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Looking for some advice re ds with asd

7 replies

Rumours · 21/05/2014 20:50

Hi ds is 4 and has autism. Lately he has become very violent towards me during meltdowns. There is very little reasoning with him and meltdowns can be triggered over simple things. I will say no to him for something and he will just go. He wants everything on his terms so of course I say no to him.
His violence is hitting, kicking, pinching and scratching. He also throws things. He does this to me and his big brother (also asd), but no one else. Hes good at nursery. So he does no how to behave.
Im really struggling with him just now.
Any advice?

OP posts:
Obstacles · 21/05/2014 20:57

Hi rumours. All sounds very familiar. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid the meltdown. Have you had any support since you got the diagnosis? Autism patenting courses for example?

Not knocking your parenting at all but kids with autism are harder to figure and you get a lot of moral support and friendship from other parents.

I also find wine and chocolate very helpful!!!

Rumours · 21/05/2014 21:00

Ive been over indulging on the wine and chocolate lately Smile

I am waiting for some help, I waa referred to someone that will help me with his behaviour, but I need it yesterday!

OP posts:
Obstacles · 21/05/2014 21:22

I find avoiding using the word "no" helps. I do that thing from "how to talk so kids will listen" book and say oh yes going to to park would be great. Shall we plan to go on x day. Or I wish I could go to the park, let's magic an aeroplane to get there or a magic carpet. The sillier the better appeals to my son but might not work with yours.

If ds wants a new toy or is upset because yet again he has lost a small figurine ( has to take a small toy everywhere). I make a big show of writing it down for him on his birthday or Christmas list.

If he goes aggressively for his sibling or me I keep my words to a minimum. I find it better to say the behaviour I do want rather than what I don't. So better to say "leave your brother alone" rather than stop hitting" if that doesn't work I separate them and get ds to sit with me on the stairs.

I really try (often fail) to use a firm and cross tone of voice rather than an angry shouty voice when he is hitting or pushing. This because shouting excites ds and makes things worse. And I try not to grapple with him as genus very sensory seeking and likes this too.

If there is a little window in the bad meltdown I I
Instantly reward the better behaviour with something likes to distract him so for us tickling and deep pressure squashing, a snack, the ipad can work.

Routine and preparing ds for changes help.

And doing lots of sensory stuff. So ds line squeezing play doh and scribbling with crayons and being wrapped up in a duvet. These are positive ways of him getting sensory feedback.

And we try to play outside as much as possible.

Anyway this works for us some of the time but we don't always keep it up because I'm lazy and can't be bothers sometimes. And sometimes I do everything "right" and it is not enough.

Obstacles · 21/05/2014 21:24

Sorry for all the typos!

Acciosanity · 21/05/2014 21:24

Hi Rumours.

It's not a matter of him being good at nursery so he knows how to behave IMO, often it's a case of they bottle it up at nursery/school then when at home it all comes out. I know DS found nursery and finds school incredibly stressful. All the noise, people, hustle and bustle, social interaction they're not sure how to handle, rules that puzzle them, different smells, sounds etc. It's no wonder they meltdown once they're safe at home.

We don't tolerate violence. If he's melting down I take him to hi us room, lower the lights, put his bubble lamp on and let him let it out. If he's attacking me I leave him, I stay right outside the door and he'll trash his room and eventually let me in. I can't touch him till he's ready, then he needs wrapping in his quilt or to have a big cuddle and a cry.

He's 7 now and better at taking himself to his room. If we're out I just hold him so he can't hurt himself or others.

Rumours · 21/05/2014 21:46

Thankyou both of you for your replies. Ds trashes his room too when I put him in it. Its so hard for them and us and while im sorry you have this too im a little relieved that im not alone.
Im going to re read in the morning when im not so tired but you've given me some good pointers there thankyou Smile

OP posts:
Acciosanity · 21/05/2014 21:55

You're not alone, always a listening ear on here Smile

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