DownSyn Forum

Solveig · Posted: September 01 2009, 12:19 PM Post subject: OCD and/or depression?

Just came back from IEP meeting. Academically we're where we want to be - or she's where we want her to be.

However, she's angry/upset/depressed/sad more and more of the time, she gives up on stuff she LOVED to do before, she has these ideas of stuff she NEEDS to do, and if you try and stop her, she'll have a meltdown. She won't go to sleep and she won't get up in the morning.
She used to love swim classes, now she hates it. Won't do what she's told in the pool, just lay around and do nothing - until class is over and it's time to get up; that's when she'll start wanting to do class activities and has another meltdown because she can't.
The only time she seems happy these days, is when she's playing Nintendo DS or watching movies.
Her teacher says she's not her happy self and suggests she might be depressed. Bene can't tell us how she feels, we need to "read her". I've been trying to find all kinds of different explanations, but can't seem to find any better ones right now.
Can any of you tell me anything about depression in DS kids?

Sorry if this is really negative. I know it's not a biggie compared to what some of you deal with, but I'm just heartbroken right now.... Crying or Very sad

_________________
Mom to:
Jesper 07/23/95 (stepson)
Hanne Torill 06/06/98 (daughter)
Benedikte 04/14/00 DS (daughter)
Mads & Emil 07/05/00 (stepsons)
Svein Atle 05/13/03 (son)

LinMac · Posted: September 02 2009, 6:41 AM Post subject:

Solveig

I'm sorry to hear Bene is off form and having difficulties.
I have no experience but would consider taking her to your paed doctor or to a child psychologist preferable one with experience of DS. Do you have one attached to your Service Provider?

Keep us posted.....

_________________
Linda & John
mom to Hannah Kate (Age 14 ), Robert (Aged 8 - DS)

First day at school

Helen · Posted: September 02 2009, 7:20 AM Post subject:

All I can think is perhaps hormones? Or pain somewhere that she can't communicate to you? So hard when your child can't explain how they're feeling. Then again, if it wasn't for the fact that Bene has DS, I'd say she's being a tweenager!

Or has she, or could she have, suffered some kind of trauma that you don't know about? Or having a hard time from some kids at school? Or she jsut finding stuff hard at the moment?

Anyway, I'd do waht Linda suggested and ask for her to be referred to a psychologist or someone who might be able to help further. Look after yourself Solvieg - I empathise. We've kind of been there with Matt and it's horrible to see your child changing and not be able to do anything to stop it.

HUGS x

_________________
Helen

Mum to ...
Rachael, Matt - DS & Autism - and Hannah. My gorgeous kids!

Solveig · Posted: September 07 2009, 1:46 AM Post subject:

Thanks so much, Linda and Helen for posting.

The tweenager-thing hasn't crossed my mind at all (why is it that I can't seem to grasp the fact that she is going to hit puberty in a short while??) and the mere thought of this being just that, had me in tears of relief. Maybe she's just being a bitch Laughing

and it's not some serious issue that we need to worry about.

We have a psychologist on our "Team Bene", and will be meeting with him in 2 weeks to discuss/assess this. He'll be observing her in shcool and having a chat with us as well, and then probably have a professional opinion on what's going on. If he finds reason to worry, I'll have her referred by our family doctor to a children's psychiatrist.

Again, thank you so much, ladies!

_________________
Mom to:
Jesper 07/23/95 (stepson)
Hanne Torill 06/06/98 (daughter)
Benedikte 04/14/00 DS (daughter)
Mads & Emil 07/05/00 (stepsons)
Svein Atle 05/13/03 (son)

Tom · Posted: September 07 2009, 5:24 AM Post subject:

Depression is a problem in people with Ds. The NDSC has a page discussing depression:

http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/position7.php

_________________
Tom

Dad to Beth ( 20 ) and Mikey (15 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog - Random Thinking
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Twitter as tgpaul

LinMac · Posted: September 07 2009, 6:17 AM Post subject:

Interesting link Tom!

Solveig....I'm glad you have actioned this! I wouldn't rule out puberty! Can play havoc for us girls! My daughter Hannah is in the eye of that storm right now! It can be difficult for her.

I think the changes you have noticed in Bene in the last few months are significant and must be investigate. I'm praying its only puberty...but if not you do need some professional advice to be able to help Bene deal with this!

Best of luck....

PS About a year or so I thought Robert was showing signs of being on the Autism spectrum. I was watching him so closely.
I spoke with the psychologist attached to our SP. She assured me it was just typical behaviour of a three year old...and not Autism.
Speak my fears out load to someone who was trained in childhood behaviours helped me alot.

_________________
Linda & John
mom to Hannah Kate (Age 14 ), Robert (Aged 8 - DS)

First day at school

mellysmom · Posted: September 07 2009, 11:51 AM Post subject:

Has her thyroid been tested lately? That can cause a lot of these issues.

Michelle

Solveig · Posted: September 07 2009, 3:32 PM Post subject:

Thanks, Tom! I'll definitely be checking out that site.

Her thyroid is tested once per year, and last year her results were better than they have ever been. She's always been a little on the low side on TSH, but last year was within normal range. She's getting a new test in about a month or so.

_________________
Mom to:
Jesper 07/23/95 (stepson)
Hanne Torill 06/06/98 (daughter)
Benedikte 04/14/00 DS (daughter)
Mads & Emil 07/05/00 (stepsons)
Svein Atle 05/13/03 (son)