Re: Sudden behavior changes

January 26, 2010

Tom,

I would see a Neurologist and have things checked out. I'm sure the Dr. already asked but some medications can have this type of side effect (very scary). I wish I had more information for you but all I can recommend is to create a behavior journal that lists what happened before the behavior, how long it lasts and what helped if anything to stop it. It may be something as simple as he needs more deep pressure or is seeking some stimulation these actions give him (like how most of our kids toe walked a lot) or it could be something neurological or somewhere in between. Has anything changed in his daily routine or diet? So many things can effect behavior for certain kids it can be so frustrating trying to find out what the cause is. My son has a definite increase in his OCD type behaviors when he is feeling stressed or very frustrated especially at school. Please keep us posted

HTH Kellie

From: Tom <tcravens23@...>autism Sent: Mon, January 25, 2010 8:40:24 PMSubject: Sudden behavior changes

I'm new to this group, but my wife and I are desperate: Our 6 year old son who is moderate on the spectrum has suddenly begun displaying bizarre behaviors. Since last Wednesday he has walked very rigidly with stiff legs (as if he had a full diaper) with his hands and fingers extended. His hands stay extended pretty much all the time (except when performing simple tasks). He has started flapping occasionally. He also walks a few steps, then walks backwards a step or two before continuing. Also, while standing still he brings in the knee of his left leg and sort of moves it in a swiveling motion, in short jerky movements (this last behavior he only does sporadically) .Before last Wednesday, his movements were completely normal. We have taken him to the doctor twice and they can find nothing physically wrong with him. I suppose the next step would be neurologist. It's just painful to watch him. He isn't verbal enough to tell us what

he's feeling.If any of you have encountered a situation like this, please let us know. Even his therapists and the school psychologist are stumped.

January 26, 2010

First off let me tell you that you have come to the right place. This group of parents will help you find the answers I assure you. I do not have experience with this type of problem at all but my first inclination would be to look at his meds ...if he is taking any...and to ask the Dr about the possibility of seizure activity.

I know how scarey this must be for you but we will help you get to the bottom of this and get that sweet boy of yours back on track. Hang in there !

Sudden behavior changes

I'm new to this group, but my wife and I are desperate: Our 6 year old son who is moderate on the spectrum has suddenly begun displaying bizarre behaviors. Since last Wednesday he has walked very rigidly with stiff legs (as if he had a full diaper) with his hands and fingers extended. His hands stay extended pretty much all the time (except when performing simple tasks). He has started flapping occasionally. He also walks a few steps, then walks backwards a step or two before continuing. Also, while standing still he brings in the knee of his left leg and sort of moves it in a swiveling motion, in short jerky movements (this last behavior he only does sporadically).Before last Wednesday, his movements were completely normal. We have taken him to the doctor twice and they can find nothing physically wrong with him. I suppose the next step would be neurologist. It's just painful to watch him. He isn't verbal enough to tell us what he's feeling.If any of you have encountered a situation like this, please let us know. Even his therapists and the school psychologist are stumped.

January 26, 2010

No meds.

>

> Is he taking any meds? Lois

> Sudden behavior changes

>

January 26, 2010

Thanks, everyone for your support. No, our son is not on any medication. The

only change that has occurred recently is he began working with a new aid at

school about 2 weeks ago. He already knew her and got along with her, but his

favorite has been reassigned. The school psychologist suggested this as a

possibility, but you would think after a whole weekend at home the behaviors

would have eased up instead of getting more intense, as they have.

Plus in the past year he's undergone plenty of changes bigger than this (ones

that would seem more traumatic - i.e. summer vacation, summer school in a new

building and with new teachers, summer camp, new classroom teacher, etc) and

he's always handled them with ease.

>

> First off let me tell you that you have come to the right place. This group of

parents will help you find the answers I assure you. I do not have experience

with this type of problem at all but my first inclination would be to look at

his meds ...if he is taking any...and to ask the Dr about the possibility of

seizure activity.

> I know how scarey this must be for you but we will help you get to the bottom

of this and get that sweet boy of yours back on track. Hang in there !

