School and Aggressive Behaviors

[Guest guest]

Hello Jen and others who have chimed in,Thank you for this in depth assessment of my son's school behavior. You are right in that his aggression has become a part of his daily routine - a form of escapism whereby he is bad so he goes home. Even if he is not given privileges at home he still prefers it over school. Definitely the scene needs rewriting. The school district called me yesterday to discuss another placement for my son. There are 4 public schools to visit - his current placement is private. His attack towards me yesterday makes me wonder though if he can actually be contained in a social setting like school. He is violent and will attack teachers and students. I was really contemplating on putting him on behavior meds already yesterday. If not we could try some Valium until we have him going on antibiotics. I believe ABX will create havoc as well due to yeast and die offs. That said how do we wean him off Valium if the ABX treatment goes on for a long time?Someone recommended SAMe which is a natural antidepressant. That may be a consideration over other anti psych meds. Something to run by our doctor. In the meantime I too have been placed on ABX for 3 months to protect against the bite I sustained in yesterday's struggle with my son. I hope the worst is over.Sent from my iPad

As heartbreaking as it is, maybe it will help your son to have some time at home. When a situation is bad at school, it will stay that way even after you fix the biolgical issues. The teachers and students come to expect that sort of behavior out of the difficult student and the difficult student will play the role he has been characterized with. This can be about expectations as well as repition. Our ASD students tend to stick to their routines. When aggression has become part of the routine, they dutifully play the part they auditioned for and won.

If he takes a break to heal (emotionally and biologically) whatever is initially setting of the aggression, it might give them time to organize the way they support him. Rewrite the scene so to speak.

Or they may change placement, which gives him a fresh start.

Also consider that an aggressive student is emotionally and physically damaging to staff and other students. It can cause a great deal of anxiety, which effects the other students behavior and the teacher's performance as an educator. This is not the student's fault, but it is the case.

Finally, I agree with Heidi that many teachers and professionals are putting on a show of expertise that they do not actually have. Never assume they know the best thing to do, and be prepared to change placement if necessary.

Jen