Anyone have any suggestions on keeping the child with adhd out of things. My nephew has a photographic memory when it comes to where you put away things he will pay close attention and rest assured if he knows there are ie.. poptarts in a cupboard they will be gone by morning. We have a lock on the fridge, the freezer, the backroom door to the laundry room, the bathroom cupboards, my bedroom door, and previously we had to lock ourselves into the house at night for fear of my nephew getting out and roaming town (which he has done twice before while his mother was sleeping) There are child safety locks on the cupboards, but he knows how to operate them so they are pretty much useless. I have 2 children of my own and now their safety, as well as my own is in jeopardy. The other morning I woke to find that the entire dinning room and kitchen smelled like gas. My nephew had turned the stove on lite and left it running. He has previously put cookies into the microwave, as well and nearly set the house on fire. Which he always denies anything he does. Some people often say, "well, where were you?" Which I tend to find amazing because I try to keep an eye on him at all times, but I also can not sleep with one eye open. I have insomnia and maybe that's due to the fact that I fear sleeping for what he may wake in the middle of the night or before I wake and do. The worse part I guess is I feel like it doesnt matter if I am with him 24-7 because he will wait until you are in the bathroom or shower and do the exact same things because he has the opportunity. All I know is things are getting dangerous and any suggestions would help if anyone has had similar experiences. *The knobs have been removed from the stove, but I cant carry the microwave from room to room like knobs :) Thanks~
I cant explain how much I feel for your family. I dont deal with the fire but everything else is to formilure in my home. My son will leave the home any chance he gets and would walk far places. Now he is locking himself in trunks of cars. I put a lock on his bedroom door for his safty which by law you can if you protect yourself..Check his room very often for the fire problem..We gave him the master bedroom for the bathroom. WE got him a cell phone to call in the middle of the night if he has to pee.[A answering machine is needed!!!] This also allows me to take a bath in peace. Just tell him for his own safty he has to be locked up while you bath.I tryed to get help for my son everywere; From counsler to akron childrens hosp.My last hope was the crisis center! He is at treatment right know and I pray for the best before it's to late. Good luck!!!
helloshell38925.2707291667Are you certain this kid just has ADHD? His fantastic memory, walking out and wandering around at night, and obsession with finding things he doesn't need reminds me of my own son, who is high functioning autistic spectrum disorder. Who diagnosed this kid? Has he ever been fully tested for neurological disorders by a NeuroPsych? They can find ADHD and beyond, but, from my experience, this kid isn't acting ADHD. My own son used to sneak out at night. We had permission from Social Services to hook his door shut at night as long as we had a baby monitor so he could contact us if he needed us (he was a foster child first). He also has a memory like an elephant, even now. Their rote learning skills are phenominal, but they have trouble holding conversations and tend to have a lot of problems with abstract thinking. Even if it's ADHD, and it sounds like more, I'd think a good NeuroPsych testing exam would benefit the whole family. It won't get better without the right treatment. Does this child live with you? If so, I'd tell Mom she either tests him with more intensity or she will have to find her own place. Obsession with fire was a problem with my son too, but he understands the danger now. However, he is 13 and has gotten ASD interventions since before kindergarden. Good luck with your situation. Not easy! MomWI38925.1894791667Thanks for the suggestions and I hope that all goes well for you as well, shell. This website is a great help and great place to "vent" if need be. I know that most people on the outside looking in, who have never dealt with a child like this really have no idea how hard each day can be. I have always kept a journal on everything that happens in the house and the threats that are often made by my nephew. Although he is only 5 years old, he has made quite a few towards me because I am in the "mother" role. I hope and pray that the medication and therapy will help him which is the next step. Thanks again! and good luck to all of you as well!