Combination ADHD and OCD.

[3CsMommy]

Anyone have experience with these two disorders in a child under 5 years of age?

Anyone have experience with these two disorders in the same person?

I've finally gotten the woman I nanny for to admit that her 4 year old son has something wrong, and since she and her husband between them have those two issues themselves, it's possible one or both might be present in their son. Either one could explain his nearly uncontrollable violence and compulsive defiance before his 4th birthday. (He's a danger to the animals in the house, and is currently in his room for slapping one of the cats that walked near his coloring. She's fine, though hiding under a chair. I'm still shaking and might have a bruise on my shin where he kicked me during his tantrum.)

He can't be left alone for 5 minutes without some kind of mess, havoc, damage, or injury to a person or pet. There's a new baby on the way, and I'm not comfortable with her coming into this situation. With both parents working, there's going to be a time when he'll be alone with access to the baby, and considering fontanelles don't close for a while after birth, I'm worried that he's going to do her serious damage simply because he's not yet been taught how to control himself, whether he means to be mean to her or not.

What resources might be available for us to get him into some kind of behavior therapy or other treatment before his little sister arrives at the end of next month? I could see this child causing her serious injury, but obviously, I don't want that to happen if there's a way it can be helped.

Now to go get him out of his room and see if he realizes striking pets isn't something he should do. Wish me luck.

T.i.a.

 

[Parkerspetchins]

I saw nothing in your post to indicate anything remotely related to OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) to be honest which is where I have experience. Defiance is not a compulsion in children with OCD. Hand washing, counting, saving, etc. are common compulsions. ADHD is a possibility based on your post. Hurting pets is a very scary trait in a child and it could be much more serious than ADHD. In younger children it is very difficult to get a concrete diagnosis. Often unless it is a severe case they will not diagnose until at least 6 years of age. It is definitely necessary to get this child into therapy based on what you posted however. In a child so young I would recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy rather than medication since until the age of 6 there is not a lot of research about the efficacy of the medication. What the mom needs to do is ask her pediatrician to recommend a good child psychiatrist and go from there. Best of luck to all!

 

[mishellyshel]

They usually are not able to diagnose such behavior issues until the child is in kindergarden which is ages 5 - 6. It doesnt sound like OCD but more like ODD which is oppositional defiance disorder.
My stepson, who as of this past monday night is now living with us, has many many behavioral & emtional disorders. He has been on many medications in his short life. He is currently 8 and his unstable mother was able to convince the Dr. (by lying) that he was bi-polar and him & his brother have been on medication since BEFORE they were 4.

A lot of doctors and parents give up on children way too quick and immediately prescribe something before seeing if some of these children grow out of it. Some children just need more attention than other. That being said......injuring animals and having anger bursts in youth are one of the major traits that is consistant in many of the teenagers who have severe emotional problems. (there was a whole special on the columbine & other high school & young murderers, that all indicated they had a preference to hurt animals & small children in their youth).

I would have him taken to a specialist to be evaluated. Also oftne when they see a doctor they do not display the same things they do at home, so taking a video of them in action and showing the doctor is very helpful. even if they are phone videos.

good luck.......i can tell you it is a rough road living with someone with those disorders but patience and understanding of their illness goes a long way.

 

[3CsMommy]

Thanks for the reply. What makes me think about OCD being a possibility is how rigid he is (which I realize I didn't mention because that's less concerning to me than the tantrums and violence). He *must* use the red toothbrush which *must* light up as he brushes or he'll tantrum. He *must* put away plastic toys before any other ones, and suggesting he move something or put something else away first means he won't do *anything* at all. He saves every single art project, coloring page, or scribble notebook he's ever had, but won't put them in a specific place. They "have to" be out at all times, and asking why they can't live in the desk where the cats can't get to them spurred a tantrum, as did the exact same type and function toothbrush being white instead of red, or me calling his Bookbag only "Bag". (I got punched in the crotch for that one the other day. I don't think it was an intentional "blows to the crotch hurt more", but rather a wild flailing that just happened to land there.) If I pick up his toys etc. to clean, I'm ordered to put them back immediately, cue screaming and throwing things when I can't/don't. It *must* be his way at all times, and the only thing that can change that is usually yelling and taking him to his room to let him tantrum in a safe place. When he stops, he's more willing to listen and cooperate, but it's not really at a level you'd expect from a 4 year old.

