Tag Archives: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

SMI and the Tragedy of Adulthood

SMI – Serious Mental Illness The National Survey on Drug Use and Health  (NSDUH), which defines SMI (Serious Mental Illness) as: A mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder (excluding developmental and substance use disorders); Diagnosable currently or within the past year; Of sufficient duration to meet diagnostic criteria specified within the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV); and, Resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. So, what does this have to do with David? David came to us when he was 18 months old.  We became his parents, legally, 6 months later.  In truth, since he was just months old, he has been a part of our lives.  Mom had a home daycare.  And we filled in as needed for his foster family‘s day care provider. David is 15 now, in the blink of an

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Autism and sociopath

I am in a discussion on another blog about Autism and sociopaths.   Let me state this unequivocally. It is possible for a child to be a sociopath and have autism. How do I know?  I don’t have to look any further than my son David.  He has facets of autism.  and he is a sociopath. Sure at 11 they can’t actually diagnose him as a sociopath.  But he has been diagnosed with a conduct disorder, and anti-social behaviors.  Plus, he is on anti-psychotics to control those behaviors. Sociopath indicators Manipulative and conning Grandiose sense of self. Pathological lying Lack of remorse, shame or guilt. Shallow emotions Callousness/lack of empathy Need for stimulation Poor behavior controls/lack of impulse control Criminal or entrepreneurial personality – changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. These are just some of the indicators.  Looking at a full list of indicators is enough to make me

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