Hallucinations or active imagination??? | Autism PDD

Is this typical w/PDD or autim?  Last year (Anna was 3) she said there was a 'snake' and wouldn't get off the couch...it lasted for a month, kept getting worse until she stayed on the couch crying one day and woudn't get down. I took a flash light went through the house w/her looking for the 'snake'....I actually thought maybe there was one by the way she was acting....there wasn't. I told her doctor but they dismissed it.

Here it is a year later and she still says "no snake?" to me ever so often...as if I need to ease her fears, a year later.  Also, eyes. She says there are eyes and points to the window (I think it was the light reflecting in the window). SHe has been doing this for about a year now too.  But tonight, my husband was driving home w/her in the car and said she was talking to the "eyes" in the backseat saying "don't look at me eyes" and "ok eye you see me".  I am just wondering how common this is. My aunt has schitzophrenia (sp) and autism and saw things that weren't there but hers didn't start until she was in college. Anna is turning 4 and that isn't something I have heard too many 4 yr olds will have. 

Thank you for your time.

Mary

Have her evaluated by a psychologist or psychriatrist.  Gabe went thru that stage.  But with him it was just a stage.  It didn't last very long.  He did it for effect tho.  He saw he got more attention if he did things like that.  I know some forms of mental illnesses can run in families.  So the only way to be sure is to have her evaluated.  The neuro did tell me that Gabe already exhibits mania type episodes.  And since my brother has bipolar with schizophrenia type episodes, it is something we have to look out for once he gets older.

Tammy

keith had hallucinations on adderall. he was taken off of it and put back on metadate.  i know it is a very scary experience and very traumatic for the child. good luck.

kate

 

Paul has had psychotic rxn a couple of time over the years, so that's one thing.  Another if that if there really is something that scares Paul--like an unexpected cat (he HATES cats) when we opened the front door 6 years ago, he will still say, "Is the cat gone?" before we go out any door anytime anywhere.  Just some thoughts.  But I'm no expert not do I live with one.  love that!!

 

p=

Tammy,

thanks for such a quick reply. I have an appointment in November (took 5 months to get in).

How old was Gabe when he did that?

Hi Mary,
I'm no expert (and I don't live with one either)   but I do know that it is very rare to dx schizophrenia in children.      Is she on any meds?   Some meds can cause hallucinations.     I would agree with Tammy that his may just be a stage.    Some kids invent things for dramatic effect.     Her fear of the snake does sound real though.....perhaps she saw one on tv or had a dream once.    My mom is schizophrenic.......I certainly hope you child is not and that these behaviors end soon.    It can be a terrifying experience!!!!

We have dealt with similar things with our kids....it takes lots of reassurrance and patience.     Hang in there mom!!
         &nbs p;         &nbs p; bonnie

He started it when he was seven.  Started out with saying he was seeing bats flying around the room.  Of course that sent the school into a panic.  They even tried to label him as being psychotic.  But the vivid imagination still continues off and on.  He went thru the stage of the imaginary friends.  I had Robocop living with me and didn't even know it!! 

Tammy

Hey thanks.  Anna isn't on meds other than her Levoxyl (hormone replacement). I figured she was too young to be showing signs of schizophrenia. Her imagination is very active.

Her speech is very disorganized. It is impossible to have a converstation w/her and expect her to respond correctly. She goes from one thought to another and seems to forget quickly.  This is one reason why speech has been so hard for her. I just can't get her to stay focused.

sorry, i am going on and on.  Thanks for the feedback though. (:

Would you consider her impulsive?  Don't worry about asking and going on about it.  That is what the board is for.  I know with Gabe when I took him in for his SSI re evaluation, the excuses he could come up with not to do the tests!!!!  He has a future in politics I think

Tammy

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