I don't like the idea of medication at this age either; I think he's young enough that he can learn to compensate for some of it without chemicals getting involved. I'm just scared of what this kid's going to do if he *doesn't* get some kind of guidance sooner rather than later. Since I'm not his parent, though, my influence is limited. Are there any websites, etc. about pediatric OCD that I could start with?

 

[3CsMommy]

They usually are not able to diagnose such behavior issues until the child is in kindergarden which is ages 5 - 6.

His mom pointed this out last night as the main reason she didn't think anything was wrong until she actually spent an entire week observing him. "Problems don't usually come up until they're older", which is inaccurate. The problem can be there long before, but the treatment doesn't start until then. His birthday (turning 4) is in a week: by that standard, his sister could be 2 or 3 years old before something is done to help him, and that worries me because she'll be so vulnerable in that time.

Thanks for the video idea; I'll be using that over the next few weeks so we can start working toward getting him to a professional. I've never heard of ODD, but from a quick Google it seems like something we should look into. Thanks so much for pointing it out.

 

[Parkerspetchins]

Honestly, self diagnosing and researching too much on the internet can be a bad idea. It can make you crazy, fill you with misinformation and cause more stress than necessary. Believe me, I learned the hard way. One thing I do recommend you take a look at is PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus). The child's pediatrician may think it is futile or resist the idea because it is not widely accepted yet. All it would require is for the child to be given a strep test, no harm done there. I have done a lot of reading about it and while it did not apply in my experience I think it is worth getting looked at especially if the symptoms have come on suddenly. Here are a couple of books that I have that I find useful, but again, I wouldn't waste the money until the child has been seen by a professional:

http://www.amazon.com/OCD-Workbook-.../dp/1572244224/ref=pd_ts_b_18?ie=UTF8&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/Freeing-Your-...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269111211&sr=1-2

Lastly, if in fact the child has OCD, forget trying to rationalize with him. They are wired differently and trying to make them see an idea rationally instead of the way they think about it (or the OCD tells them to think about it) only deflates them, causes anxiety, and can ultimately really hurt their self-esteem. Try to understand his point of view (only the red toothbrush or he might get sick or someone might die for instance) and how scary it might be for him. This is where therapy comes in ). So that he can learn how to manage those thoughts.

 

[Sasha]

I used to work in a daycare and had a few kids that acted ike this. One in particular was also expecting a new little brother or sister. She was very violent, wouldn't nap, couldn't share, etc. The staff and I believe it was because of the new baby on the way. It doesn't have to be a chemical imbalance. A lot of kids have behavioural problems because of changes in their lives or lack of punishment/guidance/structure or attention. His brain isn't fully developed so I'm not sure if the neurotransmitters in the brain can be affected yet.

 

[Parkerspetchins]

We recognized signs in my son at the age of 18 months. At the time we did not understand that it was OCD, but when he was 5-6 it was very apparent and now we understand what all of the other behaviors we always thought were "idiosyncrasies" are attributed to now. You are correct in that children can be very unpredictable in their behaviors and they can go through phases and act out at certain times without it being a disorder. I would highly encourage this child to see a professional though especially given that he is harming animals. That is not normal.

 

[Spoof]

I agree with Sasha and Jean, step back and recommend a child behavioral specialist. They will come into the family and observe, then make recommendations from there.

Many kids that display those behaviors quit when cut off of pop, excess sugar and coffee. No joke, I've seen people give their 3/4/5-year olds coffee.

 

[3CsMommy]

My main concern is the safety of the vulnerable members of the household, not labeling the kid. This behavior apparently started just after his second birthday, before a younger sibling was even discussed (which leads me to think he might have something other than needing time to adjust going on). I've only lived here about 7 months, but he's definitely not the child I knew before I moved in, and he's gotten progressively more rigid and controlling in the time I've lived here. It's difficult to tell what is normal development and 'growing pains' and what could be an issue down the road ; I don't know anything about child development or psychology, but I'm getting a crash course now. :hair:

I realize it's not my job to diagnose specifics and that the Internet is no MD, but if I can show the father what the specifics of this situation have been seen to warn about before, he will hopefully react better to the suggestion psychologist, etc. He doesn't think there's anything wrong with his son dragging cats across the room by the neck, etc.; the response is always a nonchalant or distracted, "He's three" so I'm going to need something more than a hunch to convince him that a professional is worth the time and effort to get his kid checked out. Keeping myself sane in the mean time is the tricky part; thankfully the weather has been very nice today so he's been able to play outside for a while. Theoretically that means bedtime won't be too difficult, unless he's run out of the right kind of Pull-ups. (There's another thing that concerns me: he's made almost no attempt at toileting on his own at home, but is fine at school.)

