Autism, My non-verbal son, and Aggression :( ?

Deborah - posted on 01/27/2012

Thank you so much for all your suggestions and help. His progress? Well, I have been trying to give my son a label for his emotions when he is feeling them (I can tell what he is feeling somewhat of course by his behavior and sounds). I started with "mad" because this is the emotion most associated with the aggression. He has begun saying "ma" for "mad" as that is his level of speech-the first couple letters of words. This is how: When he gets aggressive, I have been ignoring the slaps/kicks with no eye contact and then ask him "are you mad?" with a calm quiet tone. Then I cue him by telling him "say mad" (repeating it if I have to), when he tries I tell him "good job saying mad". Sometimes I don't need the cue, he will answer my question with "ma!" now we need to take care of him yelling it out (leading by example). It didn't take long for him to realize that using his emotion words is a lot easier and more of a relief than hitting and kicking. If he is really upset, I try to redirect to another activity like a book or his fidget/sensory item. He sometimes finds then need to say it a few times so each time I tell him "good job saying mad" and I try to remain as calm and quiet as I can, remembering emotions are transferable and that he has sound sensitivity. I have started with the next emotions-Sad and Happy-so that he might understand there is a difference between labels, there are many emotions and that all of them are ok to feel. This has been a learning opportunity for both of us. The aggression has minimized considerably, I am so proud of him! Although all kids with Autism are different, I wanted to share this because the more tools you have in your toolkit, the better chance of getting the job done.

Tracy - posted on 01/05/2012

Your son sounds exactly like mine. He is now 13. And everything you said and thought is exactly what i did.ball this went on with my son until one year ago...and you already thought of it...WE CHANGED HIS DIET! If you want to know more tigereyes@suddenlink.net

Sharlene - posted on 10/28/2011

i sorry If he's biting have you heard of a chewy tube that's a sensory by biting james many.cheers

Sharlene - posted on 10/28/2011

Hi . I dont know if this might help or what it called if you come from the US, but here inAustralia I got my son assessed for behavior theraphy and that went for 3 months but if you like at him now you would believe how he copes with behavoir issues and routines. Cheers

Deborah - posted on 09/24/2011

After a few slaps to the face and getting my glasses slapped off, I got Sebastian to say "ma" for "mad". Then we were able to use our words, well me mostly.... :') Is there a smiley for a smigen of relief or hope? This has been a huge breakthrough!

Sonya Voi - posted on 09/03/2011

I know its hard... Diet does, and for some doctors its too easy. No fizzy drinks, No sweets, Nothing that might stimulate him too much. Also omega 3 fish oil, will help him to settle and focus and calm... It will be hard because there will be certain textures and colours he wont like.
Also remember lights, sounds, and smells can also cause undesired reactions. Its such a thankless job....
Be strong.

Diane - posted on 09/01/2011

When we implemented our home ABA program, our son was three. Over the next few years we added many programs, and I made a PECs book filled with laminated photos I had taken around town. I used these homemade PECS for his picture schedule (had a PEC of each therapist including ABA,Speech, and OT, so he would know he was seeing that person today, as well as the places we regularly visited for errands, such as grocery store, dry cleaners, doctor offices, etc., and them several preferred fun venues, like the carousel at the mall, local parks,Chuck E. Cheese, etc. The picture schedule helped reduce tantrumming because he knew what was planned for the day, and could take a therapist off and put him/her away when the session was over, knowing what was next on his agenda. Including one or two preferred things gave him something to look forward to.

One of his favorite things to do after therapy was go for a walk through our condo complex, where we had a coy fish pond, small waterfall, lush foliage and a winding path, and I had a PEC of the path by the waterfall that was used either in his schedule, or in the book he could go to when he wanted to pick what he wanted to work for.. Other favorites to work for early on was pouring (PEC of him standing at the kitchen sink with plastic cups pouring soapy water back and forth), and another of him climbing up and down the 4 or 5-rung step ladder.....basically let him work for his favorite stims, which he was then allowed to do until the timer rang and he had to stop. Was very motivational.

