What is the ‘But why’ behind these behaviors?
“My child doesn’t listen.”
“They can’t sit still. They argue all the time.”
While ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) often co-occur, they’re fundamentally different in how they affect a child’s brain and behavior.
Here’s what parents need to know
Both can show up as:
- Tantrums
- Difficulty listening
- Trouble following rules
But here’s the key difference:
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder.
It’s about attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity.
➡️ Kids with ADHD want to behave but often can’t pause to think before acting.
➡️ Their brains show differences in executive functioning and dopamine regulation.
ODD is a behavioral disorder.
It’s about intentional defiance, arguing, and anger toward authority figures.
➡️ Kids with ODD can control their behavior, but they often won’t.
➡️ There’s an ongoing pattern of hostility and resentment, especially at home or school.
Many kids with ADHD also show signs of ODD, but the approach to support is different.
- ADHD needs structure, support, and patience.
- ODD needs clear boundaries and emotional coaching.
If your child seems “difficult” or always in trouble—it may not be defiance. It may be unmet needs.
Let’s decode the behavior, not just react to it.