Expert: James Michael Roan - 5/10/2005

Question
can you please provide me with info. relating to the behavior of self-induced vomiting and autistic kids - i am a special ed. teacher with a six yr. old child (diagnosed CP) but more clearly autistic spectrum - the child self-induces as an attention seeking behavior - can you link me up with resources and provide more info. on this behavior?

Answer
Hi Tracie;

I have to confess, I do not have direct experience with this specific issue, so we'll have to try and solve this together. Are you sure that the vomiting is attention seeking behavior? Children with autism very frequently suffer from gastro-intestinal problems, which are exacerbated by stress and diet. Could it be that the self-induced vomiting is a learned coping response? Have you removed casien and gluten from his/her diet? Autistic children's behavior is generally driven by avoidance of or a reaction to environmental stimuli. Can you provide me with more information please? You can email me if you want any information to remain private at: roanpsych@gmail.com

Kind Regards