Hi folks,
My partner's son (9) was diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD at a young age and, from what I've been told, it is quite severe.
Dealing with him has become an uphill battle for both of us every day. Although we've tried to incorporate routines, getting dressed for school each day involves at least one or two tantrums. And getting back from school each afternoon means there will always be some sort of fight with his siblings which will include near blood-curdling screams.
I've known him for some time, but it seems that these issues are getting worse and both his mother and I are almost at the end of our tether not knowing what to do.
I've tried engaging with him with things that he cares about - aspects of science and history as well as certain television series and comic books - but these interactions usually don't last for more than a few minutes before he is distracted by something else. I've tried discussing his outbursts in ways that I hope might allow him to see certain aspects of how others may feel, but this seems to fall on deaf ears.
His mother and I almost fear the phone ringing while he's at school as we often receive a call to say that he's shouted at teachers or other students; run off from class; or destroyed property in a meltdown.
While talking to him, it often seems that he's 'not there' - that I'm talking to someone simply parroting what they believe they're supposed to say so that they can be left alone.
It's come to a point that I really don't know what to do - how to deal with him; how to act; etc.
I'm hoping someone might be able to suggest things that I / we haven't thought of that could be of assistance.
Cheers,
-SJ