>

> Sudden behavior changes

>

> I'm new to this group, but my wife and I are desperate: Our 6 year old son

who is moderate on the spectrum has suddenly begun displaying bizarre behaviors.

Since last Wednesday he has walked very rigidly with stiff legs (as if he had a

full diaper) with his hands and fingers extended. His hands stay extended pretty

much all the time (except when performing simple tasks). He has started flapping

occasionally.

>

> He also walks a few steps, then walks backwards a step or two before

continuing. Also, while standing still he brings in the knee of his left leg and

sort of moves it in a swiveling motion, in short jerky movements (this last

behavior he only does sporadically).

>

> Before last Wednesday, his movements were completely normal. We have taken

him to the doctor twice and they can find nothing physically wrong with him. I

suppose the next step would be neurologist.

> It's just painful to watch him. He isn't verbal enough to tell us what he's

feeling.

>

> If any of you have encountered a situation like this, please let us know.

Even his therapists and the school psychologist are stumped.

>

January 26, 2010

Hi Tom.

I'm new here, I'm . I'm the mom of a child with Autism and he has horrible issues with any staff changes. I also am a family special needs coach/advocate. This is actually typical for stress and anxiety from such changes effect him.

If he had any connection with the staff persom that left, that is a very, very big deal. When he's not with you at home, he depends on the safety of those he is use to. Even though he handles summer school with different folks ok, he still associated that staff person with his current schedule.

We are going through this right now with my son and when his teacher or aide is gone for a day and he doesn't know to expect it. It can throw him off for days to weeks. He displays all sorts unusual behaviors when this happens.

This is not to say that it couldn't be something else in your case, but I've been there.

Carefully document everything. If it is about change in staffing, you need to have it documented in his IEP in the present level so that they handle such changes with care so that he is transitioned and they know to expect anxiety issues. If this is an issue for him, then as he gets older he could start showing acting out behaviors as well that you will want the IEP to help avoid and de-esculate him. He is still pretty young, and as he gets older how he responds to things can possibly change..

By all means, let your doctors and therapy team know about it. Give them the full picture.

www.stlouisadvocacy.com

From: Tom <tcravens23@...>Subject: Re: Sudden behavior changesautism Date: Monday, January 25, 2010, 10:15 PM

Thanks, everyone for your support. No, our son is not on any medication. The only change that has occurred recently is he began working with a new aid at school about 2 weeks ago. He already knew her and got along with her, but his favorite has been reassigned. The school psychologist suggested this as a possibility, but you would think after a whole weekend at home the behaviors would have eased up instead of getting more intense, as they have.Plus in the past year he's undergone plenty of changes bigger than this (ones that would seem more traumatic - i.e. summer vacation, summer school in a new building and with new teachers, summer camp, new classroom teacher, etc) and he's always handled them with ease.>> First off let me tell you that you have come to the right place. This group of parents will help you find the answers I assure you. I do not have experience with this type of problem at all but my first inclination would be to look at his meds ....if he is taking any...and to ask the Dr about the possibility of seizure activity. > I know how scarey this must be for you but we will help you get to the bottom of this and get that sweet boy of yours back on track.. Hang in there !> > > Sudden behavior

changes> > > > I'm new to this group, but my wife and I are desperate: Our 6 year old son who is moderate on the spectrum has suddenly begun displaying bizarre behaviors. Since last Wednesday he has walked very rigidly with stiff legs (as if he had a full diaper) with his hands and fingers extended. His hands stay extended pretty much all the time (except when performing simple tasks). He has started flapping occasionally. > > He also walks a few steps, then walks backwards a step or two before continuing. Also, while standing still he brings in the knee of his left leg and sort of moves it in a swiveling motion, in short jerky movements (this last behavior he only does sporadically) .> > Before last Wednesday, his movements were completely normal. We have taken him to the doctor twice and they can find nothing physically wrong with him. I suppose the next step would be neurologist. > It's

just painful to watch him. He isn't verbal enough to tell us what he's feeling.> > If any of you have encountered a situation like this, please let us know. Even his therapists and the school psychologist are stumped.>

January 26, 2010

Along with the other good suggestions you have had, I suggest you take him to a doctor who follows the DAN (Defeat Autism Now) protocol. You can find one in your area at the autism research institute's website

http://www.autism.com/DAN/danusdis.htm These doctors are very familiar with things our kids do and what affects them and should be able to help you. Has your son been ill recently, are his bowel movements ok, any changes in diet? All this could affect him also.

