Worried about my son....

[Debbie20]

My son has never spoke to any of his teachers or peers. He only use to speak to me his mother, not even his father. I've had nothing but problems with him at school. He rocks from side to side, gets nervou;s when we go out in front of new or in a group of people. He plays with his fingers like he's always nervous. He's always organized. His stuff is his stuff. He flips out if anyones touches or takes whats his, no matter what it is. Over the pass year and a half he has come from having no emotion to being very aggressive. I've always had and effect over him where he'd listen but not right now. He went from not talking to blurting out crap. He doesn't have a diagnosis and I've been trying everything. When he does do work at school he does a very good job. I mean he's behind because of his not speaking and his getting frusterated and shutting down.(Once he shuts down you can't get him to do nothing,) but otherwise he's pretty smart. He catches on pretty quick. I don't know, before they'll test for anything else they say that they want to rule out anything psychological. But my son is 13 yrs. old. and still no diognosis. I am worried his behaviors are escalating.

[jdtm]

Usually children with sm are very quiet.  I do know of a young fellow who is 15 years old and he reminds me somewhat of your son.  As of a few months ago, the "doctors" diagnosed him with selective mutism and bipolar disorder.  His parents do not think this is the correct diagnosis either.  My point is that anxiety disorders (and sm is a severe form of social anxiety) are sometimes co-morbid with another issue.  I believe that our child who was selectively mute when very young (and remained so for several years) might also be suffering from a personality disorder.  She was not quiet and acted quite boistrously when her voice surfaced which can be a sign of a co-morbid issue.  By the way, your description of your son also reminds me of a person with high-functioning autism (often referred to a PDD-NOS) - as noted by k10road.  But then, parts of this description could also describe other issues as OCD, BPD, etc.  

I would insist on knowledgeable medical mental health specialists as a child psychiatrist or a child neurologist even if I had to travel a fair distance for assistance in diagnosing and/or working with your son.  Your family doctor should be able to help you find such a person.  I wish you the best ...

[Debbie20]

Thank you that is what they have him diagnosed as right now, but they think there might be more we just don't know right now. It's frusterating because he's still going on without no help and he just got kicked out of another school...

[Debbie20]

Thank you, but not yet they said that they want to rule out psych stuff first so his appointment is today. He still sleeps with me won't take showers without a fight.

[k10road]

Also almost sounds like autism??  Have they ever checked him for that?  I have a little cousin who is autistic, and you almost described him to a T.  They are often times SUPER smart.  This cousin, at like 5, could disassemble and reassemble a car engine!  If it is autism, it sounds like a mild case.  The good news is that he is under the care of a doctor.  I hope you get a diagnosis soon.  Good luck to you and your son.  

[jdtm]

Not speaking usually means "selective mutism".  Selective Mutism is a very severe form of social anxiety.  I might suggest you check the site "selectivemutism.org" and begin by reading the FAQ's.  It is not an uncommon disorder but many doctors are still not aware of this issue.  It is also highly treatable.  I wish you the best ....