It can be extremely difficult as parents to determine whether your child’s misbehaviour is part of normal development, or something more. As they grow and gain a stronger sense of individuality, it is normal for our children to lose their temper, argue with authority figures, or refuse to comply with rules and requests. Although most children go through periods of being difficult, for those with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), their hostile or defiant behaviour lasts longer and causes significant impairment in their social or academic functioning.
For an evaluation or support with managing your child’s symptoms of ODD, call 3088 5422 to make an appointment with one of our child psychologists.