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Does anyone have any thoughts on if it is worth pursuing a diagnosis of PTSD? We know kiddo has it, the psych who diagnosed him with autism/developmental delay knows it, we just haven't gotten an "official" diagnosis.
He (6) has minimal language and has cognitive delays, so I'm not sure there is any therapy that would benefit him at this point. Is there anything we can do to help him?
He has PTSD meltdowns/rages approximately 2-3 times a week, but every once in a while, he'll have a day where he melts on and off all day. I just hold him until he calms down, and he can typically pull himself together if myself or DH are with him. At school, they can last much longer. It's just very sad..
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It may be difficult to find someone that will give that diagnosis at this point. They are often reluctant to diagnose chronic conditions like ptsd at such a young age...though some practitioners will do it at times to ensure payment from insurance or access to therapies, etc. There may be some therapies that can be helpful. They won't get rid of ptsd, obviously, but they might help process the emotions and anxiety that accompany it. Sorry that you guys have to deal with this... :(
Thanks, that's what I was wondering...if the diagnosis might give him access to therapies, etc. With his other SN, talk therapy wouldn't benefit him, but I don't know what's out there for PTSD. The psych at the adoption clinic mentioned PTSD when he was eval'd originally, so I *think* they were open to considering the diagnosis. I wasn't completely sure at that point because the meltdowns were SO frequent, but we're definitely seeing the clear difference between a "tantrum" versus a "ptsd meltdown" at this point.
I would definitely pursue getting the diagnosis.A meltdown due to PTSD is very different than a meltdown due to behavior issues for example. PTSD is an automatic response that a person cannot control. Behavior modification techniques will not alter that.With the diagnosis, it can be put in his school plan how to deal with these type of meltdowns. Schools tend to use behavior mods first (sticker charts, rewards, etc.) to change behavior. Since its PTSD motivated, these techniques will not help. Instead, he needs a safe adult to turn to when he feels his PTSD coming on. Not put in time out or isolation. But a way to feel safe. Maybe a way to talk to you on the phone.Also, a therapist will work with a PTSD child differently. The only way to lessen PTSD is to get to the root of the trauma. Be sure he see a therapist that specializes in traumatized children. Again, this is not a behavior issue, its a trauma issue.
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