Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): How to Support Pupils And Avoid Power Struggles

Ever worked with a pupil who argues about everything — even the things they secretly agree with?

In this episode, we unpack Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) — what it is, what it isn’t, and why traditional approaches like confrontation or “tougher boundaries” often backfire.

You’ll discover:

• The common myths that cause teachers to misread ODD behaviour
• The key differences between ODD and PDA (and why that distinction matters)
• How ADHD and ODD overlap, and what that means for your classroom
• What’s really driving the behaviour of pupils with ODD — including the roles of ontrol, safety, and predictability
• And four practical strategies to help you support these pupils without power struggles, conflict, or endless frustration

You’ll learn why your student’s defiance often hides distress — and how changing your response can change everything.

Important links:

Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbook

Download other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources

Secondary school leaders: Join our in-person event in Birmingham
Where you’ll learn what really drives lesson avoidance in secondary schools - and leave with a practical whole-school framework for reducing internal truancy.. Register now.