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Autism/mood swings with severe temper

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Expert: - 7/31/2010


Question
hi i take care of a 17yr ol boy who goes to camp comes home some days he is sweet then again he gets a real bad temper throwing toys,kicking and kicking his toys around his room. he doesnt speak, he loves music and likes to wrestle,dance ply soccer with a water bottle. we watch his favorite vedios(sesame street). can you give me any suggestions as to help him and his mom so they can both be happy all the time. he doesnt speak but understands what you are saying also he isnt toilet trained. he just makes grunting noises and high screech noises.
thank you

Answer
Hi Nancy,

A seventeen year old with this severity of autism is going to have mood swings. Normal teenagers are moody, autistic teenagers are more so.

If he's coming home from camp in an upset state, his Mom needs to find out what is happening at camp on those days. Perhaps some modification can be made to relieve the stress that may be behind it.

Distraction is probably your best tool. If he's too upset for one activity, try changing to another. If he responds well to being left alone for some quiet time (of course, you're still watching over him) let him "chill out" a bit after he first comes home.

Be sure he is getting adequate nutrition. Blood sugar drops could be making him act out. Give him a snack that includes protein.

Taking a walk may relieve his feelings, too.

Best wishes,
Catherine

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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