Deborah - posted on 09/01/2011

I have tried coloring but it doesnt hold his attention. maybe different crafts would be more fun for him. He loves the outdoors (swimming, throwing a ball) I bought him a mini-trampoline for his birthday lol I am trying to reduce his tension by reducing mine and trying to redirect him with something more soothing. It's funny, I was just thinking of starting a routine (and a PEC to go with it somehow) of us taking walks with his puppy. We have a trail that runs past our home that has a "hiking" feel to it. I'll have to think creatively on how to make a PEC for this activity so he knows where we are going. Thank you so much for all your input :)

Janice - posted on 08/24/2011

Just a reminder that even though people are non verbal, does not mean that they do not understand everything that we or others say...in conversations about them...over the phone etc....imagine not being able to defend yourself and other family members by words.....plus there is the subject of pain.....Not being able to tell someone this...I work with a family for over 3 years who has a child similar to you and have noticed that with pain of some type she will head butt the walls quiet hard, She use to bite when she got frustrated with us not understanding. It is all guess work as to where the pain is.. We have found her teeth have given her the most trouble...She will not keep still to have a dentist check them out, so she needs full anesthesia to have this done. Always she has heaps of fillings done that would have been bothering her......Also I usually keep up her fluids so she has no chance of getting headaches from being dehydrated.. Hopefully this of some help..

Tracy - posted on 08/23/2011

My daughter is over the top violent, we think she likes the idea of getting caught stimming, doing things she knows she should not do because she likes the battle. We tell her to stim faster, scream louder, hit, kick whatever the behavior is and she does not like this. It's not fun to her when you take the control away. Try it for an hour or so. Take him to a safe place if you can so he doesn't hurt you or him however you get him there. After he has started to calm himself down, try massage even for a second. Pressure is good, it calms my daughter down then I can tell her to take a deep breath. eventually I can get her laughing and be happy. Sometimes this aggression from start to finish can be anywhere from 15 min to 2 1/5 hrs. You have been given a lot of good advice from other moms too. Hang in there, be patient and have faith.

Yazmina - posted on 08/23/2011

Hello Deborah, I haven’t gone through all the replies, but from what I did see it sounds like you have gotten a lot of great advice. I just wanted to tell you that I definitely agree with the post that said every child is different. We have pretty similar stories. My son is 8 y.o. next month; he’s 49 ½ inches and 86 lbs. So when his behavior escalates to physical abuse it can get pretty violent! My son is verbal, which is great, but when the physical abuse starts so does the verbal abuse! It started getting so bad that I would lock myself in the bathroom and cry, because neither one of us could control these meltdowns! I eventually had to quit my job and pull him out of public school to home school, which was in January of this year. After laws we’re passed here in Colorado we started ABA therapy! What a LIFESAVER!!! Everything they started showing me seemed like common sense stuff and I thought there is no way this could work! We started ABA about April or May of this year, in this short amount of time EVERYONE notices how much he has changed. He’s ever so politest and friendly, really pleasant to be around! It wasn’t an easy road, but boy was it worth it. Not only has he thrived behaviorally. But academically as well! He exceeded many of his goals before the school year was over. We occasionally have a negative behavior every now and then, but physical abuse has come to a screeching halt! The last time I was hit was about a month ago. We started out with extinction of ALL unwanted behaviors. It was EXTREMELY hard to ignore physical and verbal abuse, and it gets worse before it gets better! I made a “nice thermometer” and once my boys reach 100 degrees, they get a nice treat! They get squares for nice words and safe hands and feet! It’s usually something we’re going to do anyways so it’s super cost effective and convenient! We use positive reinforces and a lot of redirecting! We also do errorless learning which has been phenomenal with his academics. I highly recommend an ABA therapist, or whatever you do try just be super patient, always always always keep it positive, and most importantly be consistent even when you think it’s getting worse, just remember when your changing unwanted behaviors it always gets worse before it gets better!!! I really hope this helps, if you have any other questions or want to see what my “nice thermometer” looks like just email me and I’ll send it to you.
My email is yazminavianney@yahoo.com

Lisa - posted on 08/22/2011

the weighted blankets are a good idea, but my experience is that they sometimes aggrivate the situation as my son would become more violent due to not liking the restrictive feel and would be fighting to get it off and then would be re attacking the person closest, usually me. You need to always remember that what others say is not always the best for your son as I learnt the hard way. I knew he would not like the restrictive nature of the blankets, towels, doonas that I was told to use, but they said yes it would be fine and I was the one that was hurt in the end and not them. So always follow your gut with all suggestions

Lara - posted on 08/22/2011

Being a behavioral specialist for children within the ASD for the past 12 years, I have learned that sensory over-load is the best way to deal with a non verbal child with autism, who acts out in a physical manner. Like Kelley said weighted blankets and even rolling your son, rolled up in, and back and forth in a thick mat, while applying pressure; almost like a massage, would control your child's behavior. the sensation should give your child's mind the chance to relax and return to a calm state. Hope this could help, any more questions, or more specific advice don't be afraid to email me. rdemarco14@hotmail.com

