Help with my autistic (pdd-nos) toddler and self stimulating?

Question

I want to know if there is any way or thing I could do to help stop my son from self stimuating with voice. he makes horrible squeals and high pitched noises. my son also has a new "game" where he walks around with his eyes closed and hands out. Problem is he often runs into things or falls and hurt himself is this a new way to self stimulate himself?

Answer 1

This is such a common trait in children with autism. Because these children often have profound sensory issues and difficulties they need different ways of understanding their environment and making sense of it. The walking round with his eyes shut and hands out is his way of working out the space around him. Does he have difficulties with spatial awareness? If he does then this is the best way of him finding out what is around him and making sense of it. The high pitched squealing is probably not for self stimulation. It is more likely he uses the squealing noise to block out other noises and help himself to not become overloaded by what is going on around him. To modify these behaviours you would need the help of a good clinical psychologist or occupational therapist. Just remember your son, like all other children with autism, does these things for a reason. Once you understand the reason behind the behaviours they usually all make sense. Good luck.

Answer 2

First stimming is either to wake up the CNS (central nervous system) or calm it down.  Stimming is defined as any non-purposeful repetitive behavior.  Decide wether your son is too hyped up and needs to calm down, or is bored and is seeking sensory (hypo/hyper).  If he needs to calm down try to channel it into something more appropriate such as a lollipop, or blowing bubbles.  My toddler is a seeker and usually needs some input.  Inversion (holding him upside down works quickly).  We also use ankle weights (they are womens wrist weights weighing 1 lb total.  Weights are not to exceed 10% of the body weight.  We do joint compressions, and deep pressure (pressure vest).  He also has a weighted blanket from Dreamcatcher.  Try to channel the stim into something more appropriate.  If you don't have a great OT who has provided you with a sensory diet consider switching OT's.  My son also squeals and we play the squealing game at home.  It is important to allow the stimming, do not cut it off.  I am not sure if it is proprioceptive (probably hypoproprioceptive?) or hypovestibular  or both like my son so look for a checklist on line, loads of info comes up. As for happy he/she is wrong the squealing is stimming and very common in this population

Answer 3

Noises:

-Try encouraging singing and rhymes-this way he may begin to channel these noises into words, tones, rhytm etc (will help your ears :) ).

-Look at environment-is there something that is setting this off? Has he stimulation in the room and doing this out of boredom or routine? Try having other 'noises' in the room eg: radio, musical instrument, sound books etc.

-USe PEC's (symbols) or Makaton to support you in telling him to be 'quiet' or to tell him he's being "too noisy" .

The Game:

-Hehe dont you love children they know how to make your heart go into panic!!! Whilst he's doing this TRY as hard as it is to ignore him. He could be doing this as a form of attention seeking-do u pay attention to him, talk to him, physicla touch, putting your energy into moving things, redirecting him etc...try to keep rooms clutter free so the movements are less dangerous and look away (alhtough you can peek out corner of your eyes) then when he opens eyes and stops this praise and redirect attention somewhere else!

Answer 4

You have gotten goood suggestions.  Consult with an occupational therapist for an appropriate sensory diet for your child.

As he gets older a behavior plan can also be instituted.  As anotehr response said-be sure to praise him for be quiet/not stimming.

Answer 5

constant redirection. you need to be patient. just constantly redirect. My daughter has PDD and with constant redirection we have been able to help her undo some not so pleasurable habits.

Answer 6

You can try redirection for while he's walking around. He may be doing it because he has too much sensory input coming in.

You can make a room in your house that has only a little sensory input or sensory stuff which is focused like someting with lights or music.

For the self stimulating you can try something called intensive interaction to which I have provided a link to a website about (it can explain it much better than I can)

Answer 7

Hi there,

as said above you've had some great answers.  Go see an OT for a sensory diet.  Also consider contacting your local education department.  I know in queensland Aust.  There are special needs playgroups run out of Early Childhood Developmental Units.  No cost and great help.

Good luck

Answer 8

have you tried praising him when he's quiet,"i like the way your quiet with your mouth",

if he is making noisies,ask him to stop and then praise him straight away,a sticker chart maybe,or have a box of special treats,bubbles,a new car,and he gets to play wiv these for five mins.

you could also try this with the walking problem??

just an idea,good luck