A young boy's mother tells of her son's struggles with disabilities that not many people can see.
I have a son, Camryn Michael, who is eight. He looks like a typical boy on the surface: that is, he has blue eyes, brown hair, and loves to play sports; a very active kid. If you were to get him in any tense situation, such as school, the changes in him would be most apparent.
You see, my son has learning difficulties--disabilities, if you will--disabilities that affect his ability to learn, to function. My son has ADD/hyperactivity disorder.
He is easily distracted, he has difficulty sitting still or staying focused on one set task, he is impulsive. He often forgets to do his homework or chores when at home.
To add to the mix, Camryn was also has "autism spectral disorder."
Basically, the latter means he has autistic like tendencies. He gets focused on one thing for hours; it takes all my wheedling and bribery to get him away from it.
He relates to objects better than people.
Camryn has severe behavioral difficulties. He gets violent if upset, and will try to do all he can to hurt whoever has made him mad.
It doesn't take much to get him upset. Any change in his routine is enough to drive him insane. Sometimes living with a child like Camryn is like walking on eggshells: you never know what kind of mood he will be in from one minute to the next, and at times it's terrifying.
Sometimes he's gotten so violent he's tried to hurt me or his younger brother, Cajin Filip, who is also handicapped (he has spina bifida).
It's gotten to the point to where I'm wrestling with the decision of whether or not I should put him in a mental hospital because I can't deal with his outbursts anymore, especially if he tries to harm his brother (let alone me and my husband, Charlie).
I have been at my wit's end with this child, and lately it's been more bad days than good. Just the other day, I caught Cam trying to put a knife to Cajin's throat. It scared the hell out of me; I'm still shaking as I write this down several days later.
I sometimes feel like I'm the only one facing this problem. People tell me I'm a bad parent because I can't control my son.
Well, I have tried to be a good parent: I discipline, I take away privileges, I do all I can to try to help him; yet I'm rewarded with backtalk, poor school performance, sheer agitation, and more. I sometimes wish I never birthed Camryn; he is an enigma, and right now I am having difficulty putting up with his idiosyncrasies.
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Reviewed by d. k
10/26/2007
A Mother's anguish is seen through this piece. It is definitely the actions she is afraid of, but certainly not the young son. I believe it would be normal of any parent to think in this manner, given the situation and the public's perspective. We certainly live in a world where it is almost a fantasy to expect the norm. A powerful write! Well done!
Autism and ADHD are both hard issues to deal with working with severely handicap kids in Highschool I saw the affects of Autism, and I have a nephew (Mikey) with ADHD, but I have learned to handle him.
God Bless
Michelle~
Camryn's Story is heartfelt. It takes a very special caregiver in a parent to care for this type of child. Patience and also rewards for good behavior is the key...thanks for the story today, Karen Lynn...you and Karla be well...Blessed Be.
You pen the complexities of autism and ADHD as if you've experienced it; this is the hallmark of a great writer, making your stories believable. Excellent! Well done, Karen.
Brain illness idiosyncrasies and complexity give trouble to the experts, a mother is not match for them, only one can hope that a little twist from god's will can alleviate some of the burdens.
Georg
As a parent of an autistic child, this story resonates deeply. Fortunately, there are resources available for children who live with autism spectrum disorders.
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
