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Autistic household with one who is developing possible schizophrenia. Help!

Jennifer - posted on 09/09/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )

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I have three autistic children. Ethan, 7, who has a typical autism behaviors. He can greet others, have conversations, interact and behave mostly normal. Then he cant make eye contact, has repetative motions, lines things up, escapes, tippy toe walks, flapps his hands, is in his own world, melt downs, breaks things and people and can spend 96 hours awake. He also has to have full physical care and supervision. He also has bowel issues, eating issues, nerve problems and osteo problems. He was recently changed from all medications he was on which were antipsychotics. Recently, he began explaining that he had new parents and I killed them. He even escapes saying he is going to find his new parents. Life has become interesting especially in mixed company were people are staring, whispering or just plain asking why I dont take him to his parents. OUCH! Then, I have Mikhail, 6, who does not make eye contact, tippy toe walks, does not like to be touched, shuts down in new situations, lives in his own world and uses things for something besides there original use. He has passive aggressive melt downs: he's a piece of jello. He also has mild mental retardation, he is mentally 4. He can eventually form relationships after a long period of time. He has bowel , asthma and anemia issues. Both boys attend school with full time aids to help them. I then have Karma, 2, who we have recently began all the testing and at home services for. She says some words, is attached mostly to me, shuts down in social and new situations, cant stand to be touched, has eye contact, tippy toe walks, flapps hands and has melt downs. My problem is ,that as I begin the journey toward divorce and being a single mom, how do I deal with this latest problem that Ethan may have inherited from my husband? I know autism through studying and discussing with professionals. I am a little fuzzy when it comes to this issue. How will this change our lives? Has anyone heard of or dealt with an autistic with schizophrenia? I am lost at this new problem.

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4 Comments

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Melinda - posted on 10/12/2010

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Recently there have been some links between autism and schizophrenia. Our doc has discussed them with us as I have 3 kids with various degrees of autism/adhd and a husband with aspergers. His mother has schizophrenia and was put into an institution when he was about 8, so we are always concerned that our daughter who even at 9 acts like his mom sometimes worries us. The doc said as long as it is taken care of, and dealt with in today's world with meds and supports people with schizophrenia can have full lives, as can people with autism. I agree with him. I am determined for that to be the case and work towards it everyday. Perhaps read some of the new medical journal stuff yourself,a dn of course always ask the docs - sometimes they know more than they volunteer but we really want to know.

Kristen - posted on 09/20/2010

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My sister (who is 41 now) has classic autism with schizophrenia. Hers is a sad story unfortunately, as my parents didn't have the resources available when she was a child to help her. She requires 24 hour care and lives in a group home. There are so many intervention programs and doctors now well versed in these areas. I am sure the schizophrenia can be addressed with medication also. Good luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 09/17/2010

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Schizophernia is when they feel anxiety and have delusions. He thinks that I have really killed these parents that his mind has made up. He made these parents up b/c he is having a hard time dealing with being ill all the time. He feels that if he had new parents then he would be better and not need to see doctors. He fears doctors, hospitals and the tests that are necessary for keeping him well and alive. It is a snow ball effect in a way. His anxiety about his illness has brought out new problems and behaviors. I just have never met a parent that not only has this many autistics but dealt with one who may be developing schizophernia. Normal techniques used to deal with Ethan no longer work. He really has become a handful. I just refuse to quit and keep plugging forward. Right now we are looking at what is causing the problem: an inbalance of hormones or a brain problem? I just dont know where to research. I am willing to take any advice I can get right now. Thank you.

Kitty. - posted on 09/10/2010

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I have never heard of that, well I take that back, I have heard of it but never dealt with it. I can help you do some research on it. Isn't that when a person is afraid of everything.

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