Is It possible....updated...jo W.

Is this for real?

Yes, I believe there is a BIG problem when a kid is hoarding, sexually explicit, cruel, and blowing up animals. If the parent doesn't care, they are a part of the problem. If I witnessed these things, and saw the parents doing nothing...I would call CPS. That's just me, though.

Cruelty to animals at this level is a clear sign of serious issues at any age, along with sexual acts, etc. you have more than enough information to assume a serious problem exists. Whether it is a major personality disorder or not, isn't for us to guess. I would report the family to CPS as others have suggested. Taking this to the parents would not likely help. If they were aware and concerned, they already would have sought help. Let the authorities know.

1. Yes, it's possible. Very possible. Since you spared us details, I'll spare you details. :-)

2. You call Child Protective Services aka Department of Children and Youth Services aka Social Services and file a report. You can do so anonymously but give them as many details as you can that are factual and not opinions. They are required by law to begin an investigation within 11 days of a report being filed.

Since you've been a babysitter for this child, I would consider you a mandated reporter. Please call CPS/DCYS.

Depends on the disorder, some can. Psychologists are usually the best for this type of diagnosis, usually. Just as vague as you are being I can't say for sure.

So after reading the what happened, I would suggest you call whatever form of DFS you have there and report this! Yeah, those are pretty clear indications he is on the road to nutsville. I think it is serious enough that discussing it with mom just isn't enough. I wouldn't want it on my conscience if he graduated from mice to small children.

Sorry about he non clinical terms, my brain shut down an hour ago.

Oh holy cow that's seriously scary stuff. I too would call CPS. This child desperately needs some help before he lands in the criminal justice system, which is not a great first-line approach for mental health care.

Yes, absolutely. I have a very good friend who's daughter was just diagnosed as bi-polar and schizophrenic at age 12.

As for how to address this with someone you don't like? Why do you need to? If this isn't someone you're close with, it's kind of none of your business. I'm sure you mean well, but perhaps the woman is already aware... and if not, hearing it from someone she doesn't like isn't going to help.

Edited to add: Just saw your "what happened" and holy heck YES - get this child some help. Cruelty to animals is one of the earliest signs of a sociopath. Call CFS or whatever other social services department you have and report it yourself. This boy needs help and you may be the only one strong enough to get it for him.

1. Yes, children can be diagnosed with major personality disorders.

2. In this child's case, I would document everything, print it out and give it to her. I would call CPS, and I would likely also contact the school/email his school counselor/principal once school starts up again.

Did he blow up the mouse today.. while he is in your care? I would call the police on him right now. That will get the ball rolling. He NEEDS professional intervention asap.

Possibly a form of Attachment Disorder.. I had a sibling with that, was diagnosed around the age of 6 or so.

Call CPS and find out what you could/should do in this situation and if the child is a danger then you need to do what you can to remove them from your life and have the issue addressed, by CPS, not you.

Please call social services about this child. If you don't, who will? It's obvious that his parents can't handle him.

Children who do this kind of stuff, blowing up animals, cruelty to animals, are sociopaths in the making. It is so important for him to get help now in order to possibly prevent him from becoming a serial killer.

I'm so sorry you were having to deal with this. Makes ya not want to have kids...

Dawn

ETA: Sorry - just read your SWH! Save the mouse as proof and call the police or CPS or some other agency that helps children. Call the non-emergency police number and tell them this situation and ask them where or who they would call or take him to.

I would DEFINITELY report this. Do NOT let it slide just because you aren't watching him anymore. It might not be a mouse next time.
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Original post

I would do what I had to take care of my child. If that means taking him to someone who comes HIGHLY recommended or is the best in their field? Then I would have to suck it up and go to her to help my child.

I'm not a psychiatrist so I don't know the age when personality disorders start to show.

GOOD LUCK!!!

If you think there could be an issue you would take them to a psychologist. I don't know how old people have to be I think a lot of parents are in denial and that could be why they don't take their kid to get checked out.

Add: You made the right decision! I would not want that child in my house either and his parents need to get him help!!!!!!!!

you need to give more info for more solid advice.

1. yes-definitely
2. CPS- as soon as possible. Your action will save his life, and possibly others from harm.

As the babysitter you are a mandated reporter. Call CPS with your concerns. As far as how young they can be diagnosed, yes, it can be diagnosed that young. I knew I was different at age 8, as no one else I knew had such severe mood swings, especially the horrible depression I suffered. I wasn't properly diagnosed until I was in my 30s. My life could have been so different had I had the right meds and therapy.

