Children with O.D.D. have an addiction to being in control of EVERYTHING. They want to control the world in its' entirety and when that doesn't happen, all hell breaks loose! The past week or so has been a very O.D.D. week for us. The most minute things will set my son off into a fury of anger, resentment, defiance, and violence. It could be something as simple as dropping his toy on the floor or not being able to click his seat belt into place. Any "normal" person would think "CHILL OUT DUDE". I used to be like this. Like what is his problem? My goodness, I am a horrible mother!
Now I know he doesn't understand the basic concepts of inner-self control. And nor can he control it. So how do I help him to do so? For instance, today he was getting angry and loud with a one year old! Luckily I was with a wonderful friend who has been supportive and understanding. (Thank you MB!) But in the long run, it is not acceptable to yell at anyone for something very harmless. He yells at anyone and anything because IT/THEY are taking his control away from him. The baby took his painting off the wall, the car-seat didn't cooperate when he put the latches together, the couch jumped out at him and bit him! Seems ridiculous, I know. I thought the same thing before his diagnosis. It was like living in some other planet. But I now understand that he isn't yelling to be mean, he is frustrated because his power has been taken away. At the end of a tantrum/incident, he still always says I love you mommy or give me a hug, etc. It's such a sigh of relief to know my son has the biggest heart in the world but unfortunately has been dealt this hand of cards. He hates he doesn't have control, but he loves the world (when it cooperates) :)
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