. do they have any concerns? if they do, ask them to speak to their pediatrician. the ped may look into possible ADD/ADHD.

be positive with the child and praise him when he does something appropriate. let him know when something he does is inappropriate without embarrassing him or causing a scene.

go over the rules and limits of the classroom. have the child tell you what they mean so you know he understands them. keep things simple. let him know that for each action he does there is a positive or negative consequence. possibly get the behavioral consultant involved and/or do a behavior chart that will go from school to home.

don't fight with him!!! say things once or twice and that's it. don't fight every battle or you will be exhausted.

if he is violent immediately remove him from the classroom or remove the other students and call for help ASAP.

hope that helps. if i think of anything else i'll write it. i have had several students diagnosed with ODD and somehow i survived!

Re: How do you deal with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder?