Help for ODD

[katymae]

My dd7 is a beautiful princess with severe ADHD, depression, and major oppositional defiant disorder. We have been dealing with all of this for 4 years. Right now the ODD is the biggest of our problems. Life is just miserable with her. In fact, we are considering a trip to WDW in February but are somewhat hesitant b/c of her terrible tantrums and hideous attitude toward me and dh. Have any of you had success at dealing with the ODD symptoms? I would love to know what did/didn't work for you. Thanks!!

 

[katymae]

Maybe all the people who are dealing with ODD are too busy to spend hours on the DIS (it's my only relief!)...but doesn't anyone out there have experience with this?? I'm crossing my fingers and waiting patiently...

 

[spotdog]

I haven't heard much about ODD on this board, but there have been alot of posts about dealing with tantrums and meltdowns at WDW.

Welcome to the board.

 

[daisyduck123]

I had a 6yo student with ADHD & ODD last year & the times when he was on & off his meds were like night & day. I could tell when he was on his meds as he walked into the classroom.

 

[MidgeD79]

Hi and welcome to my world. Have you been to WDW before? If not look at the maps and find a quiet, out of the way for your dd to calm herself down. My ds (8) has terrible meltdowns and one of the worst was at out county fair. We ended up leaving (it was our 3rd day there). Most times, once the child realizes that you mean business, things work out. That may mean not going on her favorite ride right then. I do know things much eaiser when you read about it, rather than when your child is in the middle of a meltdown. each child is different and YOU need to find what works for YOUR child. With my ds the consequence needs to be immediate. Telling him that he can't go swimming later that day doesn't stop the meltdown and won't prevent future ones. Try to figure out what sets off your dd meldowns and try to prevent them. Best of luck.

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

My dd7 is a beautiful princess with severe ADHD, depression, and major oppositional defiant disorder. We have been dealing with all of this for 4 years. Right now the ODD is the biggest of our problems. Life is just miserable with her. In fact, we are considering a trip to WDW in February but are somewhat hesitant b/c of her terrible tantrums and hideous attitude toward me and dh. Have any of you had success at dealing with the ODD symptoms? I would love to know what did/didn't work for you. Thanks!!

I feel your pain. My son (9) has the same kind of problems. They came to a head last year when he was about to be expelled from his school and was accompanying my DH to his night classes at a local university because no one would babysit him. We finally lucked out and found a psychologist who sat with my son for 5 minutes, turned to me and said "Have you ever heard of bi-polar disorder?"

They symptoms of child bi-polar are VERY similar to ADHD and ODD (which were his original diagnoses). He is still not officially diagnosed, which could take years, but he is on some medications that have made a big difference.
He's on a combo of Risperdol and Strattera. The Strattera alone made his meltdowns worse but with the addition of Risperdol they have diminished greatly.

You may have already tried these. I've heard of other kids being helped with Abilify.

Good luck! I may not be any help but at least you know you're not alone.

 

[katymae]

So good to see I'm not the only one! Dd is standing here and wants to add some smilies...

 

[shoegirl1020]

Welcome to the wonderful world of our kids. I agree with Midge that the consquence needs to be immediate. I think that I am very loving and caring to my son, but when his odd/bi-polar starts to come to a head I become firm and the consquence is immediate. If we are in Target (like last night) and he starts to throw his tantrum and is rolling around kicking on the ground I will take whatever small treat he hsa in the carriage and put it back. That will get up and paying attention.

You didn't mention is your daughter has any sensory issues which may worsen at Disney. I wouldn't hesitate to go to Disney if that's what YOU want to do for vacation. If she starts to act up you can always return to your hotel room and wait it out-at least you'll be in Disney!