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Do Any Other Children In This Group Hear Voices?
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭

CJ often gets things people say to him confussed. He says he hears voices telling him he is stupid, dumb, etc. And then he thinks it is the other kids at his school.

He also says he sees a person in a black hoodie or cape at times, and it really terrifies him.

posted February 26, 2014
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A MyAutismTeam Member

I just saw that he's your grandson and that he's 13. Adolescence is unfortunately a common time for those with schizophrenia to start to exhibit serious symptoms. I don't mean to scare you, but make an appointment with a psychiatrist ASAP to have it either confirmed or ruled out as a suspected diagnosis.

posted February 26, 2014
A MyAutismTeam Member

Researchers are still working on understanding the exact neural mechanisms, but MRI scans show that areas of the brain that process sound and store memories appear more active during auditory and visual hallucinations. This means that the line between hallucinations and vivid memory can be very thin.

If a teen or pre-teen is hearing voices or seeing things, it does not always represent some form of mental illness, but it is considered a first rank symptom. Only about 16% of voice hearers can be diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The reason it is not always diagnosed as metal illness is that some people do not require treatment, and function well despite the voices. The voices are not always negative, for example. Some people who experience find them positive, reinforcing, or relaxing.

In cases like what you are describing, where the voices are critical and insulting, it could be related to a real or perceived trauma. I am not a doctor, but in my opinion, this needs some professionals.

posted February 27, 2014
A MyAutismTeam Member

I would strongly encourage you to have your son see a psychiatrist. Schizophrenia is often misdiagnosed as autism in children (in fact, autism used to be considered a type of childhood schizophrenia). My dad had a cousin with schizophrenia and let's just say that I witnessed why it is *SO VITAL* to have the proper medication for that disorder. When my dad's cousin was taking his meds properly, he was okay. When he didn't take them, things got ugly.

posted February 26, 2014
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thanks so much for your answer Dave. We also feel he hears the voices when he is frustrated, and as a result of past trauma from his previous school experience. I don't believe he is schizophrenic, just hears voices that are negative at some times, positive at others.......depending on the situation. Very helpful...........we are going through a lot of stress and pressure to place him in a residential setting. Just can't do it yet, don't want him to feel abandoned.

posted February 28, 2014
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thanks so much for your answer. He is receiving counseling at school, and we are starting with a new BCBA is a couple of weeks.
I am hoping that the figure he sees is related to a feeling and not something he thinks he actually sees. He has had so many changes is the last year at his school, and he is having to face the challenge of inappropriate behavior.

posted February 26, 2014

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