We met with Dr. Reynolds this afternoon and while it was a positive visit, our lives are forever changed by the knowledge we gained.
I don’t have to energy to make a super detailed post about what happened but I’ll just to the chase and give you what I’ve got.
Today we learned that Gavin is officially diagnosed as a sociopath. This is a bit tricky because you can’t officially diagnosis someone as a sociopath until they are 18 years of age. However, if Gavin were 18 years old, he would be diagnosed as a sociopath.
I suppose that officially diagnosed is not accurate.
Let me instead say this. Today, Gavin’s long time psychiatrist has officially declared that if Gavin were 18 years old today, he would officially be diagnosed as a sociopath. Does that mean that he’s not a sociopath right now? No it doesn’t because he is.
His doctor says that he is absolutely, 100% certain that Gavin is a sociopath. When he turns 18, the diagnosis will go on paper. All parties and professionals involved, agree with this statement and concur.
This doesn’t exactly come as a shock because it’s been suspected for a very long time.
Everything has changed and we have a great many things to worry about and prepare for…
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But the tasks still remain the same, you still need to give him unconditional love, even if some days are harder than others. He needs you.
yeah. im not a big fan of labels or therapy. you seem like great parents. keep up the good fight! *hugs*
Safety…that’s what you need to focus on. I am so sorry Rob. I have NO idea what you are going through, I can only imagine.
My heart breaks for you all!!! I hope you can find a reasonable plan of action that will be the best for your entire family! Prayers!!
Praying for you and your family.
So sorry
I have had some scary experiences also. My son has been hospitalized twice… The last time was a month long. Mood Disorder NOS along with his autism diagnosis. Know you are not alone
I have a very good idea of what it’s like to live with someone with that severe of a disorder…no matter how much you love them you are constantly worried something will happen to them, or they will do something to someone else. It’s a lot of stress…and I hope you have the support you’re going to need to get through this.
I’m struggling with my son’s autism and GI problems right now. He has been vomiting 3 times this month now. I know how helpless and lost you feel. Prayers for all of us.
I’m struggling with my son’s autism and GI problems right now. He has been vomiting 3 times this month now. I know how helpless and lost you feel. Prayers for all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family . God bless you all!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family . God bless you all!!
Hugs xxx
Hugs xxx
Thoughts and prayers with all of you tonight, especially for Gavin because the world he’s trapped in, in his mind
Thoughts and prayers with all of you tonight, especially for Gavin because the world he’s trapped in, in his mind
I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry.
Sending
Sending
Our hearts are with you. So sorry~ confirmation is a blessed curse. All the same, so glad Gavin has people around him who understand who he is and who will help him. (Not ignore him.) One step at a time.
Our hearts are with you. So sorry~ confirmation is a blessed curse. All the same, so glad Gavin has people around him who understand who he is and who will help him. (Not ignore him.) One step at a time.
::hugs::
::hugs::
What have I always said…Gavin is anything but typical, so just try to hang in there and remain positive. Puberty does strange things to children…sometimes good…sometimes bad, but you never know. That being said, I love you all and wish you the best <3
Oh God. I am sorry for this turn of events. This has to be so difficult for your family, even if it doesn’t come as a surprise. My heart breaks for you all. Best of luck, you are all in my prayers.
Thanks Kim….
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate it…..
I am so sorry to hear about Gavin’s diagnosis. I hope that it helps you guys move forward and do what is best for your family. I can’t imagine what you guys are going through and hope that you can find peace in the situation.
It’s also important to remember that there is a reason they don’t attach that diagnosis until 18. The teenage brain is particularly susceptible to exactly the impulsivity and lack of empathy that are at the core of sociopathy, so for some kids, you are seeing the worst of it during their teenage years. (Only about 25-40% of adolescents who exhibit these symptoms get a full-blown diagnosis as a grownup.) So hang in there. It’s hard to take in, for sure, but I think juhl has a great point as well. It’s nothing you didn’t know or feel before, nothing you weren’t dealing with.
Rob, try and remember that it’s just a word. Gavin is still your son first and foremost. This isn’t a new challenge to face with him, it’s just a name for the challenges you’ve been facing all these years. You can and will help Gavin to be the best he can be, because you and Lizze are fantastic parents. Hang in there. We’re all thinking of you.
I don’t have anything enlightening to say. Just want you to know that I’m thinking of your family right now. 🙁
Carlyoung Thanks Carl. For me, the hardest thing is believing. I know that it’s true logically but nothing about this is logical… I’m in processing mode right now….. 🙁
I understand completely, Rob. If you want to talk about it, I am available. There are three phases you will go through. Disbelief, Anger, Depression. And then you will move toward find ways to help him. If you are like me, you will read everything that you can about it.
Like I said, I am here if you want to talk.
jillsmo thanks Jill….. I’m feeling pretty lost right now…..
Oh Rob 🙁 Even if you suspected it, I’m sure it still breaks your heart to hear <3 <3