Need Help with Son's Public Rages

[Jennifer Kuiper]

Hi - I am sensing a disturbing trend with my 12 yr old son with Tourette Syndrome. He does not understand boundaries nor does he have any impulse control over his emotions. For the past two years he has raged in public on our street and at the neighbor's house. Just this weekend he went over to our neighbor's house, locked himself in their bathroom and screamed for 15 minutes about how my husband was going to beat him with a belt and then kill him.

Our son has done this before but now that he is getting older it is getting worse. He uses people, anyone to act out. He suffers from anxiety and will think nothing of contacting any adult whatsoever, the school principal, a friend's mom, teachers, secretary's, neighbor's whomever, to get them to drive him home from school or otherwise do his bidding. It is a very strange cross between reaching out for help and pure manipulation.

He struggles with both TS and Anxiety and is on medication. We have tried CBT but I am coming to the conclusion that he is going to need some major help. Does anyone have any ideas?

[LuvMKISA]

Bumping......Anyone?

[zep4141]

Jennifer -
Hi I am sad to hear about your son's neurological condition compounded by his behavioral situation. I really recommend you get him professional therapy in order that this tantruming (behavioral) does not continue into adulthood. A 12 year old is an early opportunity to redirect and develop his personality development. Waiting until adulthood will only make the problem more difficult to address. Act now as his Parent for the sake of your son's right to a happy life.
Very concerned,
zep4141

[zep4141]

Jennifer -
I noticed you have included CBT is this Cognitive Behavoral Therapy? If so this is a good start and should include a program for Temper Tantrum behavior. This is a behavior that is not reflective for the age level of your child. Strong boundary setting and consistant consequnces for the behavior should be instituted in the boy's life. You are his advocate to being successful in this time of difficulty. This behavior can and will change with the proper behavioral program in his life. I wish you the best in dealing with this situation.
zep4141

[Smithc]

Jennifer,

I agree w/the above OP that 12 is early and that is a good thing. Meaning that you have time to work w/him, his doctors, and his medicines. It is possible that his hormones are starting to change (as he is growing up) and all the extra testoterone is adding to his already complicated situation.

I would push hard w/the doctors to look into different, more, or stronger meds while at the same time, increasing his therapy.

Teenagers are tough for anyone and yours is gonna be super challenging. Please let us know how it is going.

Sincerely,

Smith