Hi Im new to this group and really at my witts end. My 10 year old son has had behavioural problems for at least 2 years and progessively getting worse. He has an older sister aged 12, younger brother who has a hearing loss aged 8. Main issues are defiant, always wants to be centre of attention, agression, abusive towards his siblings, verbally absusive to me and has hit me at times. When he has an outburst he trashes his room, breaks things, has
wrote all over his walls and ceilings, rips up clothes etc. I dont really know what causes these outbursts usually it is after I have told him off for something. Constantly bouncing a ball in the house. Problems with sleep. Finds it v difficult to switch off. Stomach/bowel problems since
Jan. Had him investigated but nothing sinster found. Got him referred to a behavioural therapist. Not much progress was made. She has left and now waiting on an appt with another one. At school always in trouble. Shouts out answers before other children. Very defiant towards teachers when he is told off. Doesnt like school only to be able to play sports. At a small primary school....on the school football team. Plays alot of sports outside of school and is v good. V competitive at home and in school. V good at Maths. Good at English too but hates it. Cant stand school. Several days this year refused to go....used his stomach problems as an excuse. Tried talking to school to see if they could refer and get him assessed they werent v helpful. And even if they do agree in Sept I know the system is so slow here in Northern Ireland it will take for ever. I think he might have something on the Spectrum...ADHD, ODD or even gifted child. Just back from 2 week holiday with 2 other families. 1st week was awful. He was all over the placr. Hyper, mood swings, good days & bad days. Want to get him assessed privately before he goes back to school. Going into his last year of primary school. Im not sure whats the best route Clinical or Educational Psychologist? Any ideas please would be much appreciated. Once I get a diagnosis I then plan to get him followed up in the Health Service.