Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder training gives your team an in-depth understanding of ODD and how it presents in children and adults. They learn to communicate and de-escalate effectively, and the UK legislation and best practice that underpin this work. Delivered on-site by our experienced trainers.
About the course
Understand ODD in children and adults, and de-escalate effectively
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Explain what oppositional defiant disorder is and how it is diagnosed
- Understand the difference between ODD, conduct disorder and intermittent explosive disorder
- Recognise how ODD presents differently in children, young people and adults
- Understand common co-occurring conditions and the ‘lagging skills’ model of behaviour
- Understand the diagnostic and support pathway for adults with ODD
- Apply calm, consistent and collaborative communication techniques
- Understand and be able to apply de-escalation techniques and the crisis cycle
- Use choice-giving and consistent boundaries to reduce conflict
- Understand Positive Behaviour Support and the principle of least restriction
- Know the key UK legislation and codes of practice relevant to this work
- Know when and how to escalate a concern or safeguard a person appropriately
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
What is oppositional defiant disorder?
- Understanding ODD
- Core features
- Why this matters in practice
Diagnostic criteria — ICD-11
- How ODD is diagnosed
- Severity specifiers
- ICD-11 classification
Prevalence, causes & risk factors
- Who is affected, and why
- Contributing factors
- Risk factors to be aware of
ODD vs related conditions
- Telling ODD apart from similar presentations
- Quick comparison — ODD, conduct disorder & intermittent explosive disorder
- Autism spectrum condition
- Personality difficulties
How ODD presents in children & young people
- Recognising ODD in younger people
- Signs to look for in children & young people
How ODD presents in adults
- Recognising ODD in adults
- Signs to look for in adults
Adults with ODD: diagnosis, impact & support
- Getting a diagnosis in adulthood
- Relationships & family
- Work & wellbeing
- Support options for adults
Co-occurring conditions & understanding the behaviour
- ODD rarely occurs in isolation
- Behaviour as communication
- Lagging skills, not lacking will
Communicating effectively
- Core communication principles
- Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (Ross Greene’s CPS model)
- What to avoid
De-escalation, choice & boundaries
- Responding in the moment
- De-escalation in the moment
- Why choice works
- Why boundaries work
- Giving choice & setting boundaries in practice
Positive Behaviour Support & responding to distress
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- Responding to rising distress: trigger, escalation, crisis, recovery
UK legislation & codes of practice
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Equality Act 2010
- SEND Code of Practice 2015
- Children Act 1989 & 2004
- Care Act 2014
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Positive and Proactive Care (DH, 2014)
NICE guidance & safeguarding
- NICE guidance (CG158)
- Safeguarding & when to escalate
Keep exploring
Related children’s services courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team.
How long is the Oppositional Defiant Disorder course?
It runs as a half day – 3 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 15 delegates per session.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. Certificates are valid for 1 year, so plan refresher training before they expire.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits schools & nurseries, childminders, children’s homes, sports & activity clubs, care settings. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Oppositional Defiant Disorder training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our children’s services training range. Also explore behaviour management training and mental health training.