Child Oppositional Defiant
Disorder Treatment
Brooklyn, New york

Dealing with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in children can be a taxing experience for families. Interborough’s specialized ODD treatment program is designed to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and understanding. Our experienced therapists use evidence-based approaches to help children with ODD develop healthier behavior patterns, emotional regulation, and social interaction skills. We work closely with families, providing support and strategies to create a more harmonious home environment. Our goal is to empower your child with the tools they need to thrive and to strengthen the family unit through understanding and cooperation.

TL;DR

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by persistent irritability, anger, defiance, and argumentative behavior that disrupts family, school, and social life, with severity ranging from mild (one setting) to severe (three or more settings). Interborough’s ODD treatment program in Brooklyn uses evidence-based therapies, particularly parent-child interaction therapy, to improve behavior, emotional regulation, and family relationships. The program emphasizes family and school collaboration, with medication considered only when co-occurring conditions (like ADHD) or severe aggression are present. The goal is to equip children with coping skills and strengthen family harmony.

How do I know if my child has ODD?

Sometimes it’s difficult to recognize the difference between a strong-willed or emotional child and a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). It’s normal to exhibit oppositional behavior at certain stages of a child’s development. Signs of ODD generally begin during preschool years. While ODD may develop later, symptoms typically occur before the early teen years. These behaviors may cause significant impairment with family, social activities, school and work.

Some of the symptoms may include:

ODD can vary in severity:

Mild: Symptoms occur only in one setting, such as only at home, school, work or with peers

Moderate: Symptoms occur in at least two settings

Severe: Symptoms occur in three or more settings

WHY IDCC?

IDCC places a strong emphasis on family involvement in the treatment process of ODD. Much of the latest research has shown that involving parents in the treatment process greatly improves children’s response to treatment and helps generalize results to many other environmental factors. With parental consent, IDCC also places an emphasis on collaboration with schools and any other organizations that are involved in your child’s life.

My Child Has ODD, Now What?

One of the most popular evidence-based treatments is a type of behavior therapy called parent-child interaction therapy. In this therapy, the parent and child work together through a set of exercises while a therapist coaches parents through an ear bud. Parents learn to increase positive interactions with their child and learn to set consistent consequences for undesirable behavior. Through this treatment, children learn to rein in behavior and enjoy a more supportive relationship with parents.

Medicines are not specifically prescribed for ODD. However, as many children with ODD have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, they may be on medications for those other disorders. In addition, some children are troubled by their own aggression, and have difficulty managing their painfully low frustration tolerance without medication. Clinicians may recommend medication to help them control those responses and benefit more from behavioral therapy.

Key Takeaways

Understanding ODD in Children
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) often begins in preschool years and usually appears before the early teen years.
- It is more than typical strong-willed behavior, causing significant difficulties in family, school, social, and community settings.
- Symptoms include: irritability, frequent anger, being easily annoyed, resentment, arguing with authority, defiance, deliberately upsetting others, and blaming others for mistakes.
Severity Levels of ODD
- Mild: Symptoms occur in only one setting (e.g., home or school).
- Moderate: Symptoms occur in at least two settings.
- Severe: Symptoms occur in three or more settings.
IDCC’s Treatment Approach
- Strong emphasis on family involvement, as research shows parent participation improves outcomes and helps transfer progress to different environments.
- Collaboration with schools and community organizations ensures consistent support across settings.
- Uses Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT):
  - Parents receive live coaching during exercises.
  - Teaches parents to increase positive interactions and enforce consistent consequences.
  - Helps children develop better self-control and stronger parent-child relationships.
Role of Medication
- No specific medication is prescribed for ODD itself.
- Medications may be considered if the child has co-occurring conditions like ADHD or struggles with aggression and frustration tolerance.
- Medication is used as support to enhance the effectiveness of behavioral therapies.
Goals of Treatment
- Build healthier behavior patterns and emotional regulation.
- Strengthen family harmony through cooperation and understanding.
- Equip children with tools to improve social skills, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Enhancing Your Child’s Emotional Resilience

Beyond our current services, we’re here to offer specialized Child Depression Treatment and Child Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Therapy. Discover how these therapies can empower your child to overcome challenges and thrive.