My 12 year old is acting weird

[Nonzstop]

My 12 year old daughter acts weird. She hates crowds and loud things. She has random panic attacks in which she hyperventilates, feels dizzy, (probably caused by hyperventilating) speaks by yelling, replying really quickly and rudely, and says she can't control it. This often happens when we are eating out in large crowded areas. She is also bullied, and made fun of for liking cats. She has ADHD, and we haven't tested her for Autism. (I highly dought this is the case though) Can someone please help me?

[Blah050804]

I am 13, your daughter seems to be struggling with social anxiety which my be caused by the bullying and as a very new 13 year old I know from experience that 12 year old kids do not bully people for liking cats, your daughter may be just telling you this to steer you away from the real problem. I really think you should just talk to her and talk to her teachers/principal to see what's really going on. Even possibly thinking of changing schools for a fresh start if the bullying is what is getting to her. I will pray for your families health and happiness. Sorry if this does not help. Best wishes~~~

[anonymous_goose]

take her to see a therapist. having anxiety in large crowds and not being able to control temper can be easily solved with therapy or even medication. take it serious and don't take it lightly. you may think it is a phase, but it actually sounds like an anxiety disorder.

i have one and take medication. now i'm doing much better!

[BethCTech]

I'm autistic and these are things very common in autistic people. Check out ASAN's website or the Autism Women's Network for information about autism and how it presents differently in females. I was told I was "weird" by whole life, when it turns out I'm just autistic and that's okay.

[Berrybe]

Thnk God in India this bully thing does not hppn like in other countries in schol, high scol days..

[Sandman2]

Sounds like sensory processing disorder....http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/index.html

[RockRose]

Is this your own daughter,  or are you stepmom or stepdad?  The tone of your post sounds like you're only recently gotten to know her and are sort of surprised by this behavior.  

Since his happens to her in large crowded areas,  is there a reason your family doesn't choose quiet uncrowded places to eat?  Crowds are stressful for a lot of people,  and when she's an adult she can choose to avoid the situations that trigger her anxiety,  but she doesn't have that choice now.  

[SandirellaC]

Agree with Goose.  I have a lot of those same symptom and I have General Anxiety Disorder and Fibromyalgia, amongst other things). The symptoms could also indicate Aspergers.  A psychiatrist can help you with a diagnosis.  Good luck.

[Hdhsjxhch]

Your daughter has severe anxiety and panic disorder which is the first thing. There are multiple things going on here but the first is anxiety and panic disorder.
1) Anxiety disorder is the racing action of thoughts and feelings which leads to attacks, high blood pressure, hyperventilation, dizziness and many other things. When she has an anxiety attack it will feel like she can't turn her mind off and the thoughts are racing around and around.
2) Panic disorder is associated with triggers that make people feel physically vulnerable such as crowds, loud noises, getting in trouble etc. If and when she has a panic attack she will feel as though she is falling down the stairs or missed a step, like her body is moving without her. Her mind will be quiet but her body will be the fast moving part. High blood pressure, hyperventilating, shaking, dizziness etc.
3) You're daughter seems to be sensitive to noises, people, and much more, she has sensitivity disorder which is often times associated with ADHD.

[Jennlynn79]

Very normal behavior for a child with ADHD. If she is taking medication for it there is side effects that make anxiety worse. If she takes a long release med for it then you'll be able to know and recognize when it's wearing off by how her mood and anxiety start increasing. Her age and ADHD is in my opinion most definitely the cause of everything you described. I have 4 kids and my 11 year old and my self test high on the scales of ADHD. The struggle is real especially if people in your every day life don't know how the meds effect your moods.

[specialmom]

Agree with the sensory thoughts.  Crowds make my son with sensory very uncomfortable, not liking loud things is also a classic sensory issue.  How is she with clothing? Does she have extreme likes and dislikes such as no tags?  And awkwardness socially is another hallmark of sensory.  Check out the link sandman gave you and see what you think.  We're here to help!