Today’s episode covers a topic that is both new to the podcast and often shrouded in confusion and controversy—Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD. To shed some light on this topic, my guest is Amelia Bowler, a writer, teacher, mother, and behavior analyst with a Master’s Degree in Applied Disability Studies. ODD became personal for Amelia, when her own son was diagnosed, and her quest for understanding, combined with her curiosity about the “WHY” of behavior, eventually led to her new book The Parent’s Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Your Questions Answered. I had a chance to review this book and I can tell you it is an invaluable resource for parents trying to make sense of this diagnosis.
I have received many requests from listeners to do an episode on this topic, so I’m thrilled to finally be able to share this with you. In our conversation, Amelia explains what ODD is (and what it isn’t,) how to better understand ODD in the context of behavioral and relational science, and many, many strategies and tips to support kids with this profile. What I especially appreciate, is Amelia’s vast understanding of the research, combined with her compassionate, empathetic, and relationship-centered approach. I hope you get a lot out of this conversation.
About Amelia: Amelia Bowler is a writer, teacher, mother, artist and behaviour analyst. Her mission is to help families understand each other so everyone can get what they need. She is especially interested in helping parents understand kids who think and act in unexpected ways, so they can respond with empathy and insight. She is the author of The Parent’s Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Your Questions Answered, and lives in Toronto with her husband and two extraordinary children.
THINGS YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:
- What led Amelia to research ODD and ultimately write a book about it
- What ODD is, according to the DSM5, and what it is not
- What behaviors children diagnosed with ODD tend to have in common
- The differences between ODD and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
- The advantages and disadvantages of getting a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Important considerations for parents with kids who have ODD tendencies and ways to support their child
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
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