Carolyn - posted on 08/22/2011

IVe been in the same situation myself, although my son is only six he also has the strength of a grown man and I hate to think what he will be capable of in a few years. We had to seek help from a behaviorist this past year since he started doing this aggressive hitting, bitting, kicking screaming at school and then at home.He was getting sent home and teachers were getting hurt on a daily basis.If you feel his behavior is due to communication you need to continue working on finding out what he is trying to tell you. Ive had many time where it was something so simple as a crayon being put upside down in a box that got him so upset. Sometimes it is more serious, if at all possible try seeking help learn the ABC's of behavior, social stories showing him the right way to treat people and rewarding him for the times he is acting appropriately, that worked for my son. good luck!

Lisa - posted on 08/22/2011

My son is 22 now, but he was exactly the same, I had reached the end of my tether and had to resort to medication. It was the very, very, very last option, but in the end it should have been the first. The difference it made to his life and ours was worth it. The problem was I did not want to use medication and now he is so much better and has been for the last 10 or so years. There will always be outburst, but they are few and far between. This has also allowed him the chance to be able to concentrate and learn more.
No matter what you do always remember why you are doing it and that it is to make them reach their best abilities.
Good luck and we do survive it somehow.
Blessings to you

Rhiannon - posted on 08/22/2011

To calm a autistic boy it has to be magnesium i would suggest brainchild nutritional's liquid mag and spectrum support starter kit it really worked for us our non-verbal 3 yr old has become nearly fully functional.Our son was small and non aggressive but has tantrums and just cried but liqui mag really showed immediate result like in a month.

Kathleen - posted on 08/22/2011

But that wasn't a response to the original poster but to one of the other responses. When my grandson whom I homeschool came out of public school he had PTSD from his treatment there (kids turning over bookcases on him,etc. etc.). At first he was very aggressive. I made a chart on the wall and told him he would have 40 tokens, but any time I had to count to three because he was doing something wrong, one would be crossed out. Any time he hit or pushed me one would also be crossed out. And at the end of the week we would go to the video arcade place where he could use his remaining tokens. It was very important that he could see the Os being crossed off. In a couple of weeks he was down to losing 13, in another two he never lost any and there has been essentially no aggression since then.

Kathleen - posted on 08/22/2011

Focalin is a very good medication, I have been taking it for ADD for several years. With autistic kids the main problem is if they also have anxiety or OCD. Also, you should know that there are coupons available online that will pay your insurance co-pay for you--I've been saving $40/month that way!

Charmaine - posted on 08/22/2011

It stands for a Defeating Autism Now Doctor. They are doctors that take a holistic approach to the treatment of autism looking at the symptoms as a whole picture not just as symptoms. You can check out this website for more clarification http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Ar... also you can check out www.autismspeaks.org they also have information on DAN docs and where you can find them. Good luck I love my doc.

Keri - posted on 08/22/2011

What does DAN stand for?

Keri - posted on 08/22/2011

Does he take medication?I think you should take him to a psychiatrist to be evaluated.My son is 14 and is very strong.He takes Risperdal for his aggression.

Jennifer - posted on 08/22/2011

So sorry you are having a rough time. I changed my 8 year old sons diet 4 years ago, after seeing a pediatric GI and then a DAN! doctor. I found it DID help, my son isn't perfect, but his aggressive and stimming behaviors as well as his sensory issues have all gotten noticeably better if not disappeared (and if we lax on the supplements or he has a dietary infraction, we can see them increase, so we KNOW we are doing the right thing. I do recommend you do some reading about why the diet works, and maybe even about other common issues that kids with autism have, because each behavior has a cause, and if you can find that out (whether it is stomach pain or headaches or the effects of yeast overgrowth or malnutrition), then you can start to take steps of remedy the core issue, thereby reducing or eliminating the problematic behaviors. Special Diets for Special Kids by Lisa Lewis has a lot of information, and there are tons of websites, too. Now, all 3 of my kids and myself are gluten and casein free. It is doable, and we are on one income.

