Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 1/19/2011

Question
My 4 year old was diagnosed with Autism a year ago.  He is high functioning and since he has started an early care program he has made wonderful progress.  He is still very to himself though and gets very frustrated when his routine is changed at all.  I am concerned because within the last week he has became much more aggressive then usual. It has been very sudden.  His tantrums are much worse like he isn't even the same little boy I know.  While he has always shown more aggression to me, his mother, during a tantrum he never really showed much aggression to others.  Within in past three days he has hit and kicked multiple people, nothing can stop him.  While he is only 4 years old he is a very big boy for his age.  Today my mother had a struggle with him while she was picking him up from school just trying to get him out of the class and away from the other children.  I don't understand why he has suddenly gotten so bad within days.  Is there any medical explanation for this?

Answer
Hi Ashley

Unfortunately, many individuals with autism do have issues with aggression. There are many reasons and many interventions. People with autism do have a chemical imbalance which can cause them to have that "fight or flight" feeling even with a very slight provocation.

The first course of action is to seek out a behaviorist. They are skilled therapists who are trained to help your son.

If you don't get the problem under total control with the behaviorist, it will be time for you to seek out medical intervention. A pediatric neurologist or psychiatrist are the correct professionals for you to see.

Dealing with these type of behaviors often involves the combination of the above.

I know it's really sad to have to deal with these issues. Hopefully, you can nip them in the bud before they get out of control.

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