Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 12/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 almost 4 year old son that was diagnosed when he was 2 with autism and adhd. Since then i have went many obstacles and tried many thing and i am not sure where to go now. He has so many behaviors that i feel he is an endanger to himself and others.He cokes his younger brother in the night he hits kick bites other student, teacher me and his sister and brother. Sometimes i don't think he means to hurt people he just don't know how to express himself.I had to board his window up in his room cause he tried to jump out and his is on the second floor and then i have sensor alarms on all doors cause he gets out all the time but they have such a delay that by time it goes off he is a block done the road so i had to put a lock on his bedroom door so i can keep him safe at night. I have called everywhere to try to get help but everyone tells me that he is either to young or has to many behaviors. He gets kicked out of daycare aleast 2 or 3 times a week and also school. If any suggestion let me know please . My kids are everything to me and i would anything for them and have tried but i feel i have hit a brick wall this time just want to get him some help cause i know he cant control himself and he doesn't want to be like this but the question is how do u help

ANSWER: Hi Brandi

I went through similar issues with my son, though at a later age. I also work with many children who have the same problems.

There are so many things I need to ask you about your son in order to really help you. In order to go from here, we would need to look at the following areas:
1. how he communicates-this is an area I could help you with. You mentioned he is unable to express himself. By improving his communication skills, this may help in some ways
2. What does he eat? Foods definitely influence behaviors in our kids
3. Have you tried any medications? Our children have brain chemistry issues, so often we need to help them with certain medications.

You can feel free to write me back with more information on the above comments

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He just started a speech program at school this week. The problem with the eating thing . he doesn't really eat food he drinks pediasure. 9 cans a day, and yes he is on clonodine .3 mgs a day.

Answer
Hi Brandi

So it doesn't seem like the clonodine is helping enough. You need to go back to your doctor for a change in dosage or a different medication.

If he is only drinking pediasure, you should be working with an OT to help him eat more foods.