Regulating Impulse Control, Emotions, and Social Skills
WHAT IS ODD?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioural condition characterised by a persistent pattern of irritability, defiance, and emotional reactivity.
These behaviours are more frequent and intense than expected for developmental age and can impact social and academic functioning.
You might notice:
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Frequent anger or irritability
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Defiant or oppositional behaviour
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Emotional outbursts or meltdowns
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Argumentative interactions with adults
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Aggressive or reactive responses
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Attempts to control situations or avoid demands
These behaviours do not occur in isolation.
They are often linked to underlying neurodevelopmental and regulatory processes.
Look Beneath the Surface
Our approach focuses on identifying immaturities within neurodevelopmental foundations that may be influencing behaviour.
This is called a “ground -up approach”
REGULATION
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for emotional regulation, impulse control, and social behaviour.
When a child is in a fight-or-flight state, access to this system is reduced.
Behaviour becomes more reactive and less controlled.
RETAINED REFLEXES
Retained reflexes can contribute to persistent activation of the primitive brain.
This can result in:
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Heightened emotional reactivity
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Impulsivity
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Reduced regulation
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Inconsistent behavioural responses
FIGHT / FLIGHT RESPONSE
When the nervous system perceives threat:
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Behaviour becomes reactive and impulsive
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The child is not in full voluntary control
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Responses are driven by survival mechanisms
This may present as:
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Intense reactions to minor triggers
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Rage or meltdowns
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Physical outbursts
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Avoidance behaviours
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Need for control
NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION
Behaviour is closely linked to the autonomic nervous system.
The vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating physiological and emotional states.
Three primary states:
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Ventral vagal (regulated): calm, socially engaged
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Sympathetic (fight/flight): heightened alertness, reactivity
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Dorsal vagal (freeze): shutdown or withdrawal
How can the Developmental Learning Centre help?
Following an assessment, therapy is targeted towards improving regulation and underlying neurological function.
As regulation improves, children will demonstrate:
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Reduced emotional reactivity
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Improved behavioural control
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Increased capacity for social engagement
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Greater sense of safety and stability
Integrated Listening Therapy / Safe & Sound Protocol
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Provides structured auditory input
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Stimulates the vagus nerve
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Supports nervous system regulation
Developmental Movement Therapy
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Supports integration of retained reflexes
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Promotes maturation of neural pathways
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Improves regulation and behavioural control