OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


What Are the Key Differences Between a Strong-willed Child and a Child With Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L

October 1, 2024

Share:

Question

What are the key differences between a strong-willed child and a child with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?

Answer

A strong-willed child may challenge authority or express frustration in specific contexts, but their behavior is typically situational and can be managed with appropriate structure and guidance. In contrast, a child with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) demonstrates more pervasive and disruptive behavior, marked by chronic anger, irritability, and defiance that occur across multiple environments. ODD is characterized by at least six months of persistent symptoms that are not explained by external stressors, trauma, or comorbid conditions. Additionally, physiological factors, such as hyperactivity in the hypothalamus or adrenal glands, can lead to an overproduction of cortisol and adrenaline in stressful situations, impairing the child’s ability to regulate emotions and control behavior. These symptoms distinguish ODD from the situational defiance seen in strong-willed children, as the former is more consistent, enduring, and physiologically driven.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Strong-Willed Vs. Oppositional Defiant Disorder, presented by Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L.

 


tere bowen irish

Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L

Tere Bowen- Irish has practiced Occupational Therapy in pediatrics and psychiatry for over 40 years. Through her business, All the Possibilities, she continues to provide treatment, assessment, and consultation for clients. Workshops for therapists, educators, and parents are offered privately or publicly on a variety of topics such as inclusion, child development, classroom management, behavioral challenges, executive function, and other topics relevant to the 21st-century educational system. The focus is on common sense and a practical approach toward empowering educators and students to create a climate of learning, understanding, and inclusiveness for all abilities.

Tere is also the creator/author of The Drive Thru Menu Suite of Exercises, which is an initiative to bring movement and mindfulness into today’s classrooms. She is a certified YogaKids teacher and a Certified Mindful Schools Instructor. She is the author of Yoga and Me, Come be a Tree and co-authored My Mindful Music with Mary Ann Harman. Feel free to contact Tere at tereirish@gmail.com

 


Related Courses

Insights Into Reaching And Teaching Teenagers, Part 1
Presented by Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Course: #6164Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Such an interesting topic and my take away was that as kiddos get older it is not just hormones effecting them there are many causes'   Read Reviews
What is happening with teenagers today? There are many myths about adolescence. Come to this 2-part seminar to better understand what neuro-developmental changes are occurring in the teenage brain. As brain transforms into young adulthood, research documents that the brain is pruning itself, to discard what is not interesting or meaningful. There will be an overview of Universal Model of Design in education, to consider a new perspective. From this perspective, our treatment will be more on point and successful.

Teenage Interventions And Helping Teens Build Bridges, Part 2
Presented by Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Course: #6165Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'great part 2 to this course it will be very helpful in my practice'   Read Reviews
Starting from a perspective of treatment initiatives to engage and connect with those on our caseloads, we will delve into a variety of initiatives. How can we facilitate specialization, self-regulation, executive function and social connectedness? These kids need our help and often not just from a consultative model. Come and be creative, to ignite teenage treatment.

Strong Willed Child Or Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Presented by Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Course: #6428Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Clear and concise information with examples and scenarios'   Read Reviews
As educators, we may see patterns of arguing, anger, irritableness, revengeful behavior, and defiance. Strong-willed child or something more complex? Does this student sound familiar? This seminar will review causes, risk factors, and comorbid conditions that may add to the mix of reaching and treating this child. Let’s consider how to intervene to rebuild self-esteem and regulation.

Play, Has It Become A 4 Letter Word In Education?
Presented by Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Course: #5922Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Truly appreciate this concept-Mirrors my thought process so of course I feel validated'   Read Reviews
The concept of returning to play-based Pre-K and K seems to be making a resurgence. Promoting learning via play makes sense as children naturally learn through exploration, cause and effect, and pleasure. Throwing away the worksheets to pave the way for play-based learning to become the norm can initially be daunting for all working with young children. We will review research, implementation, and outcomes that promote this initiative.

Exploring Self Regulation With 3 To 5 Year Olds
Presented by Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Tere Bowen-Irish, OTR/L
Course: #5923Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Please continue to have Tere Irish as a presenter!!!!!!'   Read Reviews
Self-regulation for 3–5-year-olds can be quite variable. As we know, self-regulation skills help kids navigate their environments, regardless of age. This seminar will explore self-regulation for little ones just starting their first school experience. Learning to wait, responding calmly, being able to listen, and direction following are all part of building the foundational skills of self-reg. Let’s help them get a great start!

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.