Finding the right school or treatment program for a teen with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is challenging. Our residential treatment program for teens with ODD may be the answer you seek.
Our treatment program combines academic and clinical and works with each student to create an IEP consistent with their needs and goals. We want to offer a lifeline to families like yours and help you get your teen back on track.
We offer families a beacon of hope—a place where their teenage child can thrive despite their challenges and where they can be understood and supported in a safe and therapeutic environment.
“When we found Turning Winds, it felt like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders. We finally had hope for our son’s future.” Sarah, the mother of one of our resident patients, shares her relief.
Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
If your child has been diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), then you know how disruptive ODD is to a family. Approximately 20% of school-aged children are affected by this behavioral disorder. Teens with ODD are irritable, angry, argumentative and sometimes even vindictive.
It is important to realize that what makes ODD different from other behavioral disorders is the persistent pattern of defiance and hostile behavior toward authority figures. As can be seen in the form of absolute disrespect for teachers, parents or any other adult in their lives. These kids are disruptive and cannot control their impulses. Some experts see a link between untreated ODD and Conduct Disorders (CD) characterized by delinquent behaviors.
ODD is more common in boys, typically diagnosed early in childhood, and while symptoms vary, the most recognizable are:
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Argumentative behavior
- Deliberate attempts to upset or annoy others
- Blaming others for their mistakes or misbehavior
- Difficulty maintaining friendships
- Academic struggles
For example, Jake, a student at Turning Winds, used to have daily outbursts that disrupted his entire class. After a few weeks in the program, his outbursts decreased significantly, and he’s learning to understand his triggers and how to manage his emotions better.
Turning Winds’ Unique Approach to Treating Teens with ODD
Our approach to treating teens with ODD is different. We use a holistic and relational approach. In fact, eexperts like Dr. John Gordon and CEO Owen Baisden guide our team of professionals. In effect, our team is committed to helping young people:
- Improve their self-esteem
- Change their behaviors
- Learn to manage their emotions
- Embrace outdoor activities and learning
- Learn to engage with the world around them
- Reconnect with their families
We work tirelessly to provide:
- A nurturing environment
- Experiential Education
- Academic challenges and opportunities that are consistent with our student’s needs.
- Individualized treatment that is comprehensive and holistic
One study found that most students who have ODD also have co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Consequently, our treatment objective is to treat the co-occurring condition and help the child learn how to manage their ODD better. As a result, when the child graduates the program, they should have fewer symptoms, improve their relationships, communicate better, and have the coping skills they need to thrive personally and academically.
“My daughter’s transformation has been incredible,” says Mary, a parent. “Turning Winds not only helped her academically but also emotionally and socially.”
ODD Treatment for Teens
As you likely know, there is no known cure for ODD, but it is highly treatable. Thus, the objective of a good treatment program for ODD should be to help teens improve their symptoms and learn to function better in their everyday lives. To that end, we focus on:
- Behavior Management Strategies:
- We rely on positive reinforcement and positive-relational engagement to achieve desirable behavior.
- Our staff is trained in techniques for de-escalating confrontations and maintaining a calm and productive learning environment.
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs):
- We develop a detailed plan for every resident that outlines their academic goals.
- Every IEP considers the student’s strengths, challenges, and unique needs.
- We regularly review and make adjustments to make sure the plan remains relevant and effective. The objective is to adapt our strategies as the student progresses.
Comparing Typical IEPs in Public School Systems with IEPs at Turning Winds
| Features | Other Schools | Turning Winds |
| Focus | Primarily on academic goals | Emphasis on BOTH academic and behavioral goals with a strong focus on therapeutic support. |
| Review Frequency | Annually | Reviewed and adjusted as the teen’s needs evolve during their residency. |
| Resources | Resource constraints, limiting support services | Wide range of therapeutic and educational resources tailored to each student’s individual needs. |
| Flexibility | Bureaucratic process delays adaptability | Responsive to emerging challenges and the student’s progress. |
| Therapeutic Environment | Limited | A structured and supportive environment in a safe and peaceful setting conducive to healing. |
| Family involvement | Variable | Strong emphasis on family healing and fostering a collaborative and supportive process. |
| Therapeutic Support | Limited | Every student benefits from individual and group therapy to address underlying emotional and behavioral issues. |
Behavioral and Academic Struggles of Students with Untreated ODD
Students with untreated ODD are unable to control their defiance. They are disruptive in a classroom environment, and are “annoying.” Subsequently, becoming isolated and find it hard to make and keep friends. Another common issue is school refusal, skipping classes, and increasing risks of dropping out. Seemingly, they thrive in challenging authority figures like their teachers, coaches, and other school staff, and they are just hostile.
Undeniably, our public educational system does not have the resources or capabilities to support these students. Consequently, these kids have good intentions but are conflicted and frustrated. They have low self-esteem and do not enjoy their lives. Many feel persecuted. As a result, many of these kids seek to escape their reality by misusing prescriptions or relying on electronics.
“Many of our students have faced repeated failures in traditional schools. Here, we give them the tools and support they need to succeed.” Fawn, the program manager at Turning Winds
Parental Involvement and Support
At Turning Winds, we actively engage parents in every step of their child’s progress. We understand that families play a key role in the effectiveness of treatment. Our therapists work with parents and provide weekly updates via email and video conferences. These discussions give parents insights into their child’s behavior and needs.
We expect parents to actively participate in all aspects of treatment and the implementation of the IEP. We believe that healing involves the entire family and offer family workshops while your child is in our program.
“We felt like we were part of a team working towards our son’s success,” shares one parent.
Furthermore, we understand that having coping strategies and getting support is as important for parents as it is for the child. Accordingly, we offer parents resources, training and the opportunity to benefit from support groups and online resources. Hence, by joining our online parent support groups you get to share your experiences and learn from other parents whose teens have had similar behavioral or mental health challenges.
School Success Stories and Positive Outcomes for Teens with ODD
Hearing about the success stories of other students can be encouraging. At Turning Winds, we celebrate numerous success stories that highlight what is possible with the right support and interventions.
Below are some testimonials excerpts from parents and students on what is possible with the right support and intervention.
“Ben was always very much against everything that had to do with the military, but two weeks before his discharge from Turning Winds, he suddenly told me he was interested in going into the military. I think if he found the right unit that would work really well for him.” – Be inspired by Ben’s Story: “Teen Disruptive Behavior: 4 Months to Transformation”
“My life was collapsing around me and I didn’t even notice it. (I came home to) sleep and then first thing in the morning I’d be gone again. I wouldn’t come back until my parents were asleep. It’s pretty miraculous I never, ever imagined that I’ll be telling mom that I love her, I have dreams again, goals and I have aspirations. I have willpower, and motivation now. A lot of the students get like two years ahead in school than where they should be. I’ve had a lot of fun here. I basically did whatever it took to graduate because I just wanted to see my mom so much and just make everything up to her.” – Watch student’s video testimonials
Conclusion: How to Choose a Therapeutic School or Residential Treatment Program for ODD
Setting treatment goals and evaluating your teen’s current condition is a good practice as you determine the level of care and support your child needs. So, is Turning Winds right for your child? With this in mind, we encourage you to consider these questions:
- Has your child struggled with ODD for more than a year?
- Do they have co-occurring conditions?
- What is the severity of their symptoms?
- Are they at risk of failing or dropping out of school?
- Is your child’s behavior leading to aggression or destruction of property?
- Have other interventions failed?
- Is your child using substances, self-harming or experiencing suicidal ideation?
- Are they likely to develop a Conduct Disorder (CD)?
If you answer yes to two or more of these questions, we urge you to contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can support your child’s educational and behavioral development.
