Oppositional defiant disorder in middle schooler
The time has come to admit there may be a medical diagnosis for what my child has-not just a passing transition stage....for years.
Does anyone have an suggestions for a psychologist who can help my child directly and/or counseling for parent-child communication so that our household is not filled with ongoing arguments on a daily basis. (Even when I step back from one, which takes a heap of effort, they keep pushing to pursue it.). It is exhausting and impacting a lot of aspects of life. They are in middle school.
Any guidance is gratefully appreciated.
Sep 21, 2022
Parent Replies
Hi there -
My heart goes out to you. It's extremely difficult to live in such an environment. We have an ASD 1 kid, and a lot of our interactions were like yours until we started working with Whole Child https://www.wholechildca.com/ . Officially, they offer ABA services, but we learned so much about our child, and how to set up his living circumstances to not overwhelm him (including how to communicate with him). We are now down to about 1 meltdown a week - from daily meltdowns and fights. They might be able to help you, or at least point you in the right direction. Don't give up hope!
Hello! I also have a son in middle school with Oppositional Defiant Disorder as well as ADHD. It is so, so hard. Initially he was treated at Kaiser for years and dozens of medications with no success. Then we took him to the Amen Clinic in Walnut Creek and he has been on different medication from them which has helped greatly. Of course this was out-of-pocket. I am happy to connect and share some other major things that have been very successful in helping him: please ask the moderator for my email info if you would like. It is truly exhausting and very difficult for anyone on the outside looking in to understand. My heart goes out to you.