I am in the Northwest Alabama area and have a nephew that has serious behavioral problems. He was first diagnosed at age 2 with autism and ADHD. Now the school he is in has diagnosed him with mild retardation and ADHD. He is currently on Lexapro, half a 5 mg a day, and a seraquol in the morning and before bed. I think he has started using his diagnosis and the fact that he takes meds as an excuse to get away with his behavior. His mother has been absent from the home for 2 years and my brother works nights. My father and I split up taking care of all 3 of my brothers boys. The one that is causing all the problems is 11. He is physically and verbally abusive and is a good sized kid. I can't handle him anymore and don't know what to do. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
2007-03-21 22:56:20 · 4 answers · asked by Ann Michelle 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
Hun,
In Georgia we have facilities that offer help for families in this situation and one is the Gilmore Center. I would encourage you to seek counseling for him. I agree he is using his illness and medications as an excuse. We all have free will and if he chooses to act out he needs discipline. I don't think spanking in this case would help. I do suggest taking away toys or things he enjoys and making him take time outs is going to be your best bet. He will learn that when his behavior is not as expected he will be punished and that alone might help him. If all fails seek guidance from your pastor and pray. Prayer solves many many things as God will help.
2007-03-21 23:53:58 · answer #1 · answered by Georgia Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I want to say.. thank you for helping your brother with his kids.
Second, my 11 yr old son is high functioning Autism/Aspbergers Syndrome.
There are support groups everywhere that can help with his behavioral challenges. Talk to your social services department for lists of groups, as well as see if there is a judevine center in your area. Sign up online for ASA(Autism Society of America) for the latest news about autism. And I would suggest finding a group to take him to that assits in what is socially acceptable behaviors, many groups are very productive because they know that everyone is 'still learning' about Autism, so they are aggressively seeking help and new studies in what helps the child best.
ADHD is one of the symptoms of the disorder, as well as mockingbird syndrome, some forms of tourettes, and many other disorders.
Sometimes being overstimulated, or just bored with the work at school can cause for hyper and unacceptable classroom behaviors. Also, the lighting in the school may be something that is too much for him, the buzzing sounds that we all ignore, he may not be able to filter out, causing his upsets.
The keys are in knowing as much as you can, and unfortunately, school systems are not as up to date about Autism as they should be, but this syndrome has increased dramatically over the past 10 years, so many schools are just learning what adjustments are needed for an autistic student to be able to focus and learn.
Think of it this way, if he doesn't have a natural filter to be able to only pay attention to the sounds he is supposed to paying attention to, he may become overly anxious and hyper... imagine being in a room where a clock is ticking, a computer is buzzing, people are moving and shuffling, the colors and patterns in the room are bright and stimulating, the bells in the hall rings, people walking through the halls...a phone rings, and that constant buzz from the florescent lighting etc....imagine hearing all of that all at once, not being able to NOT pay attention to it. He can not help somethings, but he can be helped to lower those sensors by either placing him in a more serene environment to learn in, or by helping him overcome some of the noises by turning some of those sounds off.
I have never used any type of prescriptions with my son, so in that area, I fear, I can not advise you on if what he's taking is helping or not.
But I wish you the best of luck, it's not an easy job to care for your nephews for your brother, and understanding autism better is a road we are all on together.
2007-03-21 23:21:57 · answer #2 · answered by Craptacular Wonderment 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
oh dear! I don't have much advice but just want you to know that it sounds like an awful situation that you are caught in. First of all, good for you for caring for this child & hanging in there. I'm in Australia so i'mnot sure what services you have where you are. Could you possibley have some respite centres that are run by local commuties/councils?? Do you have community centres or helplines in the phone book that could connect you to some local resources? Hope this helps or at least helps you feel a bit better.
2007-03-21 23:16:48 · answer #3 · answered by Mishell 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ohh you might have your self in a pickle but All is not lost if you have good communication with the father of the child... i would first contact the Dr for the child and see if you can get them in come sort of counseling since it seems you are mom/aunt you would probably be the best candidate to take the child to these sessions... ask the counselor what type of discipline you can use that might get through to him... i have an adhd child and as part of his routine i was told counseling so i did what was best and got him in to see one and after i think i had learned more then he did because i don't spank my children she told me that time outs for how ever long they are old (ex- if the child is 6 then 6 minutes they were in time out) if the child gets up time starts back over again keep in mind that you might have to sit there on them while they are in time out for a while at first but they should get the hang of it
2007-03-21 23:19:01 · answer #4 · answered by prettygirl_80650 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