Aggression - Autism Spectrum Message Board

jason321 · 01-27-2008, 07:35 AM

I am writing concerning my son who is autistic but also mentally handicapped, he is now 27 years old but has become very aggressive, he bangs his head very hard against the wall and swears hits kicks etc.
We don't know what we can do for him and we are now fed up of talking with specialists who should understand that we cant keep it up but don't have any idea of what we can do to help him and tell us the same thing over and over.

I am looking for any info or tips or anybody who has dealt with this sort of problem and found an answer, maybe there is a medication that will help? we just don't know what we can try so please any info welcome.

My son has the mental age of 3 but is 27 and nearly six foot tall and very strong, he also suffers from epilepsy.

Kind regards.
Adrian.

moderator2 · 01-27-2008, 08:41 AM

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sb62 · 01-27-2008, 11:19 PM

Hi. So sorry to hear about your problems. I also have a son that has autism, although his is a much milder form (Asperger's) that you son's. He is 19, and since he was very young, he has had problems with aggression. After years and years of psychiatrists, he began taking Abilify and Lamictal. The Abilify is an antipsychotic and seems to have helped dramatically with aggression. The Lamictal is actually an anti-seizure medication but is also used as a mood stabilizer. Before taking these, he tried a variety of medications. The only other one that seemed to really help was Risperdal but it really caused him to gain weight and want to sleep alot. I realize that every person reacts different to medications, but I thought I would at least tell you my story. My life has been so unbelievably hard dealing with so many problems on a daily basis, then I read your story and I feel selfish. I cannot imagine what you must be going through. It is tough!! I really wish you luck and wish I could help more. Keep trying! Good luck

JANE111 · 02-14-2008, 12:15 AM

I Have A Son Of 17yrs, And Is On Prozac The Doc Is Dose Not Seem To Get How Bad The Problem Is, And Wont Change Med, He AttacKed Me Last Night And I Now Have Yet Another Clump Of Hair Missing, It Takes 3 Cares At His Day Centre To Control Him When His Like That At Home There Only Me And Husband And I Have 2 Younger Daugters,the Problem I Have Is With Doctor ,my Son Was Diagnised With Aspers But Since Aggression Classed As More Autistic,but There Is A Family History Of Bio Poler In Family But He Wont Lisson And I Feel Its Point Less Even Seeing Him,i Now Have Appointment On 4 March And Have Decided To Ask Him At What Point Would He Consider Changeing His Med , Its As If He Wants Something Bad To Happen Before He Will Help I Want Prvention Not Try And Error,good Luck On Your Prblems, Your Not Alone Janex

antiquemother2 · 02-14-2008, 08:04 AM

You should seek professional advice immediately, both of you with aggressive sons. People with autism and related spectrum disorders experience 'meltdowns' due to their frustration and lack of understanding of social cues. They are NOT generally known to be aggressive individuals and people on the spectrum also suffer from other disorders not related to the autism which makes each person's limitations and abilities different from the next.

There is no one on a message board who can offer you anything constructive in the way of advise, other than to get medical help and legal help immediately for yourselves and your sons. I'm speaking as a parent of a son with Asperger - he's 24. Possibly the most gentle soul I know.

Best of luck to you both.