raveneye

I'm tutoring a 12-year-old in math and science, and was wondering if people here have any insights into the problems that this particular boy might be having. Here's the situation:

--he's very bright and interested, enjoyable to be with. Quirky personality, very independent, likes to tackle a problem himself without much help. Good sense of humor. Could easily get As in his classes.

--is failing all his classes. The main reason is that he simply leaves most of his exams blank. Has been doing this since he transferred to this private middle school this year from a Montessori school. I don't know his history at the Montessori.

--he injures himself. He always has recent cuts and scratches on his face, from scratching himself with his fingernails.

--he seems emotionally unstable. He cries very easily. If his mother says something negative, like "Why don't you even answer questions on your exams, you're going to fail the class if you keep doing that?" He just cries and doesn't answer. If I ask him that question, he just says he doesn't have the time.

--his mother makes me feel very uncomfortable. There is something hard to describe about her that feels wrong. Her face is always expressionless, like a mask. She stares at you too long, has the manner of being rushed all the time, impatient.

--he's on the verge of being expelled. Some people are advising that he should be put in military school.

I feel badly for this kid, because he's a very nice, bright, interested and capable boy. He is not antisocial at all, behaves very well. Like I said, he understands enough of his classes to get As if he just wanted to. I've been with him just for a couple weeks, and he seems to like me a lot and looks forward to meeting with me. We have a good time. I think it's important to keep with me because he needs a mentor.

I realize this isn't much to go on, but if anybody has any suggestions about the best strategy, I'd appreciate any insights. I realize seeing a psychologist is a priority, but that's up to the parents and they currently are not receptive to that idea.