EDCM 514 - Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and disorders like it can confound parents, teachers, and students alike. Explosions of anger, seemingly needless defiance towards adults, and hostility towards peers all characterize students struggling with this disorder. The adults in their lives are often at a loss as to how to prevent and manage these behaviors and show students a better way to interact with others.

In this course, you will examine the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ODD as well as other disorders that may resemble or have high comorbidity with ODD. You’ll learn how you can partner with parents (even those who seem apathetic) and school resources to implement consistent, effective interventions with these students. In addition, you’ll explore the strengths of students with ODD, how to help them build executive function skills, and how to stay calm yourself when dealing with difficult behaviors.

With the strategies from this course, you’ll be able to build a practical, holistic strategy to support students with ODD while caring for yourself, students’ families, and other students in the classroom.