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Autism/Preventing and Intervening with Aggressive and Violent Behavior

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Expert: - 9/24/2009


Question
A ten year old child with Autism is reacting to multiple, significant changes in life with violent and aggressive behaviors.  His caregiver is new to managing his behaviors and preventing outbursts.  How can we help the parent learn what appropriate self calming aids might be, and how can we help people be safe when he does act out violently?

Answer
Hi Evelyn

I was in the process of answering this question, when my computer went down, so if you got a partial answer before, I apologize.

I totally understand what the family is going through with this child as my son is quite violent. However, there are so many different approaches that must be discussed that it is almost outside the realm of this service here.

I would look at:
1. behavior therapy
2. medications
3. sensory approaches
4. environmental triggers
5. developing a safe environment for him to go into when he is having the outbursts
6. picking the appropriate caregivers and training them in crisis management

I am happy to help this family, but it really involves a whole lot more than an email answer-if you know what I mean. I have a lot of professional and personal experience, but it would have to be in a more formal way-perhaps a phone consultation?

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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