Rage in a 4 year old

[TobeysMom]

My 4 year old son is presenting  a concern to me. I have always been aware that he is uncomfortable in social situations. He does not like to be in crowds, to be in any type of group or even be in a public place ofany sort. He seems to be unable to handle the sensory overload that I also sense at times. (Ex: sounds, smells, etc) As a young child he was unable to tolerate car rides, going ANYWHERE, etc and I spent many nights helping him to remain calm and cool. He can not seem to tolerate social interactions but in very limited situations. (He does not like people to come into our house, talk to his grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc.at times, expecially if they are overly wanting to talk with him, etc.)  I "shelter" him in that I simply do not take him to church, do not have alot of people over at a time, do not take him to stores, just to be sensative to his needs. This is very hard for me and hisolder sister because we are very social, interactive people but we are learning to adjust. As he is growing I am seeing periods of I call "Rage" where randomly, without what I can see is reason, go into a rage. Uncontrollable screaming, yelling, unable to control his emotions, body, he will hit, scream, throw things, hit things, etc. It seems very random and not in reaction to a situation. After he is "calmed" down he is remoseful and will kiss me, his sister, etc. I am highly concerned. It is almost like his nerves are exposed attimesand I wonder if he is bipolar. I dont know what to do or if I should seek treatment. I dont believe (I have a professional background ) that he is OCD, ADHD, etc...and I do not want to medicate a child who does not need it. Where do I go? I do not want it to get out ofcontrol. He will be expected to start school in a year or so and I am not sure he willbe ABLE to go. Friends and Family pressure me to take him to preschool, "insist" he stay, make him conform, etc, etc..but they donot understand or see the whole range of things that he is trying to deal with. What type of doctor should I talk with in order to explore possiblities?

[AllexandHannahsMom]

I would agree with the last person. It sounds like he could have some form of autism. I would take him to your regular pediatrician and ask to be referred to a specialist. If they try to label him as something you do not agree is correct (ADD, etc) demand a second opinion. You do not have to accept the first opinion or any others after if your instinct says it doesn't fit. Some physicians are lazy and will do whatever it takes to get you out of the office. Don't let them do that.

I know autism sounds like a very scary word, but in reality, a lot of autistic children can have the condition controlled by diet and they live perfectly normal lives. Next time you child goes into a "rage", remember what you fed him. If it is something high in sugar (which could even be as simple as white bread) this could be an indicator of autism.

I hope everything works out well for you. Good luck!

[Jennifer375]

Sounds like he should see a therapist or doctor I agree, but most likely they will indeed use one of the above listed labels to explain his issue such as ADD, ODD, or IPXL.. hard to guess. One thing you may want to ask him to be tested for as well, although I would think your doctor would have noticed sooner if it was the case but no guarentee's would be signs of some type of autism of which there are many.

However,, your comments, particularly the 'sheltered' comment sounds to a non-physician such as myself as more akin to enabling or molding your life to the will and desire of anouther. That may not be the case at all, but your post seems to imply that your wondering this as well. Without being in the home and seeing exactly whats going on though all we can do is go by the recommendations of our doctor if it seems appropriate and/or change our behavior to make everyone happier. Possibly it will be a comination of both in the end for you. Irregardless I hope you come back to share what the doctors appointment reveals.

*Bows in respect and apprication*

Jenn