Expert: James Michael Roan - 7/12/2008

Question
Hello,
I would like to ask/respond to the previous question asked by the teacher about the violent outbursts by one of his/her students. From the parents point of view on the same question, what do I as a parent do? I can relate to every single word spoken by the teacher in the previous question, and I agree 100% with what was expressed. My son is high functioning, and just turned 4. He is not in school, but was in an early education center until his outbursts, meltdowns, and violence became to much this past week and we were asked to find help before returning. The thing is though that only in the past three weeks has he become uncontrollable. No change in routine, diet, environment.. no triggers can be thought of. The teachers and I had a wonderful system together that intervened as soon as an outburst looked as if it were going to occur, and were very successes. There were several things we were able to try that worked for the past year, but now nothing is. We are on a waiting list to see someone about the aggression and possible medication but what about in the mean time? I have no daycare so I can't work. The meltdowns and outbursts are still occurring and I have to work to have insurance to pay to see the specialist. I tried to turn to basically a crisis center to get help with the aggression and intentional injury inflicted by my son,  but was told that I was not in a crisis because of a meltdown when being told "NO" - that other children were attempting to kill parents and siblings while sleeping on a daily basis and that was a crisis.
So I am right along with the teacher. What else can I do? I don't expect any daycare, school, or likewise to allow the several other staff/students be subjected to the possible harm or disruptive behavior by my child. I don't tolerate it or find it acceptable. I do not believe that because my child is Autistic (I don't care on what level)that it gives him any right or reason to act in such a manner, or use it as an excuse. If anything - having being diagnosed with Autism is everybit of a reason for my child to excel to a greater level along with the rest of the world. Unfortunately, my goals and beliefs are not enough despite the efforts made by all involved with my child. I am lost?
Thanks - Kelly

Answer
Hi Kelly;

It does sound like you are having a very rough time of it. Much of the behavior problem comes from impaired executive functions, which are responsible for focusing attention, working memory, etc. that in typically developing children are used to plan and organize. Emotional control is a direct function of the executive functions, which are usually significantly delayed in children with AS. Occupational therapists have success with children with poor emotional control. The program is called" How Does Your Engine Run? (http://www.alertprogram.com/). Children with poor executive functions are unable to "stop and think first."

Another method is to use is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Basically, it refers to the philosophy that thoughts affect arousal and thus behavior. If you can think positively, behavior is more controllable.
For more in depth treatment of behavior in children with Asperger's syndrome see the CAT-kit at Tony Attwood's website: http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/whatsnew.html . You can also check out books at the library on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for children with Asperger's syndrome (AS).

Finally, children with AS generally have a very concrete or "black and white" thinking style. If something is bad then it is all bad. These boys also tend to have higher testosterone levels than typically developing peers which adds fuel to the tantrum.

Feel free to come back with more specific questions.

Kind regards,
Jim