You said that your child talks back, argues, and does not do
what you ask. You said that your child acts this way more often
than other children his/her age. When your child acts this way
it causes big problems for him/her at home and/or school. Children
with these problems often have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
Your child has been acting in 4 or more of the following ways:
Often has temper tantrums
Argues a lot with adults
Refuses to do what adults tell him/her to do
Tries to annoy or upset people on purpose
Blames others for his/her mistakes or behavior
Is touchy or easily annoyed by others
Often angry; Holds a grudge
Mean and hateful talking when upset
Seeks revenge or tries to "get even"
Many children with ODD only act this way at home. A few children
only act this way at school. Some act this way in both places.
ODD is a common problem. Five to fifteen percent of school-aged children
have ODD. These problems usually start by age 8. A child with ODD may also
have learning problems. Children with ODD who don't get help may get into
even more trouble (e.g., stealing, breaking things, fighting).
