Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 9/8/2005

Question
Hello,
I have a 7 year old boy who was has PPD/NOS.  In the school system he is in a typical classroom but has an aide about 90% of the time.  He gets speech twice a week.  He is doing very good in this area.  He can be completely understood now.  He also gets OT/PT once a week in the school system.  A special ed teacher helps us with ideas to help him in the classroom and socially. Academically he is doing very well.  Outside of school I have taken him to social skills classes.  I just started giving him a products called Super Nu Thera with mega does of B6 and magnesium and DMG.  I have noticed some nice improvements since he started these things.  I try to read as many books as I can about autism and try things in the books.  He is socially improving and made 2 good friends in kindergarten which was a big step for him.  He went from a few years ago to being able to play with a child for only 30 min. to about 2 1/2 to 3 hours now.  He has some characteristics of autism I would like to improve on but am not sure how.  He makes these sounds at times we have labeled "Video Noises" that I would like to help him overcome.  He doesn't do it constently, only when he isn't engaged.  If he is focused on something, building with his legos, reading or watching tv, etc. we do not hear them.  Also at times he wants to manipulate a toy differently with his hands.  What do you suggest for trying to help him stop doing these things or somehow provide a positive replacement behavior for them.  I would like to bring these up in the IEP this fall but I am not sure how to go about it.  I have worked on it over the summer and told him he can do these at home but would like him to try not to do them in public.  Also, do you have any tips or ideas for me to bring up in the IEP meeting.  Last year was my first one and I would like to go in this year feeling alittle more prepared.  Thank you for taking the time to read this and any reply or answers you can give me is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
DK Lederman

Answer
Hi Diane,

Actually, things are going very well for your son.  He is making terrific and rapid progress.

It is my opinion that calling attention to self-stimulating behavior only makes it worse.  Even negative attention can be reinforcing.  So, my suggestion about the toy manipulation or other hand activity is just don't "see" it.  The request not to do it in public is ok, he will have the information that it bothers other people.  But, if he becomes anxious and needs to do it, let it be.

The noise MAY, and be sure it's only a guess, indicate a mild case of Tourette's syndrome.  Many of those on the autistic spectrum have tics or make involuntary noises. Though, since he does not seemed plagued with it when his mind is busy it is more than likely a way of calming himself when anxious or providing stimulation to his auditory channels when he is bored.  He may also be screening out sounds that bother him by overlaying his own "sound track."  Again, I would give him the information that others may find it annoying or uncomfortable and then let it be.  As he grows up he will become more aware of the reactions of others as he gains social skills and maturity.

You will be more prepared for this IEP simply because you have been to one.  I know our first was kind of bewildering.  Do share your concerns about the behaviors and ask for input.  The teachers may have a way to substitute less visible or more socially acceptable behaviors.  I would not go for anything that involved negative consequences for the behavior.  He has enough on his plate.

You are doing a great job advocating for your son and are fortunate to have a school district that seems to be prepared and willing to offer him the best education possible.  Best wishes to you both.

Catherine