ODD is NOT Odd.

No, it is not.  ODD is the acronym for Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  I have found that many children with attention deficit issues and learning disabilities will shut down academically which, obviously not only impedes them at school, but in life as well!  They are not actually defiant even though you might think so at first blush.

What happens in our school systems?  Well, they primarily employ reading and memorizing as well as lecturing which are the very weaknesses of the children who have ODD!  The goal here is to reach, to teach, to educate, and to motivate them to develop the maturity and the skills to succeed in school and in life so that they will shed this label.

There is a link on my website that explains it in greater detail.  Please visit sussmankids.com and click on the ODD link in the lower right.  You will see a thoughtful, detailed paper called the Shutdown Learner.  I hope this helps, then give me a call for a consultation in my Mountainside, NJ office at (908) 217-8106.  My name is Dr. Steven Sussman and I look forward to our visit.