I have a 4 year old boy who has autism. He will get into these horrible tantrums from time to time if he does not get his way. I mean they are awful he will scream to the top of his lungs and throw himself around. It is like he is in his own world and does not hear me when I try to comfort him. Anyone had this problem with autistic kids and what to do? Is there a medication, therapy or suppliment to try? HELP!
2006-12-05 11:19:07 · 7 answers · asked by Samantha 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
my child was the same way. there is a really good book at most public librarys you should read. Try spending more one on one time, have a routine, they need that, when he is throwing himself around try taking his mind from that and distracing him. There are a lot of dr who can help, but most likly you will need referrals from your peditricition. Please talk to your dr. They wil help you the most. They are in a world of there own when they start the tantrums, it very hard. I would cry with my daughter when she would have her fits.
2006-12-05 11:25:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My six year old son is autistic, and the first question you should be asking yourself is "is this the autism, or him just being four". Sometimes my son throws tantrums simply because he doesn't get his way (which would be because he's six) and some tantrums are caused by overstimulation, or something that's REALLY bothering him, that you just haven't noticed...like too many people in the room, the tv being too loud, or sometimes for my son, when the fire siren goes off he "flips out". It may even be, and it is for a lot of autistic children, that when they want to be alone, they'll do something bad intentionally to be put in "time out".
So, when he's throwing a tantrum because he's pissed off, don't be afraid to be firm with him. He can understand you better than you think. Depending on what he's mad about, correct him like you would any other kid. If he throws himself on the floor kicking and screaming, look away (as long as he's not hurting himself). He'll know you're not looking at him, and probably scream louder, but you have to be consistant.
If something is truly bothering him, and he can't help but get upset, try your best to comfort him. If there's too many people, distract him (any way that works best...Luke likes his leap pad, as soon as I whip that sucker out, he calms down) and take him into a quieter spot. Most autistic people can't handle crowds well.
Distraction is another helper. Turn his focus onto something new. When Luke is upset that his sister gets to go to Grandma's house (she's 81 and can only handle one kid at a time)..I'll suggest we watch his favorite movie, or he can play on the computer, and he's good to go.
And, as other people have suggested, getting him into a program with other autistic kids is definitely beneficial (if he's not already in one). You can find some through your pediatric neurologist, the school board, or you can get help from Autism Speaks. (link below)
Good luck with your son...it will get better, I promise. How lucky he is to have a parent who cares so much about him. :)
2006-12-05 23:04:42 · answer #2 · answered by VA Mamma 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My 6 year old nephew is autistic. My sister and her husband put him on a diet of gluten free food. Also he doesn't eat any dairy products. He drinks soy milk. A lot of children are on these diets now for other problems too. The problem is that most of the info. my sister got was not from their pediatrician and not covered by insurance. They had a lot of tests done too that showed he has way too much mercury in his body. He is a lot calmer now with the new diet though. Do as much research as you can. There are a lot of websites for parents to talk to other parents. Good luck to you. I know what your family is going through is very difficult.
2006-12-05 20:05:24 · answer #3 · answered by cmarieg68 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please read up and ask your doctor about behavior modification. There are a lot of centers for children with autism that are using behavior modification, and it does help.
Also, try reading "Let Me hear Your Voice" by Catherine Maurice, a mother of 2 children with autism who used behavior modification and achieved miracalous results.
It would really help you and your child...good luck!
2006-12-05 19:32:39 · answer #4 · answered by Kavi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is in his own world - just make sure that he is in a room with soft furnishing so he can't hurt himself and walk away.
there is a lot of research out there for this condition - but I've read it you play classical music - especially mozart this can help keep him in a calmer state.
If he truly does have autisim he should already be in some type of educational program to help him (and you) to start coping
2006-12-05 19:25:33 · answer #5 · answered by prettymama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Autistic children dont "listen" because they have no concept of right from wrong (because they ARE in their own worlds). It's very important that you see a specialist regarding how to deal with his behaviors.
2006-12-05 19:27:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
what i would do is defiently take him to the docotrs and explain the situation because he would know what to do and what medications to put ur son on
2006-12-05 19:22:05 · answer #7 · answered by daddys girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