Help - 12yo autistic boy - behaviour challenges

[ZeldaFighter]

Hi, if anyone has any suggestions, I'd be very happy to hear them. 12yo DS's behaviour seems to be getting worse. This week, he's had several negative behaviour points from his mainstream school for doing things like throwing other people's belongings in a way that could hurt them or break stuff and messing about with doors. Normally, he gets a screens ban at home, which is a nightmare for us, but seems to get through to him.

This is the third week of no screens with no behaviour improvement. We've limited treats, no late nights but it doesn't seem to be getting through. He just keeps behaving badly and I feel like I don't know what to do anymore.

Can anyone help? Thank you 😊

What support is the school providing? Does DS have an EHCP? Has he had a sensory OT assessment? Have you and the school looked at the triggers behind the behaviour?

He supposedly has 1-1 support but it's within a group setting.
Yes, he has an ECHP, he has struggled with pre-school, school nursery, primary school and now secondary school so lots of support and evidence.
No, I don't know what a sensory OT assessment is. He was very upset by being wet and won't wear jeans but he's generally not obviously bothered by lights or sounds.
I haven't looked at triggers as it seems random but I will try to look for patterns. I haven't discussed it with school.

Thank you for your post.

Request a meeting with the SENCO.

Is the 1:1 support detailed, specified and quantified in F of the EHCP? If so, remind the school it is not optional. Also contact the LA because it is them who is responsible for the provision in the EHCP.

If the 1:1 isn’t detailed, specified and quantified in F of the EHCP, it can’t be enforced and you should request an early review of the EHCP.

What other support is in the EHCP and is it being provided?

It is worth looking at a sensory OT assessment. DC don’t have to have obvious difficulties with lights or sound to have sensory differences.

Thank you very much, I will follow up on all of these suggestions. Much appreciated

I agree with PP. A meeting with SENCO is needed. Have there been changes to the personnel in the small group. Has he reacted badly to a change in staffing? Or perhaps new students have joined the group. All worth exploring.

Also, a lot of schools are quite out of routine at this time of year. End of year trips, sports days, new students inductions, end of year assessments (the list goes on and on). Has this disrupted his previous routines?