My DS6 was diagnosed with ADHD combined-type (with severe hyperactivity) and Autism (Level 1 but not disclosed) last year, he's an exceptionally bright and sociable kid but struggles a great deal with behaviour, I was hoping for some tips or advice.
He's very physical and seems unable to stop himself from pushing, hitting and kicking other kids when they come within arms reach. I've likened it to a sort of 'physical Tourettes' in the past but it's not as a simple as that because with Tourette's there's often a great deal of remorse involved following an outburst but with this you can see the mischievous look in his eyes before he lashes out... he knows what he's about to do is wrong but can't help himself and no matter how many times we tell him it just doesn't stop.
Is it impulsiveness? If it is why does he look like so mischievous before the act?
Is it dopamine he's chasing? Attention? Admiration?
To him it's 'playing' but to others it's not and he's quickly being ostracised as a result, not only from friend circles but after school and weekend clubs where staff are quickly losing patience with it, as are the parents of children on the receiving end of his physicality.
Has anyone else been through these behavioural challenges? Any tips or strategies you could share?
On the flip side he can be extremely caring if someone get's hurt (and I do mean not by him). If another child falls over or has an accident he is the first one there with his arm round their shoulder making sure they're okay and helping them get back up. It's such polarising behaviour. Again it could relate to him seeking praise or attention (wether it's good or bad) but in this instance where he's helping someone it really doesn't look premeditated, he genuinely seems concerned and very naturally steps up to help.