U Runt - How can you tell the difference between ODD and a spoiled brat?

How can you tell the difference between ODD and a spoiled brat?

My 5 year old has been diagnosed with ODD, but my husband thinks he is just a spoiled brat. How can you tell the difference between the two?

Public Comments

There's a difference? J/K. I don't know. I would go with my gut instinct though and read up on what they can and can't control.
odd-werd.......spoiled brat-rich
ODD? Yeah you know me. You down wit ODD?
I'm no medical expert, but I would think that if your child 'loses it' out of the blue because his block tower falls, or because he can't make something work...it could be ODD. If he only has tantrums when his parents do something he doesn't like...I'd say spoiled may be more the truth. It's not really a matter of 'spoiled' per se...but if he doesn't have ODD, then he needs to learn some coping skills. Sometimes you have to take a hardline...not in a mean way, but if you look at how you're handling discipline and you see that maybe you're being too 'soft' about it, you may want to try a new tactic. IE: "Now sweetie, we don't hit Mommy. Okay?" When a better way might be to get down to his level...hold his chin and say in a very stern voice...."You WILL NOT hit me! It is unacceptable and I will not tolerate it!"
Being spoiled does not make one have ODD. This can be a very hard disorder to deal with here are some of the signs. I did a huge project on this disorder and if it is not treated it can lead to very serious and disturbing issues in the future. Good luck. The following are behaviors associated with ODD: Negativity Defiance Disobedience Hostility directed toward authority figures These behaviors might cause your child to regularly and consistently show these symptoms: Frequent temper tantrums Argumentativeness with adults Refusal to comply with adult requests or rules Deliberate annoyance of other people Blaming others for mistakes or misbehavior Acting touchy and easily annoyed Anger and resentment Spiteful or vindictive behavior Aggressiveness toward peers
Well I think it would be difficult to say which your son has/is. From the little I read about ODD it can manifest itself in many ways and many of those ways are also what is termed " a spoiled brat". I think if you really think about it you will be able to see where the ODD is and where the brat takes over. I found lots of good info on WebMD.
I agree with Lisa E...it depends on the situation...is he only acting out when he wants something from you? Did you spoil him and give in to his demands when he was younger? Does he know his limits? Have you ever disciplined him...timeouts, sitting in a chair, standing in the corner, letting him cry when he is wrong...?
Go to this website. It looks like it answers every question about ODD known to man. http://www.klis.com/chandler/pamphlet/oddcd/oddcdpamphlet.htm
All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child's social, family, and academic life. In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster's day to day functioning. Symptoms of ODD may include: frequent temper tantrums excessive arguing with adults active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior often being touchy or easily annoyed by others frequent anger and resentment mean and hateful talking when upset seeking revenge The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school. Five to fifteen percent of all school‑age children have ODD. The causes of ODD are unknown, but many parents report that their child with ODD was more rigid and demanding than the child's siblings from an early age. Biological and environmental factors may have a role.