Hi all -
My stepson is 16 years old, yet his development and behaviors are similar to a 4 year old. He can't walk down a path without kicking up a stone to see where it lands....he can't get hired at McDonalds....he can't remember to lock the door, brush his teeth, water/feed his birds and constantly "plays" even while doing dishes. He's been on meds since January, but still cannot complete a simple task list left for him on the counter. He does admit to acting like a 4 year old and has no intention of acting his age or incorporating responsibility in his life.
Are there any other parents out there struggling with this?? We need help coping and we need help understanding, as well as advice with how to better help him. It is exhausting!!!
A recent volunteer work weekend turned disaster....
Really appreciate your help!!
I think you should talk to his doctor. Doesnt sound like the meds are maybe right quite yet. Who does he see? I have a 12 year old who also at times acts like ehr 5 year old sister, but for the most part she is better when her med regimen is working. I also have a stepson who doesn't act his age. We had a psychologist do the ADHD testing and other testing on him. He is almost 20 years old, but mentally and emotionally he is about 12 or 13. His IQ is 80 (normal is 100). If I treat him like a 12 year old, then he acts and responds more appropriately than if I treat him like an adult. I don't think it will ever change. I don't see him ever able to live on his own, manage money, etc. We are trying to find some kind of supervised group home for him, but it's tough. I've only been the stepmom for about 19 months, and I had NO IDEA that he was so bad!!! (My fault, I know). I just wanted you to know that you're not alone!
I would recommend doing a complete reevaluation. I agree that the meds aren't doing him any justice.
re diagnosis and start the med process from there. You dont even know if he is correctly diagnosed and if there is something in addition going on.
Adhd does have the tendency to impact social behavior and maturity, but 16 to 4 yrs old is a BIG difference!
What is his diagnosis? Maybe time for a psych appt. to figure o9ut if there is something else going on.Thank you all so much and it is comforting to know/read, that I am not alone. It's extremely hard to hear him say that...."he wants to live in a trailer.....hates school....etc." because I know that's not a very bright future in our world.