"Pervasive Developmental Delay, non-specific" Topic

That's what my son (the recent first-time 40k player) has just been diagnosed with. It's a close kin to Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. He suffered from violent uncontrolable rages. He's attending an out-patient treatment program at a local hospital. The staff reports that you can actually see him trying to fight to retain control, which I am told is a good thing. It means that he's trying. It's kind of scary, because he'd been diagnosed for hears with attention deficit. Now, we've had to literally go through the house an re-baby proof. In particular, any dangerous chemicals, knives, and drugs have been locked up. We can't leave him without an adult, even for a few minutes (he's 12, so we hadn't been doing that anyway). Still, we're having to learn a whole new way to deal with him, from scratch.

What sets off the rages? Do you know? Is it frustration or are they idiopathic?

Ouch! That sounds like a real bear to deal with. Is this something he will eventually outgrow?

Pictors, it appears to be frustration, but the frustration can be over literally anything. Also, he tends to act on impulse, and has absolutely no control over the impulses.

Neotacha, he won't outgrow it but he'll eventually learn coping mechanisms. He'll also probably be at least mildly medicated for the rest of his life. the biggest issue is that he has wanted to be a cop almost from thetime he could talk. That's not going to happen now, not with this.

I'm sure it's trying on you as well, but I hope with love and determination you can help him overcome the worst of it. Support is going to be the biggest factor, I think, and it sounds like he is in good hands.

My heart goes out to you OG. My son was diagnosed with Autism-Spectrum when he was four ( He's Seven now ). He had difficulty learning to speak and he could hardly say two words. He used to fly into uncontrollable rages. I saw him literally pick up a dresser and throw it across the room. Once he was diagnosed they started training him to speak and cope (and they taught us as well). He is now one of the most even tempered kids I have seen. Though he does have the occasional outburst if he gets overly stressed or frustrated. Good luck to you and give your son lots of love and patience. Believe me it makes a difference. Be sure to find a good support group for you and your wife. Having an ear that understands can make a world of difference to your sanity.

Cheers
GeorgeD

I dont know where in the country you live, but if you're on the east coast, my brother-in-law works with kids and suggests the pediatric psychopharmacology unit at Mass General in Boston, headed by Dr. Biederman. They are supposed to be one of the best.

I can relate to that.knowing people in that condition myself.