New Here-Questions about HF Autistic son's behaviors - Autism Spectrum Message Board

QuirkyMotherOf2 · 09-19-2004, 03:18 PM

Hello everyone, I am new here. I have a high functioning son with sensory integration who just started kindergarten without much success. This is a new school and he was in a preschool before which he did very well in. Now in his new school, my son has started screaming when in transition, also other times like during story and pushing people who get too close to him. He has a thing about personal space. At home he is waking up screaming for my husband. Even in his nursery at church he has been acting out and kicking people. This is so unlike him. I have never had such aggression problems from him before. Even the teacher is sending home notes saying that he needs an Classroom Aid every day. Which is what I requested. I am at my wit's end. Does anyone have any suggestions? He goes to the doctor soon to discuss getting him on anxiety medications. Thanks for any advice provided.

(Forgot to add, does anyone have any good sensory product sites? I am looking for a disc/wedge that you sit on or put behind you. My son has trouble staying seated. Also, weighted vest might be needed)

ang64063 · 09-19-2004, 03:32 PM

If they are saying that he needs an aide, then why isn't he getting one?

I know of several sites that you can buy sensory stuff from, but I don't think we are allowed to post those sites here. I would say go to some of the search engines (Google, Ask Jeeves, My Search, My Web Search, etc) and type in what product you are looking for (weighted blankets, lap pads, vests, putty, etc.) and see what you come up with.

SHReed · 09-20-2004, 08:49 AM

QuirkyMother,

I'm afraid I don't have any answers for you, but I can sympathize. My 5-yr. old high-functioning son is also in kindergarten, and while he hasn't shown any aggression so far at school, he's started to show it at home. He did fine in Preschool - didn't show aggression at home, but sometime during the summer he starting hitting his father and me (mostly me.) He also hits his little brother whenever he cries or "invades his space" or tries to play with his toys. Sometimes he'll go around saying "hit Mommy" or "hit Daddy" and sometimes he hits us for seemingly no reason. Of course, it's difficult to make him understand that hitting is wrong so what do you do? Children like ours don't respond to normal discipline like other children would. I'm going to take my son to a DAN doctor to see if she thinks a special diet might help decrease his aggression and improve his moods. I've also noticed that when my son is constipated (which he is from time to time) he's more irritable.
I know I probably haven't helped any, but I can relate to what you're dealing with. I'll be watching this thread to see if you've had any success.

momofchris · 09-20-2004, 10:00 AM

Hi, my son has the same problem and what works for me is belive it or not is baby powder . His teacher told me about it last year and when he has his "outburst", I rub baby powder on him and it seems to calm him down a great deal. Never hurts to try it . Good luck!!

lillypad · 09-20-2004, 03:11 PM

Hi there! I just had to reply, as my son - 25 - also autistic although not HF has had terrible difficulties with change, and still does. Mine also did well in preschool, but 1st grade, oh my gosh! First - his IEP - it will be the most important school directive from now on. Is the classroom aide noted on the IEP? Unfortunately, not enough to just ask for it - it must be stated in the IEP. If it isn't, then by gosh, call another IEP. Get someone or several someones to go with you. Be prepared and stand your ground. I am sure that you could find local support. Ask some of the other parents, check with your special ed director, physical therapists, what ever....ask for support!

What's going on in the classroom? My asumption is that he is integrated into the regular classroom. How were the other classmates, and for that matter, the teacher prepared for your son? I would encourage you to drop in unannounced and check out the situation. If anything feels. looks or suggests that the teacher or students are uncomfortable, I expect to your son it is magnified 1000 times. I always see behavior as communication. He is trying to tell you something - something important.

new school, new teachers, new classmates, lots of new expectations for him to perform! - that would be enough for anyone to act out. I don't know about anxiety meds, but I do know that environment and interaction are so important to our kid's well being. Our kids have pretty well defined parameters when it comes to their ability to adjust. The rest of the world can be much more flexible, but we need to ask them to be and in most cases teach them to be. Hope this helps.