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Behaviors help students obtain something desirable, or escape something undesirable. Adults in general and teachers, in particular, should think about behavior as feedback, or a way of communicating, an approach that’s helped them work more effectively with students who display problem behaviors. Figuring out variables that lead to students with ODD acting out might help teachers establish a plan for handling their problematic behaviors in the classroom.

Picking up on a student's cues that their emotions are mounting long before things reach a breaking point is sometimes necessary. When kids who have suffered trauma begin to feel agitated, they frequently exhibit physical symptoms of concern, such as balling up their fists, retreating from classroom contact, or clenching their jaw. Many teachers disregard students' escalating symptoms of anxiety in the hope that they will eventually settle down. However, if ignored, even mild behaviors might quickly increase.