Help please...what's wrong with my 17 month old?

Question

Hello all. I'm in desperate need of help here. I have a 17 month old girl, Olivia. I'm not at all in denial that she's not very good. She's always done kind of odd things for a baby and just today I sat down and made a mental list of everything that I think leads to some type of psychological problem she may have. She has a very constant whine/whimper. She will be walking by herself and just starting whining. When she gets angry if she doesn't get her way she pulls her hair and very hard, usually ending up pulling a large chunk out to which she doesn't seem affected by. She's done this since she was about 5 months old. Just the other day she started biting herself and leaving marks when she's angry. She will be sound asleep and let out a deafening scream and not wake up. She also is always rocking back and forth. Whether she's standing or sitting, just constantly rocking. She's very mean for her age too and always has been. She literally gets enjoyment out of making someone cry.

A few more details I couldn't fit above. In terms of being mean, she is especially mean to a baby I have in my care currently who just turned a year old. Just today Ashlyn (the 1year old) was screaming and I went running. Olivia had her one hand smacking her in the face and her other hand shoved inside Ashlyn's mouth making her gag. Olivia also doesn't seem to learn lessons, for lack of a better phrase. She takes directions like telling her to go get her shoes and she will. She will climb on top of the walker and stand up. I tell her to get down and she stares at me, forcing me to actually go in and yell at her and take her off myself. She gets mad and starts crying, often times throwing herself. I realize this is just her being a brat. Seconds, literally seconds after I walk away she will climb back on top and the process starts over. We got through this SO SO many times a day. I'm ebarrassed to take her to the doctor's for them to say she just has a behavior problem. Thanks to anyone

This is just in response to a few answers I've been given...My child does go to the doctor on a steady basis. She is never neglected, ever. The reasoning behind not taking her for this yet is because she has just recently seen her doctor and had a thorough check-up. I'd be feel ridiculous to just be told she has behavior problems. I know she's bad.

To the last response about not believing I take care of children. Olivia is my 5th child, and this has never been an issue before. Something is off with her. I know fully well how to take care of children and I'd be willing to bet you've never even raised children.

Answer 1

A friend of my step-daughter's has a 2 1/2 year-old that does the exact same things and she was tested for a Chromosome disorder. It did come back negative, but they were told that it can be negative 2-3 times and then come back positive. I can't remember the name of the disorder, but you need to take her to a specialist...maybe at your local children's hospital. Wtih this certain disorder it affects boys more mentally/developmentally than girls. After reading what you added I have to tell you it does sound exactly like this disorder. She pushed her 1 year-old sister off the couch, she bites herself. I really wish I could remember the name of the disorder so I could help you more. She also screams in her sleep and they cannot get her to wake up and it takes them at least an hour to get her to stop screaming.

Answer 2

I do know of one thang that you can try that can help with behavioral problems. Be careful about prescription medications because thy can effect brain and body chemistry in unwanted ways. The best advice that i can give is to nutritionally support the health of the childs very own body. get this audio tape about minerals called "dead doctors don't lie" call 1800-982-3189 . I my self am very active in health care and i do not recommend most of these types of prescription medications. In my opinion I would not suggest or recommend those types of conventional treatments,there are alternative approaches that can be taken.. Here is some information for you about health. Drink clean bottled water , include MINERALS in the childs diet (the sports one is flavored or else i think that there are others that are flavored) AND EFA dietary supplements from a company called American Longevity, phone#[phone] Boswell Road, chula vista, California 91914 be careful about the amount of the mineral supplement do not exceed more then one teaspoon a day for the child and not more then one tablespoon a day for any adult,Vitamins, the vitamin product that i use is called E 7 (essential seven.) the telephone number is 1(888) 737-7307 i would take only one third of one scoop a day for the child . If you do some study about what exactly it is that all of these different vitamins and minerals PURPOSE INSIDE OUR BODY'S is you will probably figure out that they can help to elevate ALMOST all symptoms of ill health,there is a audio tape about minerals called "dead doctors don't lie" call 1800-982-3189 to order.
If the problems presist then see a Naturopathic Doctor or your pastor / priest because this could be some type of spiritual conflict that is happening to and or in the child. My hope is that you are a saved person, the bible says "we are loved by god with an everlasting love"(Jeremiah 5:8), you can go to http://www.bellevue.org and you can watch sermons live if you want

Answer 3

I would talk to your doctor to rule out any medical problems but it could be a combination of factors for her behavior. Do you have any special one on one time with her? With another baby in the house, she may feel jealous of the attention that the other baby is getting.

Do not feel bad for finding out if your child may have a behavioral problem. At least this way, your questions will be answered. If and when you find out if your daughter has a medical problem, there are support groups that you could join. Sometimes, knowing their are other parents going through the same thing as you can really help. They may also have tips to help you out as well.

Good Luck to you. I wish you the best and I hope you are able to find out the answer to your question.

Answer 4

definite, that may no longer a sturdy situation to tell him. he's 17mo and the 1st 4 years of his existence are the main crucial coaching and gaining awareness of years for him. If he's tricking him now he's basically bobbing up greater suitable issues down the line. the main suitable thank you to get a toddler to do what you choose is to lead them to experience like they're making the alternative. attempt giving 2 concepts: do you prefer to do ______ in 5 minutes or good now? do you prefer to an apple or banana? the toddler would be happy with having alternatives and you gets the effect you choose.

Answer 5

She is a toddler lady. I can't believe you take care of children and don't understand these behaviors. Sounds like a real smart kid but emotionally neglected one. She is trying to get your attention negatiely try some positive reinforcement.
She may also have some OCD since the hair pulling started so early or it could be a comfort thing whe she feels stressed she pulls her hair.
I think you might want to get a book on toddlers and learn a bit for yourself

Answer 6

I would definitely make an appt. to see her doctor, and tell him/her what's going on. You have to do something before she ends up hurting herself or another child. I know it can be embarrasing when our children act up like this, but you have to get her some help. If the doctor can't help you, they'll refer you to some who can. Good luck with this! I hope you find the answers that you're seeking.

Answer 7

I would go to the pediatrician and get a referral for a specialist. Also, ask the pediatrician about getting a referral to a neurologist. one of my sons had odd behavior when he was young, so I took him to the neurologist, and he was referred to other specialists for CT scans and genetic testing. He had hydrocephalus, and tortacalus, but we took him for all his tests, and appointments with specialists and knowing what was going on helped us immensly. We were able to get him into special programs that provided physical and speech therapy and now he's 11 years old and fully recovered. Don't put off taking her checked out. Good luck.

Answer 8

Sorry to hear of that.. I have never heard of such a thing happen before... only thing I can suggest is taking her to a petiatrician and take things from there... I wish you the best of luck, I hope Olivia and you are okay in the future. You and Olivia will be in my prayers.

Answer 9

Pushing limits is very normal for toddlers, however, I would seek the services of a developmental pediatrician. You can also go to www.childbrain.com and take the PDD-Assesment online. I think it sounds like a possible Autism spectrum disorder.

Answer 10

Screaming in her sleep could be a sign of night terrors, but that is more common in boys. Other than that, I don't mean to sound harsh or judge mental, but she just sounds like she's used to getting her way. Maybe a little spoiled? If you really think something is wrong--take her to a doctor. If not, then set some boundaries, and STICK TO THEM. I know it might break your heart to see her do these things, but try not to let her see it, if she's just after the attention, she will stop. I'm not saying ignore her until she seriously hurts herself, but this really sounds like attention seeking behavior. She's not a bad child, she just needs some tough love!

But if there is something wrong, it's better to take her to the doctor and have them say whatever they want than to let this continue.