DS16 diagnosed with ODD

[M2GMOJK]

I'm so angry, we have been to hell and back with my ds and I researched ODD years ago, and was told by a doctor that no such condition exists. Young minds have confirmed to me that he has it but the doctors have referred him to CAMHS three times over the years and now it feels too late. We are in the process of having to tell him to leave the family home because of the aggression towards us all. Why was there no help? Has anyone been through similar?

It sounds like you're going through a very difficult time.

AFAIK Young Minds do not provide a diagnosis, but instead signpost you to other organisations who can whilst providing support.

I'm surprised that you have encountered a GP who still refuses to believe that ODD exists; I teach and have come across several children in recent years with this diagnosis.

Despite your frustration at the lack of a label, I presume that you adopted all of the recommended strategies to support your DS at home. Did he respond to these at all?

What was his behaviour like at school?

What do you think the school would have done differently if your DS had a diagnosis? IME strategies used for pupils with ODD are very similar to strategies used for any other pupil displaying unwanted behaviour.

Could you ask to see another doctor and to be referred to a psychologist.
This is a serious disorder that can bring chaos to a household. Usually strategies for controlling child's behaviour only work if the family are given support on how to manage everybody's behaviour, responses and coping strategies. It might be an idea to ask for family counselling to see if there are alternative ways to deal with his behaviour which could make home life a lot less stressful for everyone.