Supporter His Nightmare Is Probably Real...

[kdblossom]

I recently learned that nightmare my almost 6 year old neighbor, DS, has had for as long as he can remember is mostly likely based on something that happened when he was 20 months old. The story is one I can't repeat to his father. The main "monster" in his nightmare is actually the women that took him to safety that aweful night. (She was killed in an accident 3 years ago.) I am 98% sure this child has PTSD. I am trying to get good info to give his Dad.

P.S. I have never seen a child with so much "wierd" anxiety in my life. He only attends special ed classes amd is a year behind developmently. He "spaces out" alot...

 

[Jet]

Not to be rude or harsh but WHY can't you tell the father about his child's trauma? He is this child's father, not only is it his right to know but it is also his responsibility to get this child proper help. He can not do that if he does not have the facts.

If he does have PTSD then this child's life is at stake (think not? ask anyone here who grew up with PTSD what it has done to them over the long term). If you care about him at all you will sit his father down and tell him the TRUTH about what happened to his son. Then he can find an specialist who will evaluate the boy and give a proper diagnosis/treatment.

 

[Pale Warrior]

Anxiety in childhood is not uncommon and if he has some sort of learning difficulty there could be any number of reasons, only one of which is PTSD.

I have spent years working with sad, angry and traumatised children, children with autism and a wide range of other syndromes and disorders. Serious symptoms such as elective mutism, self harming, pica or smearing may have nothing to do with conventional trauma, but may be associated with the learning disability (perception, arousal and processing). Zoning out may even be a form of epilepsy or a symptom of something like Fragile X.

Unless you are a qualified professional with access to the child and family records, you are not in a position to diagnose. However, if you have concerns for this child and knowledge of events that his father doesn't, as Jet says, you need to speak up and make youself heard. Please.

 

[ProudWife99]

What PW said plus an additional please for the sake of this child.

 

[kdblossom]

I realize the truth has got to come out. For his sake. The story of the fatal car crash from hell (and the incredible aftermath) is not one I can tell online. However, it is something that even Hollywood could not imagine. I have already told an Uncle who is handling it really bad. I will need his help to tell the Dad. He will take it even worse...