I understand mental illness exists. However, I think in some cases poor parenting might be the case. Again, not trying to be totally insensitive, just presenting another perspective.
I have some friends with a son like this. He has Asperger's Syndrome. The situation seems completely hopeless. I understand why so many parents of these kids may feel like giving up. Meds help but only temporarily. Eventually they have to start experimenting with new meds until they find a cocktail that evens him out. I think his issues were the cause of his parents' eventual divorce.
I don't remember kids being like this when I was young but maybe I was just unaware. Our kids seem to be more medicated than any time in our history. I don't know if it's physiological, psychological or environmental. Maybe it's a combination but it's a serious issue for sure.
I am not saying that this woman is wrong, but I wonder why she is a single mother of four. Two thirds of our prison populations are people that have been raised in single parent homes. I have no idea why she is single, but children need two parents and she needs help with her son. A husband would be a big help. I know this post is about mental illness and I am sorry for trying to change this thread.
Our last kid at home just turned 16 last month and while he's not exactly a baby at 6'1" x 200lbs he's still his momma's boy and just a kid. We had a talk today with him at lunch about some things and one topic was about if there was anyone he knew in his circle or at school etc that was a little 'off' or 'out there', and alarmingly to his mother he said o ya he knew some kids at his school who were more than a little disturbed.