Upcoming appt. & question about ODD | ADHD Information

From what I've heard, ODD is really not a diagnosis, it's a behavioral problem. My son shows a lot of signs = blaming others, defiance, power struggles. I think it goes hand in hand with things like ADHD, but I'm not sure that the meds impact it. What I've heard is to give them more power in some areas so they aren't so defiant about things. I haven't really had success at that. What I do know is that my son is the "bribe or threat" kid - he sees no reason to do anything unless you present a bribe or a threat. And he thoroughly weighs out the benefits and costs. There was very little "cooperation" until he went on Tenex. It seemed to take the edge off of his irritability and he was a little more agreeable all around. Just one person's experience. Good luck and the only advice would be to be as honest as you can (say ADHD if you are concerned about it) and communicate the one or two biggest "issues" so there is not a laundry list to sort through. Best of luck - you are doing the right thing and kudos to you. Until my daughter's ADHD was treated,  we had major behavioral issues that fit many of the ODD criteria.    With appropriate medication,  behavioral therapy and lots of praise for the positives,  we were able to turn things around.   We still have our bad days (more so recently) but huge improvement from where we were when we started down this road. [QUOTE=worleyb]

MetisRebel

I made a copy of the Developmental paperwork and the teacher eval.  I also wrote all of my concerns down.  So hopefully I will be prepared.  I have also been video taping him at the good times and during the not so good times.  Don't know if that will help but I will offer it anyway.  I have also kep a composition notebook since the day he was born so I guess I bring that as well.

Good job!

I am wondering should I go in there saying "ADHD" or should I let them bring it up after they have reviewed info and listened to the concerns that we are having.  In my heart I know it is ADHD as you know I am ADHD.  I just don't want to lead them into anything I want them to make the call.

You might suggest that you've considered ADHD or if the school has mentioned it. Sort of "I was wondering..."

I do not have a diagnosis yet for ADHD or ODD but I was reading a post and the mother had said she wished she would have medicated sooner b/c her child developed ODD.  I looked it up and that is my child down to the period of the last sentence.

I'm not sure one "develops" ODD.

Many ADHD children often appear defiant because they hear a ton of negative criticism and begin to think, "Well if they THINK I'm bad already--just WATCH THIS!" or because their world is so out-of-control they try to control it. And many really like uproar because it matches their inner world.

Many also tend to engage in power struggles due to the inner feelings that they lack control.

If medication or therapy can help them gain some control of that inner chaos then some of the defiance is replaced by a need for positive attention.

My Grandmother kept my son overnight for me one night that was the first time she had ever kept him for any length of time.  So about a week later I asked her "do you have a different opinion now"  She said "well he is certainly active but he is a boy"  She said the one thing that really bothered her was the constant defiance;  You say put the toy in the box and he will sit it by the toybox and not budge on his decision.  You say close the window and he will close it 3/4 of the way and not close it the rest of the way and will fight with you to the bitter end.  Like I said those are basic examples.  That is all day for me about everything.

This is where, ODD or ADHD--you get the great challenge of "out thinking the kid".

First get the ADHD looked into or you are going to be responding to the wrong signals.

An ODD kid is patterned response. An ADHD kid responds to circumstance. It isn't the same tactics in each case.

Those are just a couple of examples  needless to say my poor GG was calling for relief the coast guard relief efforts.  I guess she has a better understanding of what I am dealing with day in and day out. 

Of course I am used to it but it is so very draining. 

I also have a 14 month old, a husband and I am in nursing school.  So I am on autopilot.

Brandi

 

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OMG woman--you must be exhausted!

MetisRebel

I made a copy of the Developmental paperwork and the teacher eval.  I also wrote all of my concerns down.  So hopefully I will be prepared.  I have also been video taping him at the good times and during the not so good times.  Don't know if that will help but I will offer it anyway.  I have also kep a composition notebook since the day he was born so I guess I bring that as well.

I am wondering should I go in there saying "ADHD" or should I let them bring it up after they have reviewed info and listened to the concerns that we are having.  In my heart I know it is ADHD as you know I am ADHD.  I just don't want to lead them into anything I want them to make the call.

I do not have a diagnosis yet for ADHD or ODD but I was reading a post and the mother had said she wished she would have medicated sooner b/c her child developed ODD.  I looked it up and that is my child down to the period of the last sentence.

My Grandmother kept my son overnight for me one night that was the first time she had ever kept him for any length of time.  So about a week later I asked her "do you have a different opinion now"  She said "well he is certainly active but he is a boy"  She said the one thing that really bothered her was the constant defiance;  You say put the toy in the box and he will sit it by the toybox and not budge on his decision.  You say close the window and he will close it 3/4 of the way and not close it the rest of the way and will fight with you to the bitter end.  Like I said those are basic examples.  That is all day for me about everything. 

Those are just a couple of examples  needless to say my poor GG was calling for relief the coast guard relief efforts.  I guess she has a better understanding of what I am dealing with day in and day out. 

Of course I am used to it but it is so very draining. 

I also have a 14 month old, a husband and I am in nursing school.  So I am on autopilot.

Brandi

 

We have our first appt. with the psychiatrist office on the 3rd.  We are not meeting with the Dr. the 1st visit.  We are going to see a counselor that works with the psychiatrist. (Parents only visit.) 

They are the fastest place we could get into.  So we will see them while we patiently wait for our other appts.  

Do you have any advice for the first visit.  Questions to ask? 

I really don't know why I am so nervous,  I know in my heart he is ADHD I guess I am just worried it is something worse.

What is ODD?  From a parents point of view.   What causes it,  what can you do about it?

Brandi

 

Don't get yourself worked up into a lather there, Brandi

It's normal to be nervous. You don't know what to expect.

They'll ask you questions, or perhaps give you questionnaires to fill out. If you're really concerned you can phone up and ask if there is any information you should bring with you to the appointment. You can do that if it will make you feel less apprehensive.

Take a list of behaviours you see and that the school sees or school records of behaviour, if you have them.

This will help them start the assessment.
Don't be too concerned with ODD just yet until you're sorted out Or has it been diagnosed already?