My son will totally obsess over one thing at that's all he thinks or does. For example,now he wants to play the piano over and over 24/7. He tries to play by ear doesn't know how to read music. When he was golfing that's all he wanted to do, watch golf on tv practice at home over and over and play everyday. He has been very obsessive over wanting to buy something everday depending on what subject he is interested in at that time. This alienates him from having friends, he has no close friends. He ususally spends all his free time with his family. We got involved in a church, and he hasn't formed any close friends to go and do things with. When he is at church all he wants to do is play the piano. What do you think is wrong with him, and can he be cured?
I'm sorry I meant to say his age. He is 17. I've always known he was a little different. He used to have anger attacks when he wouldn't get his way. I have taken him to a psychiatrist and he has him on abilify which treats bipolar. After everything I've read he doesn't sound like he has bipolar, I guess that's just to help his mood swings. I've wondered if he could be autistic/aspergers, but he doesn't fit every area. He's very athletic and hasn't ever had problems with his speech. He doesn't communicate well though. He only wants to talk about what he is iterested in, and it's hard for him to answer your questions. As far as school goes, he never studies. He usually fails one of his classes. He is so concentrated on the one thing of interest to him, that he does nothing else, including studying. It is very hard as a parent. I have tried to tell his doctor, but I feel I get no where.
I have decided to take my son to the pediatrician and get a referral so that he can be tested. It sounds like he may have high functioning autism of pddnos. I will post results after testing is done. Thanks for the helpful information.
I anxiously await answers along with you. You have described my son to a T. He is 9 now, and we have known for 4 years that he is ADD. But that does not explain it all. A psychologist noticed the obsessive behavior when he was 3, and suggested we have him tested for autism. But he didn't fall into the 'spectrum'. So here we remain...
I don't think there's enough information to make a diagnosis, and even if there was, only a pediatrician could do that. It could be Asperger's Syndrome, OCD, or just a kid who gets easily obsessed with things. I would contact the pediatrician who could then refer you to a specialist. I have a boy in my classroom who is on the Autism spectrum and he gets obsessed with one thing for weeks at a time. Then his obsession moves on to something else for a few weeks. (Not that your son is Autistic--just sharing my own story). GOOD LUCK!
My husband is like this. He was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder along with some OCD. My husband is brilliant and self taught in many areas bc once he becomes focused on an issue, he needs to learn all about it. This has made relationships hard for him, including ours. However, with the help of therapy and some medication he is on the right track. It's not perfect but better. Oh I should mention he was originally diagnosed with ADD as a kid but we now know that wasn't correct.
There is no way to understand this situation without knowing his age. HOW OLD IS HE? How long has he been this way? How is he doing in school? Are you saying he does nothing else except the one activity? How long does his interest last? Have you tried encouraging the interest by giving him piano lessons, golf lessons, etc. How has that gone? Does he stay interested?
Because he's 17 I suspect there is very little you can do to help him. He has to want help before help will help. From your description it sounds like he has a chance of doing OK in the adult world. I suggest that the reality of being on his own will help him get more real about things.
Also, Abilify is prescribed for different diagnoses. I take a small amount along with Celexa for anxiety and depression. It is also prescribed for some psychosis. If the doctor has dianosed bi-polar, I suggest that your description can fit that diagnosis. Anxiety is a part of bi-polar disorder and some of his behavior can be the result of feeling anxious.
Does he have any other symptoms? Asperger's can look like this.
You have gotten many answers already, but here is my story. My son has obsessive behaviors from how many paper towels he uses to a restricted interest, which unfortunately is toilets. He draws toilets, talks about toilets, pretends objects are toilets, etc. It used to be clocks and we used to jokingly call him Flavor Flav (MTV character who wore a huge clock necklace). He is only 5, but I have always been convinced he has Autism or Aspergers. He's a very smart kid, but struggles socially b/c of his obsessions. He also flaps and was developmentally delayed. I told doctor after doctor that I was concerned that he had Autism and no one would listen to me. I finally got him into a wonderful OT who listened to me and agreed there was a reason to believe he may have something going on. He was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS). I'd neer heard of it before and Autism belongs to a group of disorders called Pervasive Developmental Disorders, so there is 5 categories: Autism, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and PDDNOS. Anyway, PDDNOS is the other category when they show some, but not all of the characteristics. I never knew about this before, but I was just glad to get someone to listen to me; I felt like they acted like my concerns were not valid. It is SO hard for me dealing with the restricted interest and redirecting him to another activity. Unfortunately toilets are EVERYWHERE and so it's a constant battle w/people looking at me like I'm crazy when I won't take my young child to the restroom when he is requesting to go. Perhaps your son has OCD or PDDNOS? Despite what you find out I just want to wish you the best of luck. It is SO hard dealing w/an intense, pervasive obsession with something.
That's his personality -- maybe he'll be a great pianist someday.
You have to allow your son to be the person he was meant to be. If he obsesses over things, well, at least he has drive and passion. That will take him far in life.
You don't say how old he is.
Share your concerns with your pediatrician
How old is he? Sounds like Aspergers . Is he in school?
HOw old is he? This sounds like high functioning autism AKA Aspergers. Get him tested.
