My nephew is 5 and half years old. I can't even imagine having a child like him. Basically his presence has made it very clear that I don't want children of my own in fear of having one just like him.
Please don't judge me or get me wrong. I love him very much, and I love my sister and her husband even more and I don't want them to be alone in this.
I live with my parents and they visit a lot (like three times a week), and my nephew loves me (and he only loves me and his mom and dad and nobody else). He was diagnosed with Autism 2 years ago but I don't see much of Autism in him. All I see is hyperactivity, like out of control, where not one single person or kid can stand him.
He talks very very loud like shouting which hurts ears and gives headaches. I know it's because of Autism so I keep reminding him in a nice way to slow it down and he does and after a few minutes, back to shouting. He hasn't developed speech like other kids and I realize he does get frustrated when he can't say exactly what's going on, he throws tantrum and start shouting when things don't go his way. He likes physical activities (which I also read it's due to Autism) and start hitting when you keep playing with him, which I can't because of my nose surgery years ago. I have to be very careful around him because he might hit my nose any time.
He wants attention 24/7, like you CAN'T do one single thing when he's around, and we need a 24/7 babysitter even when we're all around. The only thing which calms him down is Ipad and computer games. He plays them even better than me.
When he doesn't get the attention, he starts doing abnormal things like breaking something or doing something nasty which knows pisses everyone off.It seems like he doesn't care if he gets positive or negative attention, he just wants it (he's the only child in the family). He does get sad when he is punished for something bad he did and usually look my way or try to get to me because he knows I won't let anyone hurt him.
I feel bad. I have a stressful full time job, a relationship and a bit of depression I need to take care of and I need some time to myself at the end of the day. He's usually there when I'm home and won't leave me alone unless I practically guide him out my room's door and don't go out the room until they leave. I hate being bitchy but I just don't have the energy to do it anymore.
However, this is not about me. I shouldn't be selfish.My sister and her husband have very fine financial situation and they have a private teacher for him who takes care of him every other day. But I do feel bad for my sister and for my nephew himself. I feel bad to see him having Ipad for hours until he gets tired of him because we all want to breath as much as we can. Or that he's been in childcare from morning till noon since 2 years old.
I'm 29 and trust me I've never seen any kid like him. I see bratty sides in him but I don't know how to describe the rest of his behaviors. Every time I wanna do something about it, I think, well, he's diagnosed with Autism. I should be understanding. I might have a child like him.
My sister is a passive person and she doesn't take much responsibility and she doesn't take it well when anyone talks about discipline. She says she's doing her best. I think she has no other choice.My nephew doesn't listen when you talk to him. He only listens what he wants although I know he understands what we are talking about.
Have you had similar experiences? What did you do?
>>> I can't stand my hyperactive/ADHD/Autistitic nephew: any advice please?