Expert: Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell - 9/23/2010

Question
My 17 year old has autism. Here lately it has seem he is reverting back to when he was little.He is verbal he has lots of problems with comprehension and he forgets everything.He is getting where he don't want to go to school. He don't want to ride the bus he said he is scared it may crash.His anxiety is through the roof.He collects empty bottles. He acts like he wants to stay in all the time.He has stared calling me mama instead of mom.He has started urinating in the tub instead of the toilet.When he does flush the toilet he acts like he is scared to flush it.He always things someone is mean.People at church ,school.He has lots of problems with anger.I have been taking for behavior therapy. He has been about 7 times he says he don't want to go back .He says she is mean.But everyone is mean to him and I know that not true. I had to call the police on him one night because he said my husband looked at him mean.He started attacking my husband. my husband restrained him until the police got to our house. The ambulance took him to the hospital gave him something to calm him down.Then we all went home and my son acted like nothing ever happened .That was the hardest thing I ever had to do but his behavior is been out of control.We feel like we are walking on egg shells all the time.I hope I don' ever have to call the police again . I am scared he might end up in jail. I know that is no place for someone who has autism .He can't ever be left by him self .He has tried to do stuff like microwave pennys.He said he was trying to melt them down because they would be worth more money because copper is worth more money.He always has a reason for what he does .It just don't make sense. But I know it does to him .I was wondering is this stuff common?

Answer
How difficult this is for all of you. The son you're describing now does not sound like the child you've had with you in the past.

You were courageous when you called the police; it was the correct thing to do under the circumstances although it must have been horridly hard to do.

While the behaviors you describe may occur in kids with autism, autism is not necessarily the sole cause of what is happening. it's not unusual for teenagers with autism spectrum disorders to experience depression. Depression in young people may not present in the same fashion as we expect in adults. With youth, the prevalent aspect may not be great sadness but instead it may come out as anger. Accompanying this may be moodiness, reacting out of proportion to what is going on and withdrawing from formerly liked activities.

Anxiety may also play a part.

Although you mention that he has seen a behavior therapist, this might be a time where rather than talk therapy, medical intervention is required. Although medication is certainly not the first route any parent wants to consider, there are times when the proper dose of the correct medication can help even out the neurotransmitters and help the person regain control of their behavior and life.

I would suggest that your son see a family physician who is familiar with him and with autism, a psychiatrist or a neurologist. Since this young man has a diagnosis of autism, likely he has been followed by a medical person. If you are not already working with a medical person, talk to your son's school. They may suggest a psychiatrist or other professional who can help.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell