Our son is 14 years old, diagnosed with Tourettes (VERY severe tics, whole body) and Asperger's Syndrome. He has severe social disabilities. His behaviors at school (especially when bullied) have isolated him completely, and he has no friends. He is involved in Boy Scouts, which appears to be the only thing in his life that is positive. His behaviors at home run the gamut, from helpful and caring to destructive and bordering on (if not in) self-injurious.
He is on several meds, which have moderated some behaviors, but lately his bedtime behaviors have gone off the charts. It does not matter whether he has just completed the most fun activity there is, it is like a light switch goes off. If he has to take a shower, then there are 5 or 6 things that happen every shower that become huge deals (the shower water got on his towel, so the towel is useless, he used too much shampoo, so he is stupid, etc). These same things occur nearly every time, and he makes a big show of these major things. When he brushes his teeth, he stands there and scrubs his teeth until toothpaste and foam come out of his mouth, then (again), he says he is stupid. The stress this causes is phenomenal, and this has gone on for years.
When he is heading up to bed after these episodes, he often says 'I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up', because of his tourettes.
Are there any therapies that can affect this behavior? He is seeing an MD for med management, and couselor, which appears to have no affect.
Also, when these therapies like conseling have no affect, is there a 'next level'. After five years of intervention, he is literally where he began.
Thanks,
Ken