Has he been diagnosed with Autism?

It could be that he has something else going on. It's not unusual for children to act out when their family life is disrupted. Have you taken him to a child psychologist and had him evaluated? The fact that you say he's very loving makes me think he probably isn't autistic or has a pretty mild form.

Whether he is autistic or has some emotional problem, he's going to need extra help, attention, and maybe therapy. The earlier it starts, the better off he'll be. To find out how to get more help, contact your local department of children's service or some other organization that would be able to point you in the right direction. In many places, a diagnosis like Autism can get him a special education aid in his classroom that can help him and his teacher.

I wish you all the best. You are doing a wonderful thing raising your grandson. He is very lucky to have a grandmother like you.

Thanks, yes he is now seeing a psychologist and we are waiting for an appointment at the Marcus Clinic. But it just takes so long to get things going with the doctors. I want to help him as much as I can. He was in such a violent atmostphere with his parents constantly fighting, And I mean knock down drag out, fist fighting, and he had to witness it all before I could get custody, It breaks my heart because of all he had to endure the first 2 yrs of his of his life. I know it has alot to do with the way he behaves. I put him in pre-k to help him with his speach and to be able to be around children his own age. His has been evaluated and is now in Special Education classe and it is helping to an extint. But I want the best for him and am looking for all the insite and information I can get. I know it is going to take some time to undo the damage that has been done to his little mind, and I am going to do all I can for him. I also have God on my side and together I know he will grow to be a wondfull and productive young man. Thank you for all you help and information. God Bless you...

Hi Grandma,

Witnessing physical abuse by anyone is difficult but when you witness it by your parents and at such a young age it is devastating. Perhaps your grandson isn't suffering from autism but from the same form of behavior soldiers suffer from after coming out of a war...PTSS Post traumatic Stress Syndrome. One does not have to be in a war to experience the effect of it by seeing first hand the violence of it. Please don't allow him to be medicated just yet unless he is in danger of hurting himself or anyone else via using a dangerous object etc.

In the meantime until you hear from the doctor, continue to be patient with him. Shower him with the kind of love only a good grandma like yourself can give. Alhough, you may not notice a difference now, you will. He need assurance that he will not have to return to that enviroment ever again. Time, love, safety and patience are the resources he needs immediately.

God Bless you, you are a true Angel.

Faded Rose

Thank you...I don't feel like I am an angel, but thank you. He is probably the only grandchild I will have. And his mother is my only daughter. I love them both very much. And I want him to have the best in life..Love and Safety from the violence. His Mother now hates me for taking him but, I could not stand by and let him go through the abuseive atmosphere he was experianceing. He is so precious and is very loving, He deserves a chance to know that he can live in a happy loving enviroment and be safe. I will do what ever it takes to make sure of that. Thank you for your input and incouragement.

Meet regularly with the special education teacher 6-8 weeks. Also, ask for the special education case manager at school to keep in contact with you regarding his progress. Make sure that there is an assessment being done so that data can be used to create a plan of action for your grandson's success.

I go to the school and talk to the teachers and special education teacher everyday, because I want to know what is going on and how they are working with him to get him to where he needs to be. The teachers he has are both Christian women and that I am greatful for and both are very loving and understanding. I feel like they really care about helping him. I am glad of that. Bless you for you advice. I will take all I can get. Thank you !