Expert: Trey McGowan - 7/16/2010

Question
My middle daughter has autism. She is such sweet child but lately her fits are turning violent. She will be 5 in Aug, and she has NO words. There is no communication with her. She is a picture of health by running and she is extremely strong.
Lately she has been having fits for no reason that we can see. The bad part is that she attacks her older sister who is 7 years and younger sister who is 3 years old. She will tackle them to the ground, take big chunks of skin and meat out by bitting, she has choked my youngest around the neck, knocked her off of her feet. The safety issue is rising rapidly at our home. Lynn bites her self bloody out of frustration. The Child development center has said they aren't making any progress with her and she has gone now for 2 years. I am not for medicine or drugs usually. Is there something out there to help settle her down. Time outs don't work, it makes it worse, because she then turns on herself. I live in a VERY small town out in the middle of nowhere, Is there some place in Missoulla MT or Idaho falls or Boise Idaho you could please recommend for some help.

Answer
Hi there, Billijo!

Some searching around the Internet brought me a few names that might be helpful for you with your situation. The biggie is:

http://www.accesspointkids.com/
"The company operates offices in Pocatello and Idaho Falls.  Known for its expertise working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and severe problem behavior, Access Point brings a proven, evidenced based practice to children in Idaho.  Access Point is the only company in the State of Idaho owned and operated by two Board Certified Behavior Analysts."
I'm not sure of payment plans or the like, but it's certainly a good starting place for you. Hopefully they can answer questions, and can see if they can work drug-free.

http://www.idahoautism.com/IAwelcome.html
This is the main page for the Idaho's 'Resource Information'. I can't promise what it'll have that will be helpful, but you may be able to find some names through it.

Now, for the 'settling down', there may be something, but as I am not a doctor, I can't give any drug suggestions here. In a young child, even chancing things like large doses of caffeine (or even small doses, depending on the child) could have unforeseen effects that could make everything worse. I'm sorry, but I'm unwilling to take that chance with only a semi-expert opinion. Speaking with a pharmacist may net some help with the subject, though; there may be some over-the-counter preparations for calming and soothing that would be helpful, and a doctor could prescribe something that could be more effective.

I wish I could help more with this, but a problem this severe definitely sounds as if it needs a better expert than this one. I understand your distaste for medications, but in extremes that are this 'extreme', they may be the only option. Hopefully the behaviouralists will be able to say differently, though, for sure!

Further questions, comments, feedback, follow-ups? As always, don't hesitate to ask!

Trey