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent and offering advice. It's helping me get perspective on the situation to hear from people that actually have experience with children, which I don't.

 

[chinsmom]

3C's, I don't mean to butt in, I know that I'm kind of an outsider but I have a daughter with ADHD, as well as an extemely mild bit of ODD thrown in for good measure. She's a very loving child, but some of the few questions asked by her behaviorist (psychologist) that stuck in my mind were whether or not she argues (yes), and whether she is mean to other children or animals - this one was a definite no, as she is extremely empethetic, and has a love of animals that is rarely seen in a child. She is on medication, and we are getting ready to get her in to see the behaviorist to seel about some exercises we can do at home to help with her difficulties with concentration. one of the hallmarks of ADHD is compulsiveness, or a lack of self control. These can present themselves in varying degrees. Just so anyone is wondering, she's not a raving lunatic, or a psycho axe murder in the making. You are right, the doctor told us that it is very difficult to correctly diagnose prior to the age of 5 or 6. In her case, I would say that the worst part of her "disorder" is the hyperactivity. I have watched her here in the living room just walking around the coffee table - just going around and around until I think that I'm going to go mad!! I have also seen too the difficulty in concentration - in her, it presents itself in boredom. One of her teachers, so far the best she's had told me that as long as things are going in a fast paced manner, she does fine. It's when she has to sit and listen, or work on something without any type of interaction. The ODD comes in with the arguing, and stubborness. All children can be just downright stubborn, but I swear that sometimes, she would argue with a brick! I think that the idea of the video is a good one, especially if the parent is in denial. It's very difficult to face up and admit that there might be a problem. When the possibility reared it's ugly head, I began to watch - very closely, and I can tell you It was quite painful watching this child, constantly fidgeting, swinging her legs, ect. and it being so obvious that she had absolutely no control over it. Not every child has to be put on medication, but I can tell you that there is a very obvious difference in her when she has not had her medication. I've read all of the posts, and It sounds like a good idea for this poor child to be looked at. This process started with a consult with her pediatrician, who then referred us to her psychologist. The way her doctor started was to have my husband and myself come in for a chat, it was very informal and he asked all kinds of questions. Then questionnaires were given to her teacher and my husband and myself to complete. when these were handed in, they were analyzed and an appointment was set for a one on one chat between her doctor and her - a few short IQ tests were given during the appointment. Then after all the data had been analyzed, my husband and I went in to discuss the results. This doctor is a psychologist, not a psychiatrist, so he cannot prescribe medication, so everything was done hand in hand with her pediatrician. The only thing I can suggest would to tread a little lightly with the parents. It's very difficult to think that something might be wrong, even if it's blatantly obvious. Like I said, I'm no psychologist, but you sound like you're kinda stressed over the situation, and who can blame ya? If there's anything I can do to help, and it may be just being a sounding board, I'm glad to do it. Just holler, K? I sincerely hope that things start to get better, but I can tell you, unless someone takes the bull by the horns, they will not - Especially if this poor baby has any other things in the mix.

 

[kimbt622]

From my perspective, it sounds like he has an anger issue or is acting out for some reason, could you think of any reason why? are his parents not around alot? maybe this is causing him anxiety and he's become aggressive because of it. As for the OCD, it sounds like he could have a mild case of it. but like someone mentioned, there's no trying to rationalize with it. I myself have suffered with OCD ever since I can remember and when I was younger I actually thought that if I didn't count all my stuffed animals before I went to sleep my mom would die or something terrible would happen. I was even aware that it was completely irrational to think, but i still HAD to do it. Trust me, its an awful thing to go through and if this poor kid is suffering this at such a young age, he probably doesn't know what to make of it and he could be acting out even more because of it. As for ADHD, thats also possible too but I've never really seen such extreme anger cases resulting from it unless its in combination with autism, which I see in my god son. No matter what the case, don't take my word for it because obviously I'm not going to diagnose him but I'm sure he's having a hard time with whatever all this is and I would just try to support him as much as you can and just play with him and enjoy his time good luck!

 

[smhufflepuff]

Regardless of which particular diagnosis or diagnoses would best describe his behavior, it's the behavior itself that you'll need to address. Two things I'll recommend: changing ABC's and adding structure.

ABC's refers to Antecedents, Behavior, and Consequences. Antecedents lead to Behavior that leads to Consequences. Consequences also change behavior by either reinforcing/strengthening it or punishing/ending it.

