Thumbsucking and other things at 10yo?

[FTstepmum]

My DSS is 10 yo and sucks his thumb much of the time. Is that too old?


He also wets his bed and soils his pants about 2 or 3 times a week - we think mostly due to emotional issues since his mother left when he was 5 years old.


He also has a bear and blanket that he would take everywhere with him, if we let him (we told him that bear and blanket can be his bedfellows now, but not go out to day trips, restaurants, church or the shops etc.)

Is his thumbsucking also linked to all of this?

Will he grow out of this? I'm scared that as he moves up in school, he'll be picked on.

I wonder if he has autism or ADHD too. Some things he does are:

Humming, tapping, flapping his arms around, jumping up and down whilst playing minecraft, loud booming voice, aggressive with little sister, sulking, overeating, won't wear clothes (just underpants) unless absolutely necessary, can't seem to listen or focus, disrespectful tone of voice, no awareness of social norms.


He's a lovely boy though and has so many good qualities. I'm just worried about his future.


He's on the very long waiting list to see a psychologist.


Does anyone have any success stories?

Thanks in advance xxx p

[sleepismysuperpower1]

I think I would book a visit to the GP, both to ask about autism and to ask for help with the bedwetting. They will be able to offer advice and support, and refer you to a specialist if need be.
You might also want to look into a thumbguard, which can help stop thumb sucking, since it won't help his teeth and jaw at all.
thumbguard.co.uk/

all the best x

[BuddhaBelly]

My DS (10) still sucks his thumb and everything apart from the accidents are the same as his actions etc. He's waiting for an ASD/Autism assessment, the thumb sucking helps him when he feels anxious, nervous or out of control. He has a diagnosis of adhd with autistic traits and sensory processing issues at the moment. We finally got him dry at night at 8yrs old so he was late compared to his peers. We find if we make a big thing about something it gets worse, school don't bother to tell him off for thumb sucking and we leave him to it as we know he only does it when he needs it. Google sensory diets there maybe somethings that ring a bell with you that you could work on whilst waiting to see a professional

[LochJessMonster]

I sucked my thumb until I was 20 and my sister still has her comfort blanket at 33.

But combined with the rest and bedwetting I would speak to someone.

[FTstepmum]

Thank you all; that's shed a bit more light on it. I really appreciate you taking time to listen and respond.


I guess now it's the inevitable battle to get a diagnosis of some kind.


I've heard so many stories of children with obvious difficulties and the doctor won't pursue because it typically costs the NHS and schools.


Xxx