I have 2 autistic sons the youngest who is quite severe has spent the past couple of weeks screaming alot. It is starting to drive us all crazy. He is non-verbal and don't know if it's in frustration, anger boredom or something else as it does't seem to have a trigger and his mood varies so much at the time. He also bangs things with the palms of his hands at the same time (whatever is near to hand, including us).
We are at a loss as to what to do. He is only at the very first stage of pecs (exchanging a blank card for a desired object) so our communication level with him is very low and he has limited understanding.
Has anyone been through anything similar or have any suggestions to help us. Any advice whatsoever would be much appreciated. ↓
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| Name: onlinedizzy | Date: Jun 24th, 2007 3:44 AM |
| Have you tried a casein (dairy)free gluten free diet, Even just try taking all the dairy food out of your son's diet for 2 weeks. This is exactlywhat my 2 kids used to be like and it reduces the shouting and hyperactivity a lot. When they eat dairy food it starts agin. Just one suggestion. Liz ↑ |
| Name: crofty | Date: Jun 24th, 2007 8:27 AM |
Hi online dizzy
I don't think that would work for us as unfortunately he has such a limited diet only eating 3 or 4 things that we have been advised by the dietitian that it would be nearly impossible to restrict things until we can build up what he will try. ↑ |
| Name: aaturci | Date: Jul 15th, 2007 6:11 AM |
| HELLO- MY SON TREVOR WHO WILL BE 4 IN JANUARY WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM LAST MONTH. I DONT REALLY HAVE ANY ADVICE YET, BUT I CAN SAY I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. HE IS AGGRESSIVE ALSO AND THE PICKIEST EATER I HAVE EVER MET. I WOULD LIKE TO CHAT WITH YOU MAYBE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED BECAUSE I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. MY EMAIL IS [email protected] HE HAS A 2 YR OLD SISTER THAT ISNT SHOWING ANY SIGNS BUT SHE IS STARTING TO IMITATE HIM AND SINCE HE HITS, SHE THINKS THAT IT IS OK TO DO IT. I JUST THINK THAT IT WOULD BE NICE TO TALK TO IN A SIMILAR SITUATION, IF YOU LIKE. THANKS! ↑ |
| Name: crofty | Date: Jul 18th, 2007 6:49 PM |
Hello aturci again, did you get my email I sent you?
Maybe I took your address down wrong. ↑ |
| Name: pevansmum | Date: Aug 22nd, 2007 1:36 AM |
| I have the same problem...my 9 yo is non-verbal, and i try everything to appease him. screaming, crying and whining are usually all i hear. it can be frustrating, but all i can say is just walk up to him, tell him to take your hand (and physically do it at the same time) and say "take my hand and show me what you want" ...it took almost a year to teach my son how to do that, but sometimes he does calm down and take my hand...good luck! ↑ |
| Name: LeAnn | Date: Aug 25th, 2007 12:21 PM |
| My son is pretty bad too he cries all the time when he can't tell us what he wants. Then he beats up on my older two for no reason. Yesterday he poured out my liquid detergent that I was my clothes in the whole gallon all over my kitchen floor and played in it. I think I sit and cried for an hour because its really hard to deal with his behavior problems I never new how hard it really was going to be until now ↑ |
| Name: LeAnn | Date: Aug 25th, 2007 12:28 PM |
I opened up my son a myspace page if you all want to go and take a look. I have his pics on there and it tells more about him
the pics are when he was first diagnosed and before he was diagnoised the site address is www.myspace.com/remember_autism ↑ |
| Name: crofty | Date: Aug 25th, 2007 2:38 PM |
Hi LeAnn, I have cried many a tear too over my sons behaviours. The majority of time we seem to be at a stand still with any kind of progress whatsoever.
I suppose that is just the way it is and you have to try and keep strong, but it is unbelievably hard sometimes.
Bye for now, I'm going to look at your sons myspace page now with great interest, all the best to you and your family. ↑ |
| Name: wallflower | Date: Aug 25th, 2007 4:17 PM |
My 4 yr old with autism used to scream all day to. My 12 yr old did as well. I know what it's like to be overwhelmed and not know what to do especially if he can't communicate. He must be so frustrated as well. I have an emotions chart with different types of faces on it and when my 4 yr old, michael is screaming I ask him to point to the face in which he can relate. At 4 this is hard but my son has mastered it. Putting my 3 autistic kids on the glutent free diet has helped their meltdowns and has cut them in half. Michael is also medicated because he is agressive and unpredicable. I wear ear plugs when my kids are screaming because I can't handle the sounds. Good luck !