First, identify a behavior that's troublesome. A specific behavior that crops up a lot... like "he kicks me in the shins" or "attacks the cat." Then really really carefully think about all the things that lead up to it (ie, the antecedents). Backtrack, in you mind, everything that happens just before the troublesome behavior. The more you're able to think back and identify all the pieces that lead up to it, the better you'll be able to deal with it. From your description, it sounds like you'll have plenty of opportunities to view and think about what leads up to a troublesome behavior.

After you've figured out those antecedents, look for ways to change them. Like if things that consistently happen before "attack cat" are he's been sent to his room, he's been alone for more than 3 minutes, his lunch is late, and the seams of his socks are bothering him. Then some solutions are turn the socks inside out, stick to a schedule as best as possible (and help him learn to cope with lunch being later), and put time-out in a corner or other place where you can see him and he can see you. But, of course, don't change an antecedent in a way that puts you out... like now you have to walk on eggshells around him to avoid setting him off. The walking around on eggshells would be changing your behavior; not his.

So, that's one way to change behavior. A --> B --> C... if you stop "A", then there's no "B." The other thing to do is to change the consequences for the behavior.

It seems like he's learned that soiling himself at school versus at home leads to two different consequences. Maybe he gets something "good" at home when he soils himself (ie, attention) that he doesn't get at school. Or maybe be gets something "bad" at school (ie, shame) that he doesn't get at home. Either way, he's learned that different environments come with different consequences... You get the task of figuring out what those are for him. Then changing the consequence at home so it's relevant to him. And that can be the tricky part... some kids respond to a consequence of "go to your room" and then they change their behavior; for others, going to their room doesn't mean a darn thing.

The other funny thing about what's a relevant consequence for a kids is that they might be the exact opposite of what you think they might be... I'll give this example without disclosing any identities: a classroom of developmentally-challenged individuals... behavior problems arise... for some kids, getting attention for adults is the best thing in the world. For them, when they behave well, they get lots of praise and attention (which reinforces their behavior); when they behave in a way that's not in line with class rules, no praise or attention (you withdraw reinforcement; but aren't "punishing" them per se) - you'd let them know that they're not behaving appropriately and you'll be happy to work with them once they've started doing the right thing (and you specify the right thing). Other kids, getting attention from adults is the worst thing in the world. For them, when they do well, just a nod and let them have their space; when they behave badly, then you start lavishing them with attention until they've started doing the right thing (and you specify the right thing). Long story short... you really have to figure out what works for this kid in particular... even if it seems to fly in the face of logic.

Another thing about changing the ABC's you'll need to consider is he's lived his whole life knowing this:
Someone does something I don't like (eg, you picked up one of my toys) --> I lash out physically --> you give in and stop what you're doing and I get my way... it may take me awhile to calm down, but in the end, I get my way.

So... if you go about changing the consequence, you'll see a lot more of the behavior at first (it's called an "extinction burst"). Let's say you don't give in and put the toy back down, you'll see this:
You pick the toy up --> kid lashes out --> you continue to put the toy away --> kid super lashes out/becomes super upset because he "knows" that lashing out means you will stop it --> you get worried and put the toy back where you found it (and maybe even try to console the kid because he's so upset).

Now the kid knows "how to get what I want is to lash out and if that doesn't work, then do it more." And you've sort of "extra" reinforced it by consoling him... like telling a dog that just bit you "good boy" while petting him. He's probably been through this scenario 1000 times and knows it to be true.

Finally, you'll have to make it not true; you have to not give in; you have to put the toy away regardless of how upset he gets. And you have to not give in for quite awhile (usually 2-3 days) in order to balance out the thousands of times he's learned that you will give in. If you stick with it, the behavior will stop. It will become "extinct." The burst where it become really bad before extinction is called the "extinction burst." It's hard to get though as the adult. Really hard. Kids have so much energy. And it's hard to see them get all worked up. Really hard. So hard you'll want to cry too. But it works... provided you're consistent and don't give in. The moment you give in, the kid reverts back to the old pattern.

Structure... we know it helps with our chins and hedgies and is wonderful for people too. It's good to know what's going to happen and when it's going to happen. It's also good to know if I do x, then y will happen. Make a little schedule for him to follow with you each day... you can use pictures so he knows what's expected when. You can make pictures about how to deal with things when they don't happen according to the routine (ie, so there's a routine for going off the schedule - maybe it's calm down by doing some deep breathing in his special bean bag chair or whatever works for him). You can also make pictures of what behavior is expected, what is a no-no, and what the consequences are for the good things (he gets a special treat - could be as simple as holding his red toothbrush for 3 minutes or him taking you on a tour of his special artwork and complimenting them or whatever works for him) and what the consequences are for the bad things (again... whatever works for him). And then you stick with it like crazy.

