Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 7/21/2006

Question
My cleint ahs a 2 and a half year old who has been given a provisioanl diagnosis of Autism. They are really frustrated with how to deal with their sons excessive screaming and hitting ro throwing thigs the minute they enter the groceery store. I have given them some suggestions but tis not my area of experiance. I teach parenting classes to parents kids 0-5, but not with such a pervasive disorder as this. What would you sugggest they try. Also they have found he can get out of most regular car seats. Any suggestions there? Thank you Kara

Answer
Hi Kara,

It is likely that something in the environment of the store is pushing his senses beyond their limit.

Nearly all autistic spectrum individuals have extreme sensitivity to one or more stimuli. Loud or sudden noises, flourescent lights (a big one), faint continuous sounds like fans or flourescent light ballasts, high pitched sounds others cannot hear, off-key music, too many people moving about or touching them, squeaky grocery cart wheels....too many to list.

It takes detective work on the part of the parents/teachers to find out what the triggers are and to eliminate them or teach the child how to cope with them. Some kids like to have ear plugs or headphones when they go out. Some wear a hat or sunglasses to shield them from bright or flickering light.

If this boy is verbal, ASK him. Is there something hurting you? If he cannot tell his parents clearly, perhaps they can ask some yes/no questions. Is the light too bright? and such.

Gradual desensitization to the grocery store can be accomplished. The parents could drive through the parking lot, but not stop. Then, drive in and park, but don't go in, just go home. If there is something pleasant that happens each time he gets nearer to the store, it is helpful. I'm not talking bribery, but positive associations. Important note: this may take weeks to accomplish. Each step should be separated by several days and repeated if not successful the first time.

Perhaps they can even convince the manager to let them come in right after the store is closed and the lights are half on, no customers, etc. That could be a good first return to the store. Again, if he is able to hold it together, something he likes should happen.

Under no circumstances should he be punished for his behavior at the store. He can't comprehend the cause and effect issue.

There should always be two adults with him at the store one of whom is willing to take him outside the instant he starts to lose it. Believe it or not, he will get the message that he has communicated if his needs are respected. This is not "giving in". He experiences pain when his sensitivies are violated.

Escaping car seats is one of those annoying talents that some autistic kids develop. All I can offer is that they will have to find one that will hold him for a while. He'll eventually figure it out, though. Have an adult sit next to him to stop him from unbuckling or squirming out so he will be safe.

[ It just occured to me that if he is forced to ride in the grocery cart seat, he may consider this unbearable confinement just like a car seat. ] Find out if he freaks out if someone carries him or allows him to walk while holding an adult's hand.

Parenting an autistic child is very demanding. Many of them are very intelligent. You have to stay one step ahead and stay on your toes.

Here is a list of web links you can use to do more research:

http://www.patientcenters.com/autism/news/resources.html (books and resources)

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm (the definitions and government links)

http://www.autism.org/temple/meds.html (about medication)

http://www.autism.org/ (many links to information)

http://www.autismasperger.net/intro.htm (Stephen Shore’s web site)

http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/as/asteachersites.html (teaching resources)


Best wishes,
Catherine