“A Day in the Life of My Defiant Child”

Behavioral disorders are more common and more disruptive among ADHD families than they are among neurotypical ones. When children experience symptoms of ADHD combined with a behavior disorder, like oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, that can strain their relationships with family members — inside and outside the nuclear unit.Defiant behavior may manifest as a child easily (and frequently) losing their temper, arguing with adults because of rules, or acting out violently.

Reports suggest that 40% of children with ADHD experience oppositional and/or defiant behavior. 1[Free Download: Why Is My Child So Defiant?]Behavioral disorders may stem from the deficits in executive functioning so commonly seen in ADHD, which can affect individuals’ abilities to plan, prioritize, and execute.

All of this impacts the individual’s life — and the lives of those around them.Family dynamics may be caught in the crossfire as children get frustrated with their caregivers, and caregivers tire of scaffolding a routine of daily tasks that their kids have difficulty sticking to, leading to nagging, frustration, and defiant behavior.[Free Resource: Is It More Than Just ADHD?]Studies suggest that some parenting techniques are more effective than others in addressing defiant behavior among children with ADHD, specifically.

Such techniques can be especially useful in helping parents establish routines with their children.Prescription ADHD medication used in conjunction with behavioral parent training helps many families learn how to best stem and respond to defiant behavior, as outlined in the ADDitude article, “ Why Is My Child So Angry and Defiant?