Best of luck!! I know it's extra tough because he's someone else's child and they'll have their own ideas of what to do or not to do. But you get to call the shots while you're there. Could be that you end up with a situation where he acts one way for you (hopefully better!) than for his parents... much like how he'll act differently at school than home. Still the same kid, but capable of responding differently in different situations.

 

[saszygirl1]

JUST TO PUT IN MY TWO CENTS.MY STEPSON WAS DIAGNOIS AS BIPOLAR DISORDER. HE Also had add he got help at 3. he had some strange behavoir..too this day he has killed about 25 kittens 18 chicken l lost count on dogs rabbits and one goat .His behavor was the worst I have seen in children I have seen. We told his mom the behavior was totally unceptable at 6 he raped a girl at the daycare he was in.he also busted up the place really bad.The kicked him out.The mom went to the hospital.and hasnt been seen since.
For THE LAST 12 YEARS HAD BEEN HHEEELL. WHILE HE WAS IN TREATMENT HE HAD MORE GOOD DAYS THAN BAD.THEN HE ONLY HAD BAD DAYSWHEN HE WASNT TAKING HIS MEDS AND REFUSE TREATMENT.HE BEAT ME UP SO BAD WHEN I REFUSED TO GIVE HIM MY CAR KEYS. HE HAS TOTALLED 3 CARS ALREADY..WHAT WOULD SEND OUT OF CONTROLL WAS ANY ONE TELLING HIM NO OR IF HE WAS CAUGHT..HE IS IN THE MILATARRY GOD HELP US ALL.

 

[addictedtochins]

Geez, I am sorry for you all. What the heck is going on with kids these days?? I am having trouble with my son as well. Friday night he went kinda nuts while we were in the car, he asked if he could call the crisis line. I didn't have the number so I called 911 to see if they could give it to me. Operator asked me if he had threatened harm, I said yes so the police came, they were very nice and escorted us to the ER. The ER didn't help at all...I thought they would get him somes meds or something. Pretty much just got a list of people to call.

 

[Lmbswimmer]

For the original poster - can you go to school with him one day and see how he acts/reacts to different situations/environments? What do his teachers say about him? Do they have issues with his behavior? This will also give you an idea why he is potty trained at daycare and not at home. Do they use a different style potty? Do they go as a big group? My son is wonderful in pull-ups at daycare. He will go to the bathroom in a pull-up at home, but is potty trained in "big boy undies" at home. He can't yet wear those to daycare though since he is not poop trained at all. He chose to potty train early when 3 other kids at daycare started, so she lines them up whenever one has to go and they all go to the bathroom and then they all get their M & M. Therefore, he gets lots of reminders from the other kids and her when wearing the pull-up at daycare. At home he's too busy playing with just me or my husband to care about using the potty unless there is a consequence - truly wet.

(This section is not critisim, just based on what you wrote since I only have "real" experience with kids at the HS level and my own son) It doesn't sound like you have much experience dealing with kids, let alone kids that are not within the "normal range" when it comes to reactions. I would highly suggest taking some college courses in child development/early pysch/pre/elem education. Most of these college courses are available online through accredited universities and in many cases you can get full scholarships to the school to persue a degree.

Good luck, he does not sound like an easy kid to watch.

The other thing to look at is diet/sleep habits. My almost 2 year old - is a total different kiddo if he gets a sugary treat, we eat fairly organic, so a sugary treat is a rarity. He is also a very different kid if he doesn't get enough sleep - up too early or misses nap. I could definitely see some long term behaviors crop up in him if we were not so "on him in the moment" when he is off his schedule with correcting him. He gets very mouthy (bitey), kicking, pulling dogs ears, etc... all things he normally does not do when he is overtired. And overtired for him is missing 1 1/2 hours of sleep. If a kid is missing an hour every night for a long period of time then he could be way off. We are also quick to use a time out and put him in quiet time to calm down, but when he is in a usually good mood and we use it to correct a small behavior - IE not picking up toys after being asked, it works pretty well when he is on an off day because he knows we will follow through. I know my kiddo is nothing like what you are describing because he has never hurt the dogs, and his behavior is really just a 23 month olds behavior - testing his limits and heading quickly down the terrible two's path as I write

I wrote that more just to give you another idea of where to look. smhufflepuff had some good suggestions. The only other thing I would do is keep a journal on him. What time he wakes up, what time he eats - what is he eating? The next activity, all outbursts, all activities, all interactions good and bad, what time he goes down for nap, etc....) Then after 2-3 days look at the journal, are mornings better/worse? Before/after nap/waking up? Before/After meals - at the 1 hour after or a 2 hour after mark?

