Bizarre behavior

[mks81]

For a while I've questioned my 5 year old son's behavior. My husband just left for the military and now the behavior is maginified. I know that he is more stressed now that dad is gone, but any help with suggestions about the underlying behavior is appreciated. He has always had temper tantrums, but now they are more frequent. He cannot adjust to changing activities at all. He has starting running away from me in public when he doesn't get his way. He now urinates 30+ times a day without complaining of pain. He wants to wash his hands all the time because he says they feel sticky. He has to cover his ears when flushing the toilet or closing the garage door. Lately he has said disturbing things such as "I'll just go to sleep and not wake up" or "I'll go hurt myself then." There is absolutely no way to even rationalize with him anymore. He can flip his behavior in a second and be the sweetest most loving boy, but he is driving me crazy and I'm at my wits end.

[specialmom]

Hi,  I have a son who is 5 with sensory integration disorder.  I would look up sensory and see if any of the symptoms fit.  It can be a mixed bag such as:  my son had a complete meltdown when he had to wash his hands like it hurt him (said it itched) but would play in water for long periods.  He had tactile sensativity.  He is a sensory seeker-----  he seeks out input for his nervous system that involves crashing, jumping off stuff, spinning, bumping, etc.  High energy is an understatement.  Some kids with sensory are the opposite-----  they avoid these activities.  Putting hands over ears due to normal noises that are just loud can be a sign of auditory sensativity----  my son will do this with fireworks when other kids don't.  He also shields his eyes from light more so than the average child.  My son has a flight or fight response to being overstimulated or being unable to regulate his emotions----  he either melts down completely or runs away.  The things your son says that scare you are a sign that he is feeling bad on the inside and not right in his own skin.  Google sensory and see what you think.  It is a developmental delay that involves the nervous system and its messaging system.  Delay does not have anything to do with intelligence----  me boy is very smart and does well with learning.  

Flash forward to my son being diagnosed a year and a half ago----  although we do occupational therapy once a week, most of what we do for him is during our free time.  It involves lots of physical activity and things directed at his nervous system.  He now is much calmer, has fewer outbursts and is doing great in school (not a complaint yet this year).  I can give you all kinds of ideas of things to do if you like but in answer to what the underlying problem may be, check out sensory.  It is diagnosed by a qualified occupational therapist and is treated through OT.  (no meds will work on it.)  Good luck.  And it is VERY stressful on the whole family to have dad away.  That will intensify any underlying problem.