Great input & feedback! As I've read every reply on my 2 threads (more than once), I have cried several times, mostly feeling relieved & understood for the first time in forever. I want you all to know I read 151 pages of 'The Explosive Child' after I got off the computer this morning! Even though I'd read it before, something has clicked that I don't remember clicking last time. Also, I'm planning on getting another assessment done by a psychologist or neuropsychologist, as the book also suggests. I am still looking for the paperwork from his other assessments to figure out the credentials of those who did the assessing. It's a little overwhelming, but no more so than the actual recurrance of the behaviors and nothing else has really made too much of a dent!! It all makes so much sense...he's so easily frustrated & so, well, Everything the book talks about is him!!! And god, the consistency, the consequences, the praise..we've got a reward system in place too...we do it all!!!!!
Your empathy for the situation with my cousin/family also feels very good. And remembering to separate it (it's not about me) is good advice.
So I have a plan, which is good. I have a support system (which I've needed). And my husband is going to read the book as well.
I'm so glad I'm here =)
I will update you as I get further with everything. And now, I can breathe a little easier--my difficult child is calm, relaxed, sweet. And tomorrow he will go on a 2 day trip with-husband, which will allow me the much-needed time to recharge (I never get that!).
And I'll keep reading with interest. You have given me such good advice.