Jilliana - posted on 08/21/2011

I would definitely see a DAN and put him on the diet as well as supplements and also look into things like acupuncture/acupressure, etc. These are all things have helped with my son. We not only eliminated gluten, dairy, soy, but also food coloring and anything processed. It sounds like he also needs some outlets...more playtime and positive physical activity. During the summer when my son is not in school, I noticed he has a lot more energy and aggression.

Kelley - posted on 08/21/2011

My son is 11, 168lbs, and 5ft 6in already. I am only 5ft 2. He started puberty at 10 and his aggression increased. Clonodine and Risperdal have helped us. We also use time out and weighted blankets to calm him down. He is nonverbal so I know what you are going thru. Thankfully my husband and I are on the same page with our son and work together as a team . Use your resources like school teachers and Community Service Boards. I try to remind myself he is a Gift of God and to just take it a day a time.

Charmaine - posted on 08/21/2011

Look into the SonRise Program (www.autismtreatmentcenter.org) also look into modifying his diet as children with Autism often have gut issues. Also try Neuro Protek (http://www.algonot.com/neuroprotek.php) I have been using it for my son for about 3 weeks and the results have been astounding. Prior to using it my son did a lot of scripting, and wasn't using language appropriately. He's not perfect (as none of us are) but we have seen a tremendous amount of progress in these small 3 weeks. Also, check out my blog I have a lot of resources regarding autism and treatments and some of the things that we have done that have worked and haven't. I wish you much luck but please don't medicate.
I know it's just my opinion but the medication in the long run actually does more harm than good. The medication is not solving the real issue which is the mitochondrial, the gut and many others. The medication is just a mask.

I pray that things get better and no matter what I suggest or anyone else does you must do what is best for your family. God Bless and stay strong.

Jo - posted on 08/21/2011

Sorry to hear about this challenging situation. In my experience aggression is related to gut bacterial overgrowth like clostridia. Olive leaf extract or goldenseal for a week (3 times a day) is what we use. The Yahoo RecoveryFromAutism group has more info on this.

Melissa - posted on 08/17/2011

I have a high functioning son and have worked with another boy in my church that sounds much like your boy. One thing that I learned as I observed people interact with my son(and the other boy) was that they didn't treat them any differently. When they were younger they were permitted to stay in the nursery, but then the aggression problem developed and then I realized... "hey I would let any of these 'normal' kids behave this way in the nursery so neither should they" My son was a little easier to work with because he was high functioning. The other little boy taught me something. Here's what happened... after time outs and talking and the such... he scratched me, I scratched him back then took his hand and rubbed my face with it "nice, nice" he scratched me again right away, but softer... I scratched him back not any softer than the 1st and repeated the rubbing my face... he barely scratched me right away again... I scratched him back again not reducing my scratch, then had him rub my face. Then... he rubbed my face on his own. What I realized was that he hadn't been taught what was socially acceptable!! It was like a light bulb coming on... for both of us!! My son is now 12 and the other boy is also about the same age. I ran into him and his worker @ the city park it was great to hear that he no longer is hitting and spitting. What I would ask you is what would be okay for him to when he gets angry/frustrated? When those moments occur... its time to teach him :o) What could be better than lesson time with mom.

Something else I realized was that for my child the holding method only made him more aggressive. Each child is different normal or autistic... even in the same house!

Jeanne - posted on 08/15/2011

Your welcome! My son has also done better since I got him Ipod with proloquo 2 go program.....He is now actually say 3 word sentences! this just started this past year....it amazing.

Jennifer - posted on 08/15/2011

I have tried all of these methods including no meds for almost 6 months and they were the toughest in my life. However, maybe he just needs to mature more because we are seeing that he can communicate better and his episodes are over quicker. Hopefully, when my son is 10 he will get to a better place....thanks for offering that idea since we have dealing with these issues for 6 years.

Jeanne - posted on 08/15/2011

I have a 10yr son with Autism who has had episodes of aggression. 2 1/2 yrs ago he had alot of aggression issues I used weighted blanket and brushing his arms. Then after one evening of restarining him in my arms for over 3hrs (for his and my safety) I called his dr and requested him to be taken off his medication and switched . That was the best thing i could have done. He is more energetic then before but he is happy and less aggressive. we still do use calming strategies but less often. resently his aggression increased and he seemed to rub his head. brought him to eye dr and now he is back to normal wearing glasses for reading. Have you used calming strategies? Weighted blanket, brushing, squeezing/clapping hands, stress ball? Or a bath? I suggest keeping a log. Write down behaviors before the aggression started and then you may be able to head them off before the aggression is out of control.