January 26, 2010

The new aide could just be the glass that causes his tray to topple over. I do a visual demonstration for staff and try to show them that our kids are carrying a huge tray( like a waiters tray) on one hand and all thro their day there are varying sizes and shapes of glasses being placed on that tray making it more and more wobbly and difficult for him to carry. Some are small and others are huge beer glasses..lol...Finally there is one that just puts his ability over the limit and everything comes crashing down.

Obviously we need to build supports into his day to help keep the glasses small and uniform and to provide a safe place to take some of the glasses off and away from him.

Heavens I am rambling but havent even had my caffeine fix yet this morning.. Hope this makes sense.

Sudden behavior changes> > > > I'm new to this group, but my wife and I are desperate: Our 6 year old son who is moderate on the spectrum has suddenly begun displaying bizarre behaviors. Since last Wednesday he has walked very rigidly with stiff legs (as if he had a full diaper) with his hands and fingers extended. His hands stay extended pretty much all the time (except when performing simple tasks). He has started flapping occasionally. > > He also walks a few steps, then walks backwards a step or two before continuing. Also, while standing still he brings in the knee of his left leg and sort of moves it in a swiveling motion, in short jerky movements (this last behavior he only does sporadically).> > Before last Wednesday, his movements were completely normal. We have taken him to the doctor twice and they can find nothing physically wrong with him. I suppose the next step would be neurologist. > It's just painful to watch him. He isn't verbal enough to tell us what he's feeling.> > If any of you have encountered a situation like this, please let us know. Even his therapists and the school psychologist are stumped.>

January 26, 2010

Hey Tom, I like how the two of you are documenting and keeping track & staying involved

with school. You are pointing out many trigger situations. He might like the new para

but is she teaching and handling everything in the same manner that the other lady did?

No. They are two different individuals and probably didn't have any crossover training

and etc. For ex. I have taught with my son "how much is that toy"? My husband may ask

"What does that cost"? Now my 12 yr. old will get confused then frustrated because he

is not sure what daddy is asking. The point is: School staff and at home need to be

on board and have monthly meetings to discuss these kinds of issues, what will becoming

up and new, how do you ask for this or handle this type of situation?

Ex. our home is up for sale. I had to show the home this morn. My son's afternoon was

so whinney and fusing. When he and I were leaving to get out to show house he went to

put everything back where it all should be. Then when we came home and put it all back

his day was great. Now I know yesturday's actions were because I was moving things,

cleaning everything, and he knew what I was up to. My son is non-verbal Autism.

Keep analyzing every day and document.

Yoda

From: Tom <tcravens23@...>autism Sent: Mon, January 25, 2010 11:15:13 PMSubject: Re: Sudden behavior changes

Thanks, everyone for your support. No, our son is not on any medication. The only change that has occurred recently is he began working with a new aid at school about 2 weeks ago. He already knew her and got along with her, but his favorite has been reassigned. The school psychologist suggested this as a possibility, but you would think after a whole weekend at home the behaviors would have eased up instead of getting more intense, as they have.Plus in the past year he's undergone plenty of changes bigger than this (ones that would seem more traumatic - i.e. summer vacation, summer school in a new building and with new teachers, summer camp, new classroom teacher, etc) and he's always handled them with ease.>> First off let me tell you that you have come to the right place. This group of parents will help you find the answers I assure you. I do not have experience with this type of problem at all but my first inclination would be to look at his meds ...if he is taking any...and to ask the Dr about the possibility of seizure activity. > I know how scarey this must be for you but we will help you get to the bottom of this and get that sweet boy of yours back on track. Hang in there !> > > Sudden behavior changes> > > > I'm new to this group, but my wife and

