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Autism/my son T.j.
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QUESTION: T.J. IS 26 AND was diagnosed at 4 yrs.with autism (mild) he gets vbiolent at times and we need help with knowing how to handle this behavior
ANSWER: Hi there, Jackie!
I'm afraid that I might need a little more information here on just how you mean 'violent' before I can give suggestions. Is it just throwing things? Yelling? Is he actually physically lashing out? How autistic is he? Is he verbal? Without being able to observe your son, I need a little more in the way of detail before I have suggestions to be able to help.
Looking forward to your replies!
Trey
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: tj physically gets violent hitting cussing spitting he is very verbal very social a loving child but gets upset easy over nothing please help tj has no siblings
Hi again, Jackie!
The first suggestion I have, if your son is literally getting physically violent, is to start to seek the aid of an actual professional. As your child grows, this could become quite dangerous, and I am not a doctor, nor a psychologist. I could give some suggestions, but ultimately that will need to be in the hands of someone who can actually observe your child.
Has your child got a doctor or therapist? If he is diagnosed, I will assume that you have some links with people. I highly suggest that this is something you should bring up to them.
The first thing to do with your son at home is to try and calm him down. One of the best things you can do for him is send him to a 'time out' sort of place so he can ease down. Bedrooms work well for this, or a specific space or room. This is not meant to be a punishment for his behaviour, but rather a chance for him to cool down. In fact, what you are encouraging in this case is for your son to start recognizing that this is bad, and to be able to tell you (particularly if he is very verbal) that 'I need my time-out'.
Now, be careful with these time-outs. These are not meant to be punishments, but likewise they are not meant to be rewards. Another reason I suggest a therapist here is that you need to find if there are particular triggers for this behaviour. Is he doing it because of frustration? Because of overstimulation? Trying to get attention? Once you have a handle on the *why*, you'll have a better handle on how to handle your child.
Questions? Comments? Feedback? Follow-ups? Feel free to ask!
Trey
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Answers by Expert:
Trey McGowan
Expertise
My primary expertise is in the area of the social, psychological, and mental development of Aspergers Syndrome and other high-functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders. I am also very knowledgeable in the communication disorders and common co-existing issues. I'm well-read on most of these as well as having experienced it myself. Other aspects of autism, I can do fairly well at as well, from the oversensitivity to the recognition of it. Warning: I am *not* a medical professional, and while I can research answers through books and online, I can not give direct medical expertise.
Experience
I am 19 years diagnosed Asperger's Autistic, and have been reading up and studying it, as well as taking 'first hand accounts' for most of those 14 years. In addition, I have had three children, adopted elsewhere, all of whom are varying degrees of autistic from mid to high functioning. My mother has done some research on the subject as well, and passed some of it on to me.
Education/Credentials
I have completed grade school and most of high school, and achieved a GED. I've also received home schooling.
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