Melody - posted on 08/15/2011

I agree with trying to modify his diet and seeing if it helps. My daughter"s worst food to trigger behavior is of all things potato. When she was young with little verbal skills and tantrumed often , I used rescue remedy, which is a bach flower remedy, you should be able to get at a healthfood store. For her , it worked magic. In suggesting this, I have noticed it seems to work well with children with pure systems. What I mean is children who are not already on strong medications. I have suggested it at parent support groups. The people who have given me Postive feedback had children who were not already medicated, the people who said it didnt do a thing, had children on meds already...For around $10, I would say, its worth a try.
I was usually able to tell my daughter was going to start tantruming and try to turn it around before it began. Thankfully she is small for her age, so when she was in her agressive, harmful age, she didnt inflect much damage, except for her bites...

Jennifer - posted on 08/14/2011

We are finding that our son with autism who has been classified as one of the toughest cases many behaviorists have seen has such high anxiety issues that the aggression is so unexpected because he doesn't know when it will occur. He's been on Trazadone and clonidine and we're seeing some good results but he can still allow the anxiety to override the meds....The happy part of the meds is that he's becoming more predictable and feels good about himself more. Risperdal causes sinus issues which made him gag/vomit for 2 years. None of the doctors or I suspected it was the issue but when he went off of it, the sinus issues ended as did the vomiting and his asthma has become very controllable. Good luck

Victoria - posted on 08/14/2011

My son is 7 and non-verbal. He knows a few words to sign and does say about 6-12 words that we understand and uses a communication box at school. He gets into these tantrums, but does not harm me or himself, instead he takes it out on his bigger brother. We have always done a full body hold and calmed him down with music. Some reason "Hush Little Baby" seems to work best or Opera. We have talked to his DP about his behavior, but are against drugs at this time. The body hold seems to work good and does not harm them!

Bonnie - posted on 08/14/2011

There are many good suggestions on here already for you. I would like to add some ideas that I have heard also help, from other families with kids on the spectrum. Do you have a trampoline, for your son to jump and play on?
Or a punching bag, get him to run around laps in the back yard, move heavy objects from one side of the yard to the other. Does he like to play basketball, soccer, throw a baseball, go for walks, ride a bike?
If you could find something, even a craft or hobby that he could throw himself into, to use energy, to move his body, pent the frustration in a positive manner. I know that it helped me growing up, even though I am not on the spectrum. My eldest likes to go on walks, play some wii, practice riding his bike, and this fall he starts cub scouts. Things to let him move, and socialise, to think of other things besides the normal. I remember when I was younger, I would get frustrated and take long walks, pull out a craft, write in my journal, to focus my thoughts and feelings. It must be super difficult for your son, being unable to voice how he feels. After finding out about meds and ot, I would look for things that he can do to help him pent, focus his thoughts, and express himself. He might like beating down clay and making some art, or bread dough, that he can create items, he can later enjoy. Hugs mama, you can do it.

Stacy - posted on 08/14/2011

My son is PDD-Nos, and ADHD impulsive/hyperactive type. I put him on risperadone for a week, then ready the side effects, and took him off. When I DID have him on the med, it did work like a charm, and truthfully, I am so NOT pro meds, but it sounds like you need a break from the abuse. You are the mom, you speak for him, and if your son needs help, it is your job to help him. If he was a diabetic, wouldn't you give him insulin? I am starting Focalin next week. ... Stay tuned.

Diane - posted on 08/12/2011

Our son was the tantrum king. He tantrummed 4-6 hours per day in combined tantrums at age 3. There were times when my husband worried he was going to hurt him when trying to restrain him during an extra aggressive tantrum. Then we removed gluten and dairy from his diet (gradually, over 6-8 weeks, slowly finding replacement foods that he would accept. By the time all food eaten was completely GF/CF, we had already noticed a positive change in his behaviors. Fast forward to now at age 13, where he has been GF/CF for 10 years, and he is a completely different kid. He is still gluten free and dairy free, makes all of his own meals for breakfast and lunch, is a strong student in school academically, and this evening we were able to drop him off at a laser tag place where his school was doing a fundraiser, and go to dinner with my husband knowing that our son would be able to take care of himself. He had his GFCF dinner at home before we left, and armed with $15 for video games and soda, he had a blast while U had a nice dinner at a new restaurant with my husband. I firmly believe in dietary intervention to help children with autism, yet know that each child may need a slightly different diet plan, depending on the issues of that particular child. My son also reacts to soy, peanuts and pineapple, so we removed those as well, and he is doing amazingly well. Much info that has helped our family came from the TACA website - www.tacanow.org



diane in TN

Deborah - posted on 08/11/2011

Thank you so much for all your kind words and suggestions. I have been seeing him struggling very much with sensory overload. We have tried many different things that he can chew on that wont harm him. He has picked many "unusual", "stim" items. Everything from chewing on wash cloths and his sleeve to twirling a keychain strap around his finger over and over.

