Dr. Claudio Cerullo suggests intervention methods when dealing with Oppositional Defiant Disorder

May 13, 2010 - PRLog -- According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth Ed., oppositional defiant disorder can cause clinical impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning, and is characterized by a recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient and hostile behavior toward authority figures which persists for a period of at least six months.

Oppositional defiant children share many of the following characteristics:

   * A child possess a strong need for control, and will do just about anything to gain power.
   * A child typically deny responsibility for their misbehavior and have little insight into how they impact others.
   * The ODD child is socially exploitive and very quick to notice how others respond.  He then uses these responses to his advantage in family or social environments, or both.
   * These children tolerate a great deal of negativity – in fact they seem to thrive on large amounts of conflict, anger and negativity from others, and are frequently the winners in escalating battles of negativity.

Children look to their parents for a sense of security, belonging and identity.  As our society becomes more complex, the need for our children to develop a clear set of values is critical.  Current research also has indicated that boys with ADHD and increased oppositional behavior are at greater risk for later antisocial behavior.  With this in mind, the need for structure becomes particularly relevant in today’s world.  It is apparent that children affected by a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders are at greater risk for oppositional behavior.  Since this behavior will create additional difficulties for them as they pass through the various developmental stages, it becomes even more important to use the authority vested in us as parents to establish consistent limits and consequences, and to distinguish boundaries within the family.  This will form a family unit characterized by established guidelines, affording children a secure backdrop in which they can grow and thrive.

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About Dr. Claudio Cerullo
Dr. Claudio V. Cerullo possesses more than seventeen-years experience in education. Dr. Claudio Cerullo earned his Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Social Science Education where he was elected President of the Student Government and Education Association. Dr. Cerullo earned his Master's Degree in Professional Elementary and Secondary Education with his concentration in Educational Administration, earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Administration and has attended educational leadership training in Diversity/Multi-Cultural Education through Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.