ASD and ODD

Post Reply New Topic

I've read that 40% of children with an ASD meet the DSM 4 criteria for ODD also. I can't help but wonder if this was my problem (along with AS) as a child. I've always been very aggressive, explosive, and to this day struggle with even the concept of authority. I have also done bad things, which I won't elaborate on, but I've mellowed a lot with age. Still, woe be to the college professor that tries to exert authority over me rather than treat me as an equal. What really confuses me, particularly about the 40% figure, is that I read the experiences of people on WP and I just don't see how anywhere near 40% of you would meet the criteria for ODD or Conduct Disorder. Is there something you guys aren't telling me?

I would never have, ever, willingly or deliberately broken a rule. Some misunderstandings could have given the impression though, and I bet a lot of these 40% aren't doing this intentionally.

There are some autistic children who seem to thrive on oppositional behaviour and misconduct though, and in some of these cases there is no way you can explain that behaviour away with "Oh it's a sensory thing" or "He's just misunderstood" etc.

For example one severely autistic boy in a biography loves breaking things, and he knows full well he is doing wrong because he loudly proclaims "poor XXX" (name of the thing he just broke) every time he does it. Now this may have started as a sensory "stim" but the glee he takes in breaking things, especially other people's treasured possessions, you can't blame that on autism, sensory issues etc.

So yes there is probably an element of ODD or conduct disorder in some people on the spectrum, but I'm pretty sure that at least some of these examples of the 40% showing signs are down to an autistic person not realising they are breaking a rule or "misbehaving" etc.

I was told I had ODD as a kid but have improved (that's a joke though!). I have ADHD and Tourettes as well as AS though so I suppose it's possible that it's one or more of these conditions that makes me appear this way. I did something the other day which some might say is oppositional, but when you looked at it from my angle, it was my fear of change of routine which caused the oppositional behaviour. Long story short, in my care home we all have to do chores. I did mine which was to sweep and mop the hallway, but later in the day I was shouted at for not doing all my chores. I said that I did and got upset because I had done a good job (or so I thought). I was told that I also had to take the bins out, but it was no longer time to do the chores so I refused. I did it fine the next day during chore time.

_________________
I have HFA, ADHD, OCD & Tourette syndrome. I love animals, especially my bunnies and hamster. I skate in a roller derby team (but I'll try not to bite )

"""For example one severely autistic boy in a biography loves breaking things, and he knows full well he is doing wrong because he loudly proclaims "poor XXX" (name of the thing he just broke) every time he does it. Now this may have started as a sensory "stim" but the glee he takes in breaking things, especially other people's treasured possessions, you can't blame that on autism, sensory issues etc. """


Thats interesting - i used to get that when i was younger and i made things out of lego - when i was finished i wanted to destroy it completely - every little bit of it - couldnt leave a single piece still attached. Its like, now im done with this so i must completely obliterate it.

I still have it - hopefully much better controlled - but i still get those urges to completely destroy things - not just break them, but completely take it apart till theres nothing left recognizable. Oh and it feeeels so good doing it - theres something very primal and im ashamed to say quite arousing about it.

Maybe its a male thing? As far as im aware im not kinky or aggressive in relation to ppl - more objects. I have kicked a table to pieces in my youth - i spent hours doing it. Made me feel great for months.

my work's emotional evaluation results returned with ODD, so I definitely do have it. My boss knows it, it does help, people treat me better now.