Marvin Jacobs
New Member
I have a wonderful 14 (almost 15!) year old grandson who in the last two years has become increasingly worrisome. Some background information...four years ago, his drug addict mother (my ex daughter-in-law) essentially chose a life with drugs over recovery and motherhood. Three years ago he was sexually molested by a friend of his oldest brother (actually an unknown friend) of his friend. His father is a very good and loving dad but sadly has very brittle diabetes resulting in their moving from WA to live with me in IL. Almost two years ago, we came very close to losing him with sepsis and osteomyelitis (fighting a very high fever in the process). So, for the last year, we've seen increasing signs that something is wrong. It is now hard to have any kind of normal conversation with him. His responses...your mom...your dad...rhyming, obsession with chickens, etc). We cannot persuade him to wear jeans (insists on sweat pants), He is in constant motion, tapping things, pulling things, rubbing things. He is quickly becoming a very serious detraction in school and, while teachers are trying to remain patient, they are close to losing their patience. We are at a loss. Is this an emotional response to what he's experienced in the past? Could it be a response to a high fever that affected his brain? Or...is it an indication of some level of autism? Despite his aggravating traits, he seems liked and tolerated by his classmates (but I think that is being tested more and more). Any advice or wisdom you can offer, would be greatly appreciated. We just don't know where to start! Thanks