I have a non verbal child with severe learning difficulties, autism, adhd, pics and magpie syndrome - AMA

[clpsmum]

Ask away!

PICA not pics!

Have you found it difficult to relate to others and vice versa since your child was born or diagnosed? Are you lonely? Do you have a good supportive network around you?

I have no support network unfortunately. I live away from my family and split with my husband last year who's not the most hands on father. I get very lonely at times and although friends want to understand it's very difficult when it's not your life.

Have social services been any help to you? Is pica when you eat stuff that isn't food? How do you manage this? What is Magpie Syndrome? When did your DC get diagnosed?

My son is 19 now and has all the above. He remains completely non verbal as an adult.

As regards the pica I would ask what is the most worrying thing he has eaten?
My son has been to A&E three times this year through eating ivy, stones and a small toy.

Livingthedream how do you deal with your son's pica? Does he live at home with you? Do you / carers just have to supervise him all the time?

(Please just ignore question if you don't feel comfortable answering I am just v interested in this as don't know a lot about it)

Are you using the term 'magpie syndrome' tongue-in-cheek, as I've only heard of it as a cheeky term for someone who likes all the latest bling. If so, do you think it is fair to add it to your child's list of disabilities?

Also, is the ADHD formally diagnosed?

Concerned - we now have a social worker and she is fab tbh. Managed to get us two nights a month respite which is fantastic for all of us.

Magpie syndrome is basically just stealing stuff!! We have had all sorts of problems with this as you can imagine.

Yes pica is eating non edible items and it's a nightmare he's had leukaemia tablets, slime, wash tablets you name it he's eaten it. My kitchen now has a lock on it!

Living - I think the most worrying thing he's ever eating is tablets. But there have been a few scares and I caught him trying to pour himself a drink of toilet duck the other day!

How do you find life with your son as an adult? I'm guessing there are always new challenges?

Eggys - no not using it tongue in cheek it's on his official diagnosis letter.

Gosh that sounds difficult!

Glad SW is helpful. I have heard mixed things about soc servs - am glad you are getting respite

How old is your DC? Does he go to school?

Do you have other kids, what is it like for them?

Eggys - yes ADHD is formally diagnosed

Thanks for doing this ama x

Concerned - he is 10 and attends a special school. I have two other children and it can make life difficult sometimes because it's hard to do "normal" family things but they are very understanding

Eggys - ADHD was diagnosed at a later date than the autism. He was diagnosed with autism etc just before his third birthday but ADHD was diagnosed around about 8 I think

Concerned - you are very welcome. It was very hard for me I. The beginning so hoping that it will in some way help others. It's sometimes easier to voice concerns to strangers x

I have just come across this thread op, m child is also non verbal ,he has a diagnosis of autism and learning disabilities,he also has an underlying chromosome deletion he doesn't have pica thankfully but I do wonder about ADHD but his special school don't think he has,he's never still though , he will be nine in may.