aggression and meltdowns as they get older

[Guest guest]

My son Connor who just turned 8, has been having more and more

meltdowns lately and I am starting to believe there is a lot of

confusion and anxiety surrounding him. It seems the older he gets

the worse it gets. He already has a hard time expressing his anger

and the only way he seems to express it is by hitting or making

threats. I consistently tell him, " Connor use your words " The

other day I asked him how his day was at day camp and of course I

get the usual response of " fine " and then I asked him a more

specific question like " Well what did you do? " He said this boy was

teasing him, so he said if he didn't stop teasing him he would get a

ball bat and hit him! I was shocked!!!! He never made threats like

that before. Obvibously, I told him that was not the appropriate

way to handle matters and when someone is teasing you, you need to

go tell an adult. After that, I cried in the bathroom until there

were no more tears to cry. Connor is a very compassionate child, I

know he would never intentionally hurt someone. Lately, he has

become more withdrawn and unhappy. My husband, family and I show

him all the love he can stand. I never go one day without giving

him a huge hug and a I love you. At this point, I feel helpless

like there is nothing else I can do but give him unconditional

love. Is there any pointers out there? I am at my wits end! Do

any of you have experiences like this? Thanks, Tonya

Connor 8, DX ADHD,HFA

a handsome, smart and artisic child.