She is 24 years old now and cannot talk. When she is annoyed, she will have violent tantrums by suddenly gripping another person's hair then banging her head on his head. What should we do? We are from the Philippines.
2006-07-22 03:34:06 · 7 answers · asked by lovelyu_asy 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It is so difficult bringing up an autistic child. You need support people around to help because its a 24/7 task. I have a niece who's autistic. She cannot talk either, at 18. She also grabs people's hair, usually to smell it. She seems to live by 'triggers'. For instance, if she is taken for a walk, after that she has to do a certain thing followed by something else - always the same. And if something is different or changes she becomes confused and then angry, but if we get her back into her routine she calms down quickly.
Please find help because her tantrums sound quite bad and if she's like my niece she will be very strong. All she knows is something is not right with her but she won't know about the pain it will be causing for family. There is a way of controlling her behaviour but you must seek help, maybe first through your doctor.
It is so hard I know. I love my autistic niece. There is something so special about her. She's brave and she knows so many things that she cannot express. I wish you all the best and hope that you find the right people to help.
2006-07-22 05:09:08 · answer #1 · answered by vzhnri 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to read this.With early intervention when she was little, she would be functioning much better.
This may get long, but here are some ideas:
The best thing to do when they are having a tantrum(meltdow) is to leave them be. Interviening escalates the tantrum.
Keep a log of when she has the tantrums.Then you can pinpoint what is causing them.A specialist would be able to help you with behaviour techniques.
Remember routine is key for autistics, they do not like sudden change or new things.If there is going to be a change in routine, or even if you are going to moving your furniture around in differant places around your home, let her know well in advance.
You can make a chart with pictures to make routines in you home go more smoothly.For example, for a morning chart, you make pictures of breakfast, washing, teethbrushing,dressing etc..you glue velcro to the back of them.Then you make a poster with two columns, one for task to be done, one for finished task.Glue velcro piecse to each column, enough for the nummber of picture you have made. .Then attach the velcro pictures to one side.When the task is done, she can move it to the finished column.This can make mornings go more smoothly.
I It would be great if you could see an occupational therapist for a "sensory diet". Autistics have sensory issues, and this helps ALOT.Things like jumping and running , even bike riding are great for this.Brushing works well too but should only be done correctly, a occupational therapist can show you how to do it corerctly.
There may also be certain smells sounds and lights in your home that may be bothering her that you don't realize.You know how most pepole do not like the sounds of nails on a chalkboard, to autistics, certain everyday sounds can be like that for them. They are very sensitive to some.
I don't know what resources you have in your country.It sounds like she definatly needs to be working with a autism specialist.
Good luck
2006-07-22 05:02:39 · answer #2 · answered by ANNIEv413 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 19 year old autistic son. I'd say the first thing to do is seek some professional help in the form of a behavior analyst. Pay careful attention to the signs she is going to head butt someone and try to avoid close contact. Teach her other ways to release her anger such as going for a walk or screaming into a pillow. One of the things I've done is to teach my son sign language so he can express that he is mad, I then offer him some alone time to cool off and calm down. I know none of these suggestions are going to come easy but dealing with autism is not easy either. I wish you the best of luck.
2006-07-22 03:40:56 · answer #3 · answered by Diana C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
am a private tutor to a mildly autistic child. sadly, there aren't many instituitions in the phils that might be a source of info and help regarding autism. wikipedia provides a vary comprehensive article on the therapies for autism. you might want to check it out. good luck. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_therapies
you might also get in contact with people in your area having the same problem..http://jm_7.tripod.com/..its a site about autism in tghe philippines. they might be able to help you get in contact with the appropriate people for your problem
2006-07-22 03:42:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With love and compassion. She acts like that because she doesn't understand. Get a counselor specially trained to help you with that situation.
Support groups work wonders in just about any issue. Try one.
Good luck with her.
2006-07-22 03:59:44 · answer #5 · answered by real_sweetheart_76 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good referral to a social worker who is qualified dealing with autistic children would be beneficial to you.
2006-07-22 03:40:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With love
2006-07-22 03:37:01 · answer #7 · answered by The Foosaaaah 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