I are desperate: Our 6 year old son who is moderate on the spectrum has suddenly begun displaying bizarre behaviors. Since last Wednesday he has walked very rigidly with stiff legs (as if he had a full diaper) with his hands and fingers extended. His hands stay extended pretty much all the time (except when performing simple tasks). He has started flapping occasionally. > > He also walks a few steps, then walks backwards a step or two before continuing. Also, while standing still he brings in the knee of his left leg and sort of moves it in a swiveling motion, in short jerky movements (this last behavior he only does sporadically) .> > Before last Wednesday, his movements were completely normal. We have taken him to the doctor twice and they can find nothing physically wrong with him. I suppose the next step would be neurologist. > It's just painful to watch him. He isn't verbal enough to tell us what he's

feeling.> > If any of you have encountered a situation like this, please let us know. Even his therapists and the school psychologist are stumped.>

January 26, 2010

ï»¿

I would suggest you see a neurologist to rule out a type of seizures.

Elaine

January 26, 2010

Hi Tom and Welcome,

My son is 10, ASD PDD, and we too have weathered staff changes at school thru

the years.

His first speech teacher left for private practice after he had her for 3 years.

Then a couple of years into his current one, she took a leave to have a baby.

Both times our school did something that I think made the transition easier. In

each instances, they had the new ST come in a few times and sit in with the

current teacher and get to know my son. Because he was introduced to the new

person in a safe and comfortable way, it made the transition so much easier. Not

just an abrupt change.

We have these steps for transition events written down in his IEP.

This year he moved up to the middle school, so we were ready for lots of

transition issues. One thing our school did last year was to take him over to

the Middle school at least once a week over the course of the year so he could

meet the teachers, get to know the building and play in the new gym. This

proactive approach to the change worked fantastic, and his transition

anxiety,while not absent was certainly very low compared to what it could have

been.

Also his Elementary school aide was allowed to work with him at the middle

school for several months as slowly let his new aide take over. Again, our

school is stellar in addressing his anxiety.

But, I do want to add that over the years my son has added new tics or self

soothing behaviors and others fall by the way side.

Most times there is no event or change going on, it just seems to be as he has

grown and matured, or for just no reason at all.

Thinking back, his first hand flap or verbal tic began around age 6 or 7. Now

that he is all most 11 and his verbal communication is so much better, I noticed

that his tics usually take the form in verbal, such as a little noise he will

make or repeating of a phrase. If he is really upset or disregulated, he will

bite his forearm, not to break the skin or anything like that, but on occasion

leaves a bruise.

One thing I have learned is that so many changes in him are for no other reason

than just that is the nature of his autism.

He has never lingered in an upset or disregulated phase for more than a a day or

two, so the weeks you note for your son , I could not imagine it being totally

school related.

I agree that he should have a neuro check up, the stiff legs and hands is one I

have not really ever heard of, but each child is so unique in so many ways.

Best of luck and let us know how it is going.

KF

--

www.sahmatlast.blogspot.com

Russian Adoption was our Option.

Live and Love everyday!

---- Kellie <folkangel@...> wrote:

=============

Tom,

Â I would see a Neurologist and have things checked out.Â I'm sure the Dr.

already asked but some medications can have this type of side effect (very

scary).Â I wish I had more information for you but all I can recommend is to

create a behavior journal that lists what happened before the behavior, how long

it lasts and what helped if anything toÂ stop it.Â It may be something as

simple as he needs more deep pressure or is seeking some stimulation these

actions give him (like how most of our kids toe walked a lot) Â or it could be

something neurological or somewhere in between.Â Has anything changed in his

daily routine or diet?Â So many things can effect behavior for certain kids it

can be so frustrating trying to find out what the cause is.Â My son has a

definite increase in his OCD type behaviors when he is feeling stressed or very

frustrated especially at school.Â Please keep us posted HTHÂ Kellie

________________________________

From: Tom <tcravens23@...>

autism

Sent: Mon, January 25, 2010 8:40:24 PM

Subject: Sudden behavior changes

Â

I'm new to this group, but my wife and I are desperate: Our 6 year old son who

is moderate on the spectrum has suddenly begun displaying bizarre behaviors.