The term personality disorder is very vague and covers a wide range of diagnoses. Some show signs earlier than others, and it's very broad depending on which cluster of disorders you are talking about. Here's good link:
http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/personality-d...
As far as suggesting that a child needs to be tested? I would only bring it up if I was very close to the child, or had a working relationship with them (like if it was one of my students or scout troop members.) Even then I would tread lightly. Chances are the school and/or doctor will pick up on it eventually, and unless the child is in danger or a danger to others, it wouldn't really be my business or place to say anything.
ETA: well if the kid is as bad as you say in your SWH there's really no point in saying anything to the parents as they must feel this behavior is perfectly normal, otherwise they would have reached out for help by now :(

I've had some classes in psychology, but I am by no means an expert, but here are my thoughts from what I remember from my classes (its been awhile).

Let me address your second question first. Your best bet for an evaluation would probably be though a psychiatrist. They are really the best when it comes to diganosis and evaluations. Make sure you get one that specializes in children and/or teens because they will have the skills needed to work with and 11-year old. A referral will be needed from a primary care physician like a family doctor or a pediatrician most of the time, most psychiatrist require this. You can often find good pscychiatrists at many children's hospitals/medicals centers if you are close to one.

Now, for your first question. Yes, an 11 year old can show signs of a personality disorder, but it can be hard to diagnose. Mainly because chiildren are deveolping and changing so much at that age. As I am sure you know, a child's brain development changes so fast. Plus, an 11 year old is entering puberty and the body's chemistry is changing as well.

Also, many signs and symptoms that a child displayw can be attributed to many different disorders that it is often difficult to figure out what the proper diagnosis is. Often, it isn't clear until the late teens or early twenties what the proper diagnosis is, This can be so frustrating for parents and caregivers.

Also, the guidelines for diagnosing many mental illnesses prevent doctors from diagnosis some illnesses until a child reaches 18. So, the 11 year old you are talking about may in fact have a personality disorder but may not officially daignosed as such until the age of 18. Until then, there may be a broader, more generic diagnosis applied, but I cannot remember what it is right now.

I don't know if any of this makes sense, but I hope it helps. Good luck.

Is this the child of your moonshine/morphine next door neighbor buddies??

I'm assuming when you called her at work to get her son right away, you told her why and that you had reported the behavior to proper authorities (police & CPS). If you didn't say anything all last year and these things were happening, that is really unfortunate. You have young children you need to protect,

Is this not your child? Are you just babysitting him?

I didn't read the other responses, so I don't know what was already said.
I took a foster parent class on raising children of parents with behavioral disorders. It was taught by a doctor of psychology (I don't remember his official title. My brain is beginning to turn to mush after a long day of a teething baby!!). I specifically remember his stating that behavioral disorders are extremely difficult if not impossible to diagnose until adulthood. He said that he personally won't give a diagnosis of that kind of disorder to a child.
I was very interested in this because my little guy's birthmom has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and I am terrified that he could have that in his genes!
His symptoms are definitely signs of trouble. Even if it's not a personality disorder, it is clearly a sign that this kid needs help and fast! CPS is the way to go here. They really need to intervene.

I hate to sound like an alarmist but Jeffrey Dahmer and many other whack job sexual murderers and predators started out displaying some of those very traits. It's not right and this kid needs some serious help! The unfortunate reality is that his parents probably have their heads in the sand and he will not get the help he needs. There is no way in hell I'd let that kid anywhere near my children!

Okay, yikes.

So, from what I gather, this isn't your kid right, you just babysit him? I would have a MAJOR sit down with the parents as soon as they get home and honestly, if he blew up a mouse, I might consider just calling them at work and saying it's an emergency. If you can quit this job, I would. If you can't, start looking for a new one. I'm sorry, I don't believe in abandoning kids in need, but wow, this is extreme and he is going to need a lot of help and a lot of consistency so unless you're in for the long haul, I'd get out now.

You can't do anything to get him diagnosed the parents need to do it and if they are unwilling then you should absolutely call the cops about the mouse. That will get the ball rolling. I would not do that however if the parents are willing to take action and get him some help.

Sounds like a borderline personality or worse and yes, children that young can be diagnosed. Yes, they can be dangerous. Sounds like it's really "NOYB", though, if he's not your child and you don't get along with whoever you'd suggest this to, because obviously she wouldn't take it well. What you CAN do is protect your own children.

you need to contact CPS and the police - yes, it's "just a mouse", but that's how this stuff starts - PLEASE get law enforcement involved so they can get this potential psychopath on their radar and hopefully get him some help, but at least prevent him from harming/killing others.

I think that a lot of the reason these things are not diagnosed as children is because of the potential to misdiagnose. I'm looking at other responses indicating bipolar, etc. The symptoms your describe are also the same symptoms of a child who lacks attachemnt or who suffers from RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder) or possibly FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). So, it could be any number of things that would require diagnosis from a professional. Are you certain that his mother has not already had him evaluated? If not, then a good way to initiate the conversation may be along those lines, "have you talked with your physician about ____'s tendancy to do _____?" If she says that she has, then end of story. If she says she hasn't, then you can mention your specific concerns to her and suggest talking about it with her child's pediatrician.