Hi guys, I am new here and I have a 15 year old son with Down's (of course). He has been so healthy all his life (with the exception of croup and ear infections when he was little). About a year ago I noticed him twitching around here and there. And it steadily got worse through the months. He also began laughing uncontrollably.....sometimes laughing 2 hours in bed before he fell asleep. He is/was mainly being seen by a neurologist for all of this.....he has had extensive tests and blood draws. His thyroid antibody levels were high and (along with physical symptoms) the doc diagnosed him with Hoshimoto Encephalopathy (an immune disorder that attacks his brain). He was treated with steroids and that helped for a bit and then he regressed. Other treatments were tried here and there but with little to no help. Well his levels have gone down and he supposedly doesn't have this disorder anymore. But his problems are not over. He still jerks and laughs and 2 weeks ago I had to call 911 cuz he wouldn't stop screaming! what a night from hell that was. He took a little break from screaming that night, but he basically screamed all night, every 1-5 minutes. He would become combative, spitting, trying to bite, hit, kick......this breaks a mothers heart!!! Warping ahead to NOW.......he is on Clonodine, Risoerdal, and Ativan. The Ativan really helps a lot. But I am living on edge, my nerves are frazzled, I'm in constant worry. My life has come to a complete stop. I am scared and worried! What has happened to my son? I divorced his dad awhile back. We have been away from him for almost 2 years now. His dad basically ignores jonah. He only skypes him once every 2 months or so. He could see his son but he won't. He never sends him bday or Christmas gifts either. I wonder if this has made this happen to jonah? Or are kids with Down's more susceptible to mental illness? He will be seeing a psychiatrist in a couple weeks. Please help with advice or life experiences with this. I am a worried/frazzled mom.