shawn ↑ |
| Name: crofty | Date: Aug 26th, 2007 11:28 AM |
| Hi Wallflower, what kind of medication is your son Michael on? Has it helped cut the agression down a little? It is so tough, I just hope that some day we can communicate with him a little more, maybe with sign language or something. Thanks for you good wishes, it's nice to know i am not alone. (The ear plug idea is pretty cool too, I think I'll try it!!!) ↑ |
| Name: wallflower | Date: Aug 26th, 2007 8:38 PM |
Hi Crofty,
My son michael is on tenex, here is the info on it: (.Can provide for 24/7 modulation of impulsivity, hyperactivity, aggression and sensory hypersensitivity. This covers most out of school problems, so stiumlant use can be limited to school and homework hours. Improves appetite. Less sedating than clonidine.) It is used for kids with ADHD. It is very helpful for michael, my son chase is on it to. It's called an " Anti-antagonist ". But doing the Glutent free diet really made a change in my kids aggression. Defintely invest in some ear plugs....lol... Sounds like sign language would be great, giving him a way to communicate so he isn't so frustrated. Hang in there, I know how hard this can be. God bless you,
Shawn ↑ |
| Name: LeAnn | Date: Aug 27th, 2007 2:44 AM |
Hey Crofty did you get the chance to look at the webpage that I posted. If so what did you think and can you tell that he also has manic depression ? Talk to you soon
LeAnn ↑ |
| Name: LeAnn | Date: Aug 27th, 2007 2:48 AM |
| Also My son has good social skills with the doctor but not with other kids and people that comes in the home that are strangers he hides in his room or kitchen away from it all ..He hates loud music and Big crowds. He has really bad sensory disorder. He loves to smell everything that has a strong smell to it. And is very high pain tolerance except when he gets hit on the head that is the only time it hurts. Isaiah is constantly hurting the other 3 kids that we have. Scratching them and biting what else can I do ?? Other than pull my hair out ↑ |
| Name: crofty | Date: Aug 27th, 2007 8:40 PM |
| Hi LeAnn, I have looked at your sons myspace page and have to tell you I thought it was wonderful. He is a beautiful little boy and I am sure that even though you have a lot of difficulties to cope with, he seems extremely happy. Sometimes the hardest thing is trying to live with them in there world, rather than bring them into ours, (hope that makes sense). I also found the music really touching, are they an american band? Regarding the hitting your other children I can only say that I would remove him from the situation immediately say a firm no and give your attention to your other children for a while. Hang in there I know it's tough and remember 'Loving an autistic child makes the heart grow larger.' ↑ |
| Name: chatjunkie | Date: Aug 27th, 2007 11:00 PM |
| i recently did a course called an early bird course as my grandson has autism we learned about the iceberg where u draw an iceberg at the top you put the reasons y your son may be acting up i.e strange place people loud noise confusion etc at the bottom you put how you can change any of the above to best suit his needs don't know if this helps but good luck with it pecs is a fantastic means of communacation so hang in there ↑ |
| Name: crofty | Date: Aug 28th, 2007 10:47 AM |
| Hi Chatjunkie, i also did early bird a couple of years ago, it was great, I'd forgotten a bit apart the iceberg, but it still does make sense, so thanks for that i will read up on it again. Good luck with your grandson and good on you for doing the course. ↑ |
| Name: LeAnn | Date: Aug 29th, 2007 8:44 PM |
| does any body's child on here crave bread because mine does and it seems as though his behavior is off the chart ↑ |
| Name: crofty | Date: Sep 1st, 2007 8:51 AM |
Hi Leann you could try getting a dietitian to look at his food intake, maybe it's not a problem depending on what else he has. We have just had my youngest diet analysed he is pretty low on everything which we try to top up with a fish oil and vitamin supplement, but we have also found out that the reason he craves salt is because his zinc levels are extremely low also.