Again good luck figuring out something that works for this kiddo. He doesn't nec. need a label, but he does not some intervention. Early intervention sometimes leads to no need for a label later on because there is then nothing to label! That might be a way to sell it to the parents to - potentially prevent any label ever being applied to the kiddo, especially if early nondrug interventions work vs. waiting and having a 6 year old drugged to get through school, that might still happen, but it might not.

 

[Parkerspetchins]

too this day he has killed about 25 kittens 18 chicken l lost count on dogs rabbits and one goat

Wow, I am sorry that your stepson and all of you helping him have had to deal with such an unpredictable disorder. I have to ask though, because I cannot wrap my head around it and am trying not to be judgmental, how does a child with an obvious behavioral like his problem find the time alone and means to kill this many animals? What a terrible thing for him to have to live with not to mention the poor animals...

He doesn't nec. need a label, but he does not some intervention. Early intervention sometimes leads to no need for a label later on because there is then nothing to label! That might be a way to sell it to the parents to - potentially prevent any label ever being applied to the kiddo, especially if early nondrug interventions work vs. waiting and having a 6 year old drugged to get through school, that might still happen, but it might not.

Another selling point for the parents is that if he needs IEPs and special help at school, it is better that you have all of this documented and a plan of action so that he can get the help he needs at school with little trouble (well, from what I hear it is always trouble in public schools but at least they can lay the groundwork in advance).

 

[~*=Phoenix=*~]

I have a cousin who acted this way when he was younger. Eventually it grew into him abusing animals, cutting ears off and such. I would really watch out for the animals. When he got older he was diagnosed with both adhd and ocd. They sent him to a boys (rehabilitation?) home where they accepted even very young kids there. made them go to therapy, do their own laundry, live by a schedule etc. It helped him out tremendously.

I don't know much other of the details. Just the basics. Everything thinks I should go get test for OCD, lol.

 

[3CsMommy]

Thank you all for the input. I'm using a lot of what's been said to "formulate my case" in a sense to have a talk with his folks in the coming weeks. It's a touchy subject, so I don't want to just start filming, journaling etc. without their knowledge and consent. Tonight, however, once his father left he was pretty much the perfect kid. He didn't even throw his usual fit about going to bed or get up 5-6 times with silly excuses like a stuffed animal was "missing" (read: hidden between the wall and his bed).

I would highly suggest taking some college courses in child development/early pysch/pre/elem education.

My BA is in Theater and Literature with a minor in English; I transferred out of a Teacher Education degree my first semester because I generally don't like kids. The only reason I'm in this at all is because I was kicked out of my house, had to give up a decent job with benefits, and needed a place to stay where I wouldn't be moving back in with an abusive alcoholic. The only offer I got meant room and board in exchange for housekeeper/nanny services (no pay, no benefits, just food and a roof for me and Crash). I'm moving out shortly after the next child arrives, but I'd like to see A. on the way to help before I leave. I knew before accepting these consequences that I'm not fond of taking care of children (I do much better with elderly adults); living with A. for 6 mo. has cemented it in my mind. I strongly doubt I'll ever have children of my own, in part because of what I've seen here since September. Sad as it is to say, I would not have gone this long without professional intervention if A. were my child. At this point, me trying to get them help is just damage control.

 

[Easterpiggy]

I used to work in a daycare and had a few kids that acted ike this. One in particular was also expecting a new little brother or sister. She was very violent, wouldn't nap, couldn't share, etc. The staff and I believe it was because of the new baby on the way. It doesn't have to be a chemical imbalance. A lot of kids have behavioural problems because of changes in their lives or lack of punishment/guidance/structure or attention. His brain isn't fully developed so I'm not sure if the neurotransmitters in the brain can be affected yet.

I have a niece who was exactly like this. It spiked when her parents got divorced. ANY CHANGE in environment can set it off or spike it. The kid sounds a little spoiled and needs structure and a firm schedule. My niece grew out of it. It was only a phase (a long phase). On the other hand if it is chemical. I would try a therapist, because a kid will probably talk to a therapist rather than a parent.