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Autism/highly functioning autistic child

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Expert: - 2/5/2007


Question
I have a highly functioning autistic child who is 5 years old and everytime we take him to the doctor to get a shot or a physical. He goes into a terrible tantrum and is uncontrollable. It take two or three people to hold him down. Any suggestions and how to calm his fears. thanks

Answer
Hi Mike,

It is difficult for any 5 year old to be calm about going to the doctor. As he gets older, you can reason with him more easily and shots will be a thing of the past.

However, there are some things you can do to help. There is a technique used in treating phobias called successive approximation. It involves getting closer to, or imagining getting closer to the feared object or situation while remaining calm.

First, in a simple way, teach your son to relax on purpose. He can learn some slow breathing exercises, for instance. Do them at bed time or in some other non-threatening situation. Tell him he can do it any time he feels frightened or out of control. You may also have to teach him to recognize the approach of a "melt down" by paying attention to things like "my stomach hurts" or "my heart is beating hard." Most kids on spectrum do not have much awareness of their body or its signals. Nor do they understand their own emotions.

After he can do the calming routine, make a trip to the doctor's office parking lot. Don't go in, just pull in and park. Do the relaxation and leave. If he succeeds, adding a reward can be helpful. You are not bribing good behavior, you are trying to create positive associations. If he panics, just leave and try again in a day or two. You can use imagination to "practice" in between trips. Once he can remain calm in the parking lot, move closer, say take the elevator to the proper floor if there is one. Or go to the door but not inside... You get the routine. Maybe ask if the nurse will weigh and measure him but then not put him in an exam room.

Finally, call the office and ask if you can have a brief appointment where the doctor simply comes in, greets your son and then leaves. No exam or procedures. Most pediatricians are happy to assist in this way. It makes their job so much easier in the long run.

Best wishes,
Catherine

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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