Violent 8 year old maced

[PLAYER57832]

This is a more useful suggestion. We have heavily considered and debated this matter for years.

He has had privileges taken away before - what ends up happening is that he comes home from school each day and immediately starts shouting at my mother to go f*ck herself and kill herself and that he's going to stab her in the throat. It's horrible. After several days of torture, my parents usually relent. Things go back to "normal."

It is indeed a predicament. Perhaps it would work long-term, but my parents have thus far been unwilling to go through the torment it would take to reach an equilibrium. It is of course possible that he would never give up, and that would result in years of unnecessary hell for us.

It's a tough call.

have you gotten in contact with local Autism resources? Are there any in your area? We are fortunate to have an excellent center dedicated to autism spectrum kids, but not everyone is so fortunate.

[Commander62890]

We are getting help from a lot of different directions. He is seeing a psychiatrist and is currently on medication.

As the sibling, I do not know all the details, but trust me when I say that my mother has put endless hours into finding out all she can about my brother's condition (pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified).

Let's let this thread get back on topic. I'll respond to your excellent pm later tonight, Player.

[PLAYER57832]

The one thing to always keep in mind (I know you are aware commander, eddie, etc.) is that there is a WIDE range of behaviors in the autism spectrum AND there is a far, far wider range of issues that may or may not involve autism as a part of the situation.

The only real similarity is that these kids have suffered some kind of brain injury or "illness". Just like physical problems can be genetic, due to illness or injury, so also with brain problems. The term "brain injury" is used for all, becuase many time no one really knows "the" cause. (and often there is more than one).

It is unlikely that the boy in the video is "just a normal boy who acted out". That severe a reaction is not normal. However, without knowing the exact problem, knowing what will help is almost impossible.

As noted above, sometimes restraining is part of the solution -- or at least a temporary necessity. However, in other kids that can cause even more trouble. This is part of what is so frustrating for everyone dealing with children having issues. You have to look at each one individual and actually spend time with them before you know what the real solution is.

In schools, too often, folks are overwhelmed or just misinformed.

The difference between what happens to kids in an area where a school system has competent people trained and aware of various disabilities and one where they do not is as huge as the difference between a school where the teachers can barely teach multiplication and one where calculus is offered to all who can handle it. Also, one district may do very well with a series of problems, but not with other issues.

I know of no circumstance, however, where calling the police is an appropriate response for handling an 8 year old child.