Since O.D.D. Doesn’t Exist…
Oppositional Defiant Disorder doesn’t exist, but children needing connection do
To fellow parents who have struggled, I see you. My son is an intense kiddo. He’s twice exceptional: gifted and neurodivergent (confirmed ADHD and anxiety, possibly also Autistic). We’ve certainly had our share of power struggles and challenging behaviours.
When I say O.D.D. does not exist, I am not saying it’s the parents’ fault that parenting their child is incredibly challenging at times. Sometimes we do everything right and our child still has a meltdown. We can’t be perfect, and neither can they.
When I say O.D.D. is an unhelpful label, I in no way wish to minimize the heartbreak that families experience when their children have complex needs and behaviours. I’m one of those parents, and we’re one of those families.
What I am saying is that, while we can’t just pass it off as “bad parenting” (it’s not), we also can’t pass it off as something wrong with the child, because it’s not that either.
If you have an intense, strong-willed child like mine, I’ll share evidence-based information and strategies that can make your lives much easier.
Read my article in Fourth Wave.