Autism, Asperger's, or something else? What is this??

Question

My 9 year old has a vague type of an autism spectrum disorder. It's not clearly one thing or the other. It's like a blend of several disorders in one. He has horrific meltdowns in which he screams over and over and hits the wall or another inanimate object. His volatile actions are so repetative that he gets mentally stuck. We try to help him calm down, but it's like he doesn't hear us. He'll scream "I'm calm!" over and over for an hour as an example or scream Mom! even though I have answered him. What is this?

Answer 1

It sounds like autism. Remember the autism spectrum is a disorder. You may try a weighted blanket. Some times this help with the melt downs. I like to regamend a book I found helpful. It's called "Ten things every child with autism wants you to know" It is written by a mother of a son with autism. She has done lots of reseach on this subject. It may help you understand how children with autism thinks.

Many children with autism hav a mutiple of things going on. Good Luck

Answer 2

that sounds like exactly what my autistic daughter started doing  a few months ago, I discovered she has reactions to High Fructose  Corn Syrup which is in everything,  it always started about 30 -1hr after she would eat so I knew it was something she was eating, since I took her off it she has calmed down soooo much, you might try doing that, but be warned its in just about everything

Answer 3

You are not alone.  I have 2 sons that are autistic spectrum and have met many more.  The diagnosis can change over the years, its not static.  Try to anticipate his meltdowns and nip them in the bud before they are fullblown.  He needs a good OT that is doing sensory integration.  This will organize him.  Meltdowns happen from sensory overload.  When organized he won't have them.  

My younger autistic spectrum son still has meltdowns.  He is turning 3 next month.  My 7 y.o. autistic spectrum son  stopped having the meltdowns at age 4.5 years.  My nearly 3 yo gets stuck.  It is difficult for him to transition to stop the repetitive behaviors.  His anxiety is high.  What helps is a lollipop (which is organizing) deep pressure (hugs or sqwishing in a pillow), weights (only 10 percent of bodyweight), change of scenery, vibration, jumping (which are joint compressions).  

My 7 yr old last year looked like he had ADHD all his life till last year.  Now he looks a bit bipolar.

Have you tried any meds?  Xanex for anxiety?  Risperdal for calming organization?  I don't care for stimulants, they make these kids psychotic, and I don't care for antidepressants, they make these kids manic.

The differences in my experience and opinion of the various levels of autistic spectrum.

PDD.NOS  speech delay, fine motor delay, social skills subtlely different from NT's (neurotypicals), popular, IQ borderine to average range.

asperger's  high IQ to average, no fine motor delay, anxiety, more social skills impairment, may or may not have speech delay, more perseverative, want to make friends have difficulty doing so, frequently picked on by peers.

HFA high functioning autism  borderline IQ to average, fine motor delay, anxiety, social skills impairment.  Aware of environment, chooses to participate minimally, then goes back to solitary activity.

MFA-LFA medium and low functioning  Not interested in interacting with people, possibly to request more food.  Cognitive impairment.  Not able to function without support.

Answer 4

Call Dr. Diane Edwards In Casper Wyoming. [phone] and ask her what she thinks. My son had the same problems, and she answered all of my questions. You should have received a little purple and white book about autism; She is on the board of Dr's. that wrote it!  She is an amazing physician! Also watch his behavior, aspergers is the disorder where they walk around like little professors - their vocabulary will surpass even your own- or another subject. They are exceptionally smart, but their social skills are lacking. He also has severe ADHD. There is also the option of a weighted vest worn periodically during the day, that can help control the outbursts and meltdowns. It really worked for my son. Talk with his doctor about Concerta. The Medication has made a substantial difference in my son's behavior. It's like night and day! GOOD LUCK! and God Bless.

Answer 5

I've got Asperger's and i'm like that, but he/she might have ASD (autism spectrum disorder) which is a milder form if she/he can talk and can do simple things independently.

Answer 6

I'm confused with his diagnosis.i would think it would be easier to help answer the question .has the child ever had a neuropsychological assessment? so that all your concerns would be addressed .Does he have anxiety or panic disorder along with ....

Answer 7

I'm so sorry to hear of the challenges you little guy faces, and can only imagine how hard it must be to parent him well.

I don't know that you'll get any trustworthy advice here, but I hope you'll spend a little time finding an autism/Asperger's site where there's a forum offering support and information.

Answer 8

There is a great book called The Explosive Child by Dr Ross Greene. It is often recommended for parents who have ASD children but also for NT kids who experience intense meltdowns. I would recommend you pick up a copy as this will help give you the tools as his parent to help him regulate himself and for you to perhaps better understand the meltdowns..

Another thing you could do is speak to him on a day when you both are calm , possibly in the car so you don't have to worry about eye contact or interruptions, and come up with a way that he could calm down before he gets so upset. Ask him if he feels the meltdown building up, what does it feel like. Is there anything you could do to help him before his emotions get away from him.

Hope some of this helped