There is also a problem with not being able to express himself when he is (as everyone gets) frustrated. I have been trying to use the word "mad" a lot when he is angry clearly and concisely hoping he will pick it up. Then hopefully we can move onto other emotions and their names. He has been known to speak in mumbled, short, 1-4 word sentences.

Also, reinforcement and validation of emotions tells them it is very much ok to feel whatever emotion they feel, simply express it with words instead of aggression.

I have always been against the use of medication for children. Maybe we can try more therapeutic practices instead. I just wish his dad could take the initiative to use certain techniques. It would be so much easier for our son.

Thanks so much,
Deborah

Jaymi - posted on 08/11/2011

I also have a 8-year-old primarily nonverbal (although his words are improving) son with autism. From age 5 thru age 7, he was very aggressive. It was a nightmare. He threw his 1 year old brother across the room by the neck, punched his twin sister in the face, was regularly getting sent home from school, sent numerous people (teachers, aides, me) to the doctor after hitting/kicking them. It was getting so bad, we had to consider the possibility of having him temporarily placed out of our home. Fortunately, it didn't come to that. I literally felt sick to my stomach thinking we would have to medicate him, which we did. It took quite a bit of trial and error. Now he is on Seroquel. It helps calm him and also helps him sleep. I don't advocate meds for every child, but sometimes it's necessary. You can tell he also feels better. I am so sorry you are struggling with this. It's so hard, and I felt like I was blamed for his behavior. Keep us updated on his progress.

Stacy - posted on 08/11/2011

Also... Offer a chewy tube to get out oral frustrations. Mine bites it every day, and it really helps him.

Stacy - posted on 08/11/2011

I have tried Risperadone, for a week b/c the side affects scared me, but it worked like a charm...If I was getting hit, I would medicate my son, and I am NOT the medicating type (although I do drink wine). Mine has ADHD, he is 6 and I am starting him on meds to cope with this school year. he will be starting 1st grade. He is not as physical as yours, but I wonder if by the time 2 years pass from now, he might be . Good luck. It is terribly difficult, and you are in charge.

Sheila - posted on 08/11/2011

Hi Deborah,

Have you worked with an OT that specializes in children's rehabilitative therapies? If not, see if you can find one in your area that has experience working with children.

It is my belief that when you have tried behaviour management, really worked the therapuetic trail and your child is still self-injurious and aggressive towards others...then I do advocate looking into medication that will help him to be safe. I don't know your stand on medication...but if it will help you to help your son then I would find out as much as I could, know the possible side effects etc...and speak with a specialist.

As well, and if you have done this I apologize, track the behaviours...is there a food trigger? Time of day? Transtions, etc? Does he have a weighted blanket? Is he sleeping properly (at least 8 continuous hours...should really be 10 hours at aged 8).

Often times when a non verbal child is self-injurious it is because they are attempting to "drown out" a negative sensory experience...so the pain actually feels "better" than the sensory input that is overwhelming them...Have you noticed sensory issues?

Good luck to you and your son.

Sheila

Sonia - posted on 08/10/2011

hi my son is also 8 autistic and non-verbal. he gets easily upset, he tends to punch himself in the eye and knee the wall alot. so his knees are always black and blue and his eye is kind of swollin right now. its hard to see him do that to himself. he also uses pecs and some signs and at school he is learning to use the ipod. we have tried the gfcf diet in the past but he was actually in a worse mood. i don't know how you feel about medications, i have not used them but i know that there are a few children at my son's school that are on meds and it does help them. i'm not against them as long as you can see a difference for the better than i believe its worth it. does he get frustrated out of boredom? my son is easily bored and he is not happy with anything so having therapy at home helps alot just to keep him busy with something. i know i'm probably not helping much but i just want you to know that your not the only one in this situation. i wish that our boys could just tell us the problem but that will probably never be. i truly hope that things get a little easier for you.

Rah - posted on 08/09/2011

see my post in high functioning austism community. not sure if it would help or not.