what can i do for my teen who is autistic and very violent - Autism Spectrum Message Board

emelo16 · 03-22-2009, 05:49 PM

what can i do for my teen who is autistic and very violent self injurous seemingly from ocd. If everything isn't a particular way he bangs his head until it bleeds and attacks everyone.

Liamsmom · 03-23-2009, 10:09 AM

Have you considered meds?

Mira11 · 03-23-2009, 01:41 PM

hi - i have to admit that i'm surprised that he's not already under the care of a dr. who is prescribing meds. if he is, call that dr. and say what's happening. if he is not, call for an appt. and say it's an emergency and get him seen asap.

let us know what develops. people with ocd, autism or not, need to be on meds with the severe kinds of behavior you're describing.

StuckinaRut · 03-25-2009, 09:34 AM

Emelo 16 -

I work at a NeuroRehabilitation center. My work is with children with a variety of disorders who have violent tendencies. There are several children that we work with that are autistic and are violent. I can give you good news and bad news. There are some that we have seen that you can decrease the level of violence, but never eliminate it, and this is usually through intervention.

There is a particular client I can think of however, that we have complete success with who is autistic, non-verbal, and OCD. In school they remove all outside distractions in his area. There is nothing stored in his particular area, to remove those distractions. In his residence, he is allowed areas where he may be OCD about his items - such as his room, and one particular bookcase in a common area. Beyond that, he is instructed that he can not change the order of things. This took a long time to adjust him to - but with regular consistency of saying that is not yours, or redirecting him to his room when he is fixated on something, the behaviors will change. Unfortunately, with the violent tendencies, there is an element you are at a disadvantage with because often physical intervention is necessary for cases like his. These are humane, yet restrictive interventions that keep him and others safe. Do not be afraid to wrap your arms around him, holding him as still as possible when he begins to cause bleeding.

A lot of times, as well, it is a way of communication for those that are non-verbal, or autistic. Whether they want something and can't communicate it, or are simply seeking attention. Look into utilizing techniques of redefining where he is allowed to access his OCD, as well as isolating him from environmental triggers.

I'm sorry to hear you are living with this, but there are things you can do. If things you are doing at home are not working, seek out a Behavioral Specialist, they will be able to give you better ideas than any doctor - meds can only take you so far, and often they do not curb the violence.

Good luck.