We are extremely worried as i've just looked up on the net about zinc deficiency and am fretting about loads more stuff now like how it can cause mental lethargy etc etc, to add to all the other worries i have with him. I guess i'm just feeling a little low right now. ↑ |
| Name: deb2007 | Date: Sep 1st, 2007 9:53 PM |
| hi everyone.... im a 45yr old mum and my son tom has recently been diagnosed with autism...i always knew deep down that something wasnt quite right so his diagnosis didnt come as much of a surprise to me...ive learnt how to cope with him and hes mostly good natured and happy but he can be a handful at times...shoppping with him is an absolute nightmare, hes also very clingy so i never get a minute to myself .. i tried to do the earlybird course but had to give it up when he decided he didnt like being in the creche...im lucky that i have internet ↑ |
| Name: jdourt | Date: Sep 1st, 2007 11:38 PM |
| Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) is a root Brassica crop and has been used as a vegetable for human consumption in Europe since prehistoric times. Turnip root has been a popular livestock fodder for at least 600 years wherever the crop can be grown. For most of that time turnip roots have been managed as forage. Researchers in the United States determined in the early 1900s that turnip roots are valuable energy sources for young ruminant animals. However, livestock farmers at that time were turning away from the Brassica root crops (which also include rutabagas or swedes) for fodder because much hand labor was required for the production and utilization of the large roots. One study showed that the labor requirement on a nutrient basis for these crops was three times that needed for corn silage production. ↑ |
| Name: irish Amy | Date: Sep 2nd, 2007 9:13 AM |
| Hi Deb, my Callum is also mostly a very good natured boy ( he also has his moments ), is he going to school at all? I only ask because of the early bird, if Tom was going you may be able to get back on the course, I personally found it so valuable, I understand so much more from it ↑ |
| Name: irish Amy | Date: Sep 2nd, 2007 9:14 AM |
| sorry *is Tom going to school at all?* ↑ |
| Name: fivebucks | Date: Feb 5th, 2010 1:42 AM |
| I know when my son was 2 handing picture cards didnt work but I got little plastic hooks and hung them at his reach the drink picture was on the fridge the get dressed picture on his drawer and each time I gave hima drink i showed the picture card and said drink and quickly he would bring me the right picture card for what he wanted I even put a watch a movie card on the side of my entertainment center make sure when you give him whatever it is you place the card in his hand first then take it back and give him whatever it is at first he may still get a little fisty but my son adjusted well with this my nson was nonverbal until just a few months ago he doesnt say much but he does put the word with the cards as he has them to me now so Im very excited about that Im hoping hell be able to gain more words soon. I hope this helps it helped me! make sure the cards are at his level so he can reach them on his own, but at first youll take it down and hand to him and take it back then give thie drink. I hope this helps it helped me its still usingpecs its just that there hanging at his level in a place that the object is! Good Luck! ↑ |
| Name: fivebucks | Date: Apr 22nd, 2010 4:24 AM |
PLEASE TRY THIS!!!----My son was not understanding the concept of using PECS,so I had 8x10 Pictures made of BASIC tASKS ex. A picture of a drink cup velcro taped to my fridge at his reach, a snack/eat picture on the snack cabinet a watch movie picture hanging on the side of the tve cabinet, and when he wanted a specific thing I put the 8x10 picture into his hand and helped him hand it back to me {as i described with one word what the task was}and said ex. movie and and praised him when I helped him hand me the picture, it really helped and he really caught on, my son did not respond to small pictures and the pictures had to be real looking not "figures" my advice is have larger pictures made and hang them around the house at his level and put the pic in his hand and use your hand over your hand to hand it back to you so he learns the concept of exchanging the picture, and start with pictures with things that you understannd his actions with what he wants, for example if you know when he is thirsty take the picture of the fridge that is at his reach and put it into his hand and say drink even if he is not happy once the pictures connects back to your hand praise him and immediately give him the drink and hang the picture back up! The way PECS was introduced to me didnt work with my son so I made a few changes to what I thought my son could relate to! Also start with pictures that motivate your child, if he loves movies start with that! dont overwhelm he/she with tons of pictures around the house start with a few basic pictures that are your childs favorite! feel free to email me at [email protected]
if youd like to chat or exchange info I am a mom of 5 children and my 4 year old son is autistic. Give this a try, youll be in my prayers and remember if youd like to chat or exchange info email me [email protected] ↑ |
| Name: MarshaT | Date: Apr 28th, 2010 2:50 PM |
| my son is 5 years old and just recently got diagnosed with PDD-NOS. I am in the process of getting him a psycological evaluation and have the initial appointment today. I am so worried on what else he might have. does anyone have any suggestions ↑ |
| Name: tasha1011 | Date: Jul 21st, 2010 2:07 AM |
A child screaming can cause aggravation to the parent. I definitely understand what you are going through. One thought is he could be doing this to stimulate his senses. Many autistic children (similiar to my own son) are either not sensitive enough or can be overly sensitive. Your son could be banging things for sensory input. My son would hear an airplane miles away and become excited and start to yell - due to his senses being heightened.
A suggestion would be to try placing headphones or ear muffs on him. If he can't hear himself scream, perhaps he will not be so alert and his senses will not be so heightened. See if this helps.
You can visit my blog at http://raisingsucautistic.blogspot.com/ . I provide other tips and suggestions to help parents.
Besides being a parent of an autistic son, I am also a school psychologist. I do not claim to be an expert but I have experienced autistic children (including my own). Good luck! ↑ |
| Name: Robert Herbert | Date: Aug 6th, 2010 3:59 PM |
| My son was diagnosed severely autistic when he was 2. My son eliminated all of his symptoms and learning disabilities through a series of non-invasive, completely natural treatments that I did with him. He is now 13 years old and he is completely mainstream. His recovery was only because of the various cutting edge therapies that he did. I have put everything that I have learned in 11 years about healing autism into an ebook that can change your child's life forever. I urge you to go howtocureautismnaturally.com and start healing your child today. I know it may sound too good to be true but every child will benifit from the therapies described in my book. Just because the medical community doesn't have a pill to cure autism they say it is incurable. That is not the case and my son is living proof. When he was diagnosed the doctor told my I would have to take care of him his entire life. I refused to accept that fate for my son and you don't have to accept it for your child either. Please read my book and start healing your child today. ↑ |
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