Since last Wednesday he has walked very rigidly with stiff legs (as if he had a

full diaper) with his hands and fingers extended. His hands stay extended pretty

much all the time (except when performing simple tasks). He has started flapping

occasionally.

He also walks a few steps, then walks backwards a step or two before continuing.

Also, while standing still he brings in the knee of his left leg and sort of

moves it in a swiveling motion, in short jerky movements (this last behavior he

only does sporadically) .

Before last Wednesday, his movements were completely normal. We have taken him

to the doctor twice and they can find nothing physically wrong with him. I

suppose the next step would be neurologist.

It's just painful to watch him. He isn't verbal enough to tell us what he's

feeling.

If any of you have encountered a situation like this, please let us know. Even

his therapists and the school psychologist are stumped.

January 26, 2010

oo-oo-oo-oo! ! I love that visualization you use with staff. I'll have to remember that. It's dead on perfect.

From: <mwhitehead@...>Subject: Re: Sudden behavior changesautism Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 6:31 AM

The new aide could just be the glass that causes his tray to topple over. I do a visual demonstration for staff and try to show them that our kids are carrying a huge tray( like a waiters tray) on one hand and all thro their day there are varying sizes and shapes of glasses being placed on that tray making it more and more wobbly and difficult for him to carry. Some are small and others are huge beer glasses..lol. ..Finally there is one that just puts his ability over the limit and everything comes crashing down.

Obviously we need to build supports into his day to help keep the glasses small and uniform and to provide a safe place to take some of the glasses off and away from him.

Heavens I am rambling but havent even had my caffeine fix yet this morning.. Hope this makes sense.

Sudden behavior

changes> > > > I'm new to this group, but my wife and I are desperate: Our 6 year old son who is moderate on the spectrum has suddenly begun displaying bizarre behaviors. Since last Wednesday he has walked very rigidly with stiff legs (as if he had a full diaper) with his hands and fingers extended. His hands stay extended pretty much all the time (except when performing simple tasks). He has started flapping occasionally. > > He also walks a few steps, then walks backwards a step or two before continuing. Also, while standing still he brings in the knee of his left leg and sort of moves it in a swiveling motion, in short jerky movements (this last behavior he only does sporadically) .> > Before last Wednesday, his movements were completely normal. We have taken him to the doctor twice and they can find nothing physically wrong with him. I suppose the next step would be neurologist. > It's

just painful to watch him. He isn't verbal enough to tell us what he's feeling.> > If any of you have encountered a situation like this, please let us know. Even his therapists and the school psychologist are stumped.>

January 26, 2010

Yoda is so right.

Get specifics from the school on how they approach things. There is also a daily sheet I get schools to use sometimes that simplifies keeping track of what goes on hour by hour and how your child responds. Your doctors-therapists you use privately would benefit from the information. It is also a great tool to use when constructing the present level of the IEP.

You just figure out the behaviors you want to see tracked. You list them down the side of a paper. You then at the top list out the hours/activities of the day. You use a scale of 1-3 or 1-5 depending on the scale you want to use. Each attribute and hour/acitivity gets a score. If anything rates any thing different or significant, they can explain it at the bottom of the page....the what was going on at that time. What was going on just before and just after.

You just have to be careful not to fall into the "high ice cream sales in July is the cause for the increase in violent crimes that month" trap. Things that happen at the same time may not be related.

If in the 3rd hour the child is in art and starts to pace without stop, you can't assume it's art class upsetting the child. Could be something mean a child said to the student on the way in, perhaps there is a substitute teacher for the day who isn't familiar with the IEP, or the morning routine was interuppted by a fire drill so there are sensory issues.

That is why getting the hour by hour low down every day is a good thing to do. You just have to make it convenient for the staff. Never seen a school refuse to just put a number in boxes throughout the day.

Only time I saw a parent told no, the parent told the principal that the information would allow him to do his job as the child's parent. Without it, the school was binding her hands on the matter because he would not have the information the doctors needed to know how to better help the child. They needed raw data.

The principal was really nice about it then. The system helped everyone help that child. (the child was mine, so I can share that story lol)

www. StLouisAdvocacy.com

From: J I <yodaautism@...>Subject: Re: Sudden behavior changesautism Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 8:17 AM