Is it normal for a 7 yr old who has been traumatized to hear noises and voices?

justabastid · Yahoo User

He's been through an ordeal-he is normally a pretty cool kid, he has sophisticated tastes for his age (we got gifts for his mom and he's really into jazz-Louie Armstrong type stuff), he's a hard worker and keeps focus when working. He was bullied by older kids who also sexually assaulted him so he's changed-a bit out of control at times, angry, fearful, insecure and gaurded. I just bought into a limo/taxi service so he hangs out with me there in the daytime-he cleans the cars, works hard, we joke and eat take out-he's slowly been opening up-today he told me he hears mostly noises like ticks and stuff right before bedtime. I don't know if he does during the day but just can't hear because of the loud noise or at night because he's tired. I've had him a couple of nights because his mom is starting to date again. His mom told me he has nightmares almost every night-two three times a night. I know I have to tell his mom but she's gonna flip so I want as much info as possible before I tell her this. He's in therapy but his mom told me it's not working for him. I thought I should maybe treat for karate lessons for him. He's got no dad and his mom isn't doing well financially. His mom and I used to date-no he's not mine-yes I'm sure. Where can I look for info on this? I've found several sites but not sure which to trust. Thanks to all who take the time! *extra info-His mom and I go way back-we split she hooked up with his dad who was bi polar (we think-he had all the signs) he took off-she had the baby. She moved away-then came back-we tried dating again-didn't work out but we get along so we stayed friends. He's had no father figure in his life. I thought she should sign him up for boy scouts or a big brother but she's afraid of pervs especially after what happened to him. I wouldn't be the one to talk to him about anything-I don't want to mess with his mind. I can listen but that's all. When his mom asked me to watch him I told her I was worried about him getting too attatched to me-she asked why I even thought he would like me in the first place-so I agreed. We do get along pretty good, but his mom is the one who broke it off so...Does anyone think karate would help him? Music lessons is a great idea- he wants to learn the guitar-I bought one and a keyboard with learning CDs but haven't found anyone to teach guitar-which blows because now he has the guitar and it's almost like one more let down for the guy.