Anxious six-year-old

[JM33]

My six-year-old son spends most of his time worrying or reacting to daily life.  He has problems letting things go and often brings up issues from anything up to two years ago.  He has problems with any change in our routine; he finds sharing difficult and hates his possessions being touched but will happily abuse them himself.  He is not finicky about cleanliness in fact quiet the opposite.  He did go through a phase of feces drawing and still resorts to soiling his underwear when extremely upset or angry.  He is exceptionally difficult when excited.  He uses noise, I think as a comfort whether it is in the form of talking at you or screaming (far more noisily than any other child I have heard is) in the midst of a tantrum.  His emotions seem to be extreme only.  In the pool he is at his happiest underwater where he spends most of his time playing around on the bottom.  He has no friends and is awkward when amongst his piers.  At times he seems to be in his own world and runs in circles or paces, arms swinging and head rocking.  He seems to have no concept of boundaries and no interest in being helped to learn them.

He has many behavioral issues and those alone have isolated him from his stepfather and the children in the neighborhood.  We are constantly trying to keep abreast of his emotional and behavioral wellbeing.   He is currently trailing ADHD medication which like all our other disciplinary technique modifications seems to have a incredible result at the front end and then things just slide back down.  He can be absolutely magical and is remarkably intelligent.  I would say the he is anxious or in trouble at least 90% of the time versus 10% happy and comfortable.

In a controlled situation he seems to be fine at the moment, we have only had good reports from Teachers and Day Care although he has just recently mentioned being teased by class mates.

He has a three year old brother who is just thriving, he is happy healthy and bubbly.  My six-year-old resents him still.  We are very conscious of using the same discipline approach and boundaries with both children.  Both boys get attention and love and reassurance.  Both boys do easy chores and I try to have one to one times with them most days.

[spunkamonk]

I hate to worry or alarm you by using the term "Autism", but I think you may want to explore that possibility.  My son is Autistic, and I have found that most of my assumptions about Autism were incorrect.  Autism has a very wide spectrum and a broad scale of severity as well.  Also, don't let anyone tell you that Autism is untreatable, incurable or hopeless.  I know for a fact (from personal experience) that THERE IS HOPE!!!

Please visit my website and feel free to contact me:

www.carsonshope.homestead.com/carsonshope.html

[JM33]

Thank you.  I sincerely apologize for my ambiguity, I was seeking advice and greatly appreciate the time you've take to give me yours.  I feel greatly relieved to have this added direction.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Based on your statement, even though there is no question, I'm asuming you're seeking some feedback.

There seems to be a combination of factors: possible emotional condition, as well as neurointegrative problem(s).

A clinical evaluation would make sense, in order to determine if your son displays a mood disorder or pervasive developmental disorder (perhaps of a so-called 'high functioning' variety).

In light of his response to stimulation, an occupational therapy evaluation would also make sense, because he may well display sensory integration problems.