Help I have a Violent 10 year old Autistic Child Who Head bangs walls with great force?

Question

Today he Has knocked out a teacher at the special school he goes to. I have heard that its possible linked to Adrenalin (from 3 sources) Can anyone put me in the right direction of web sites etc or any help on this Serious matter! Social services have dragged there feet (money!) for the past three years despite being told at every meeting What does it take to act?? someone to die?

Answer 1

I very much doubt it has anything to do with adrenaline directly. Autistic head-banging behaviour can be caused by one of several things that I can immediately think of. Without more info on your boy's individual problem areas (sensory problems?) I couldn't say precisely which

1) Sensory stimulation. Perhaps either (a) some or all of his senses are under-stimulated and violent acts against himself are one way of actually *feeling* some kind of sensory feedback or (b) they're over-stimulated and he's in pain or discomfort and is trying to block out something else that he's feeling very intensely.

2) More likely IMO is that he's frustrated. Not being able to communicate what you're thinking in the way you want to is incredibly frustrating (regardless of whether he can talk/sign/uses PECS/other or not). Sometimes it can get too much and you develop a coping strategy for those times. When you're a child, you don't have as much of an ability to develop non-harmful strategies as an adult or older child does and violence is perhaps the easiest and most effective way to let out stress when you can't say (or find the words to say) "Argh!! I'm having a cr***y day and I need to relax!"

Of vital importance is to realise that almost certainly, he's not doing it to hurt the teacher - it's likely a case of the teacher being in the wrong place at the wrong time. No malice involved.

The school will be used to incidents like this. I've even heard of some who just consider it an occupational hazard, brush it to one side and carry on (after being checked over by a Dr or whatever).

I know that head banging is very worrying to watch because as an adult you can see how dangerous it could be but try distracting him with his favourite item, video, or whatever he does to chill out. You can't force him to stop but you can help him calm down sooner.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if our little one uses a helmet or not, but that is a start. Talk with his Dr about medication that may slow his roll a little you don't want him to be zombie though. There are a ton of Autistic websites out there and all kind of funding for special needs children. Get you a cup of coffee and find a peaceful moment to start the search. But, I have a question for you. How are you doing/holding up during this rough period? I have a nephew who is "mildly" (as they say) Autistic and has out burst. So, I know the stress and anxiety it can have on you.

Answer 3

Don't give up. You obviously need help, if the services in your area are refusing to help they are breaking the law. You might get some ideas from the National Autistic Society. but if not don't' give up. contact TV and radio and newspapers if necessary, it's hard but don't let them get away with it you have a right to help and your son could be a different person if given the right help. Go to your doctor, paediatrician etc and don't let them put you off. Keep pestering don't let them tell you "come back next week" Tell them I have this problem now, I need help now, I can't cope. Good luck.

Answer 4

Have you talked to the school psychologist? Maybe his pediatrician can help with a calming drug. The child is very frustrated & is acting out. Maybe there is too much noise & confusion around him. Autistic kids need a routine and quiet surroundings or they get over-stimulated.
Good luck! I have 2 autistic grand kids.

Answer 5

I belive autistic children are special & are highly sensitive.
I have heard of an organisation called the SonRise program, developed by a doctor (I think) whose son have autism & he was determined that his child lead a normal life.
It's originally in the US but there are practitioners here also.
This is their website:
http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/

Answer 6

*** http://www.aboutautismlaw.com/ ***
This site gives you legal resources that you can use to get your son the help he needs.

www.autism-society.org
www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddautism.htm
www.autism.org
www.autismwebsite.com/ari

There should be funds available through the government so you can get a full time or at least part time specialist to come out to your home and help with intensive therapy. I'm assuming the school has not done much to advocate for your son since you need to ask this question but they might have some ideas. You should contact someone who can fight for your family's legal rights to get your son help. I hope this helps.

Answer 7

oh dear this is bad. go to a specialist doctor for this and instist that they do something. i had problems with my son, not autisic but other problems and it took a long time to sort it out. as for social services complain about them and see if anyone else in social services can help. also try special education at lea for help if he is attacking his teachers they will be on your side, social services cannot deny you the help you need in this case, also try crisis, a charity that helps with children, or mind maybe they can help

Answer 8

some websites:
www.autismweb.org (which has informational sections and a great parent forum too)
www.thoughtfulhouse.org (for the medical and nutritional side of things - they also have a yahoo group - see below)
and then there are some Yahoo groups that are very helpful - just go to the Yahoo homepage, go to "groups", then use the keyword "autism"
Lots of parents going through similar situation with good advice on those forums.
Take care.

Answer 9

Every state has a Advocacy group for children with disabilities. I dont know what state you live in, but you can email me or message me at this id, and i might can steer you in the right direction with someone who is familiar with your situation, and can give you information.

Answer 10

For almost four years, I carried out research into the root causes of addiction to alcohol and other drugs and that research brought me to research child and adolescent mental health services. As I am based in Dublin. Ireland. I spent almost two years trying to get high profile publicity in order to highlight the plight of children and adolescents with mental illness, after a long wait 'the plight of these children and their families was screeed on RTE/ Irish TV (PRIMETIME) on Monday night.
I have published some information on my BLOG SPACE at:

http://uk.360.yahoo.com/greagues2

Do a search on the web under child and adolescent mental health and seek out websites that you can trust. In particular search for YoungMinds website: based in the UK and this site offers first class information across a range of services for children and their families. It is also important for communities to make an important supporting contribution to children within their communities who suffer from mental ill health.
Keep searching and keep on trying and please try to realise that one-in-five children may suffer from some form of mental illness and it is vital for each one of us to help such children and their families within the community.
kind good wishes from;
J.P. Ireland.