Support For ODD Under The NDIS
If your child has been diagnosed with ODD you may be eligible for some support under the government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme, (NDIS). Eligibility depends on whether their behaviour disorder meets the disability requirements under the legislation. To meet these requirements you must be able to demonstrate that the disorder is likely to have a permanent impact on certain aspects of your child’s life and that, as a result, they will require ongoing support.
In the process of applying for funding under the NDIS, you will need to attend a planning meeting with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the government organisation in charge of managing the NDIS and allocating funding.
At this meeting, you will be given an opportunity to explain your child’s short and long term goals and the outcomes you would like for them. It’s important to bring along with you supporting information from the health and educational professionals involved in your child’s care. This means your child is more likely to receive appropriate support and services that match their specific needs. This may include speech and occupational therapy, the support of a psychologist or individual support at school so your child is better able to control their behaviour, gain more confidence and ultimately enjoy a fulfilling life.
Find ODD Support
With growing awareness and understanding of ODD, there are many specialised NDIS service providers throughout Australia offering individualised support, depending on your child’s specific needs and your family’s circumstances. CareAbout can help you find providers in your area and ensure the services they offer are appropriate and that your child feels comfortable working with them to achieve their goals.
For expert advice contact CareAbout on 1300 036 028
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is ODD?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a challenging childhood behavioural problem affecting between 1 and 16 per cent of school-age children. It tends to be more common in boys than in girls. Characteristics usually appear when a child is between the ages of 6 and 8 and may include the following behaviours: Your child may become easily frustrated and have frequent temper tantrums; they may be unusually defiant and refuse to obey rules; suffer from low self-esteem and poor social interaction. As a result of these behaviours, ODD can affect a child’s education, social and emotional development.
There is no proven cause of ODD but there are theories suggesting it may be a combination of environmental, biological and psychological factors cause ODD. For example, it is more common in families with a history of attention deficit hyperactivity.
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How Is ODD Diagnosed?
If you are a parent or a caregiver of a child and concerned about their behaviour, it is important to have them assessed and diagnosed by medical professionals with expertise in this area. For a diagnosis of ODD to be made, your child needs to display a certain behavioural pattern, occurring over a period of at least 6 months.
A trained psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose both children and adults with ODD and will assess the extent to which the symptoms disrupt their social life, education, or, in the case of adults, their employment. Symptoms are classified as being either mild when confined to one setting, medium when present in at least two settings, or severe when present in 3 or more settings.
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What Treatment is There For ODD?
If left untreated a child with ODD may have difficulties following instructions and communicating within the home and school environment. When their skills don’t match those of their peers they may experience low self-esteem and bullying. Early diagnosis and treatment, as well as consistency of care, are essential for children with ODD to minimise the risk of ongoing problems during their adult years. Fortunately, these days, there is a greater awareness and understanding of the condition and several treatment options available, including:
Individual cognitive behavioural therapy-A psychologist will work with your child to improve anger management, communication, impulse control and problem-solving skills.
Family therapy-A psychologist will work with the whole family to make changes. This can help parents find support and learn strategies for handling their child’s challenging behaviour
Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)-Therapists will coach parents as they interact with their child and train them in more effective parenting techniques.
Specialised occupational therapy, as well as speech and language assessment, may assist a child with ODD and help their family understand how the child is processing and using communication strategies.
