Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Since we have started our non-verbal autistic son on enzymes, his mind has seemed to clear up cognitively to the point he is now getting into alot more trouble. For example, we have a 6-foot high fence in the backyard because he has always been a runner, and that has been fine for two years. Yesterday I caught him about to throw his leg over the top -he climbed it!! Now what?? He seems to be able to figure out how to get around our safety systems, and yet not the sense to know why they are in place. Another example is that we have a chain lock at the top of our front door, which has been fine for years until two days ago when he pulled a chair over to it and unlocked it. He was out in the middle of the road before I noticed anything! When he came back in, I tried to explain to him why he can't run out in the middle of the road, but it is hard to tell if he understands or even cares what I say. Anyone else out there had anything like this? -Phyllis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 Phyllis, I don't have any advise asfar as the enzymes go, but there are some devices out there that can help track your son if he gets out. First, there are battery operated door chimes you can install on your doors that chime when opened so you can hear if he opens the door. And second, there are devices that look like a wristwatch that you can put on his wrist. The base unit will alarm if he wanders outside the preset limit. good luck, Sue Safety Issues I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Since we have started our non-verbal autistic son on enzymes, his mind has seemed to clear up cognitively to the point he is now getting into alot more trouble. For example, we have a 6-foot high fence in the backyard because he has always been a runner, and that has been fine for two years. Yesterday I caught him about to throw his leg over the top -he climbed it!! Now what?? He seems to be able to figure out how to get around our safety systems, and yet not the sense to know why they are in place. Another example is that we have a chain lock at the top of our front door, which has been fine for years until two days ago when he pulled a chair over to it and unlocked it. He was out in the middle of the road before I noticed anything! When he came back in, I tried to explain to him why he can't run out in the middle of the road, but it is hard to tell if he understands or even cares what I say. Anyone else out there had anything like this? -Phyllis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 And ours is a 9-year old's body! -Phyllis Re: Safety Issues Yep we had this, terrible 2's in a 5 year old body. It got better for us, after a while............the other stuff outweight the aggro Mandi > I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Since we have started > our non-verbal autistic son on enzymes, his mind has seemed to clear up > cognitively to the point he is now getting into alot more trouble. For example, we > have a 6-foot high fence in the backyard because he has always been a > runner, and that has been fine for two years. Yesterday I caught him about to throw > his leg over the top -he climbed it!! Now what?? He seems to be able to > figure out how to get around our safety systems, and yet not the sense to know > why they are in place. Another example is that we have a chain lock at the top > of our front door, which has been fine for years until two days ago when he > pulled a chair over to it and unlocked it. He was out in the middle of the > road before I noticed anything! When he came back in, I tried to explain to him > why he can't run out in the middle of the road, but it is hard to tell if he > understands or even cares what I say. Anyone else out there had anything > like this? > -Phyllis > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 Same thing here. With our son, as his cognition increased, he has done things he would have never done before. Honestly, I REALLY believe they can understand what you are saying. The ability to process and act appropriatly is what needs 'therapy'. Devon was very sneaky. He was in school this year, and a new bus driver passed him off to an aide who did not know him. Thank God he went into the school building, but they did loose him for about 1 minute. Alot of heads rolled that day. I can say this - after enzymes, Devon for the first time in his life realized that he 'lost' us or was not in our presence. Before, it was not apparent that he even realized we were around. If this is your major side effect, my impression is GREAT. I would stay consistent and beef up security measures- in whatever way is effective for you. Given a longer trial you may see other changes as well. in MI > I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Since we have started our non-verbal autistic son on enzymes, his mind has seemed to clear up cognitively to the point he is now getting into alot more trouble. For example, we have a 6-foot high fence in the backyard because he has always been a runner, and that has been fine for two years. Yesterday I caught him about to throw his leg over the top -he climbed it!! Now what?? He seems to be able to figure out how to get around our safety systems, and yet not the sense to know why they are in place. Another example is that we have a chain lock at the top of our front door, which has been fine for years until two days ago when he pulled a chair over to it and unlocked it. He was out in the middle of the road before I noticed anything! When he came back in, I tried to explain to him why he can't run out in the middle of the road, but it is hard to tell if he understands or even cares what I say. Anyone else out there had anything like this? > -Phyllis > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 Oh cripes Phyllis, big locks then LOL, we have them all over too, hang in there - Sam can even handle a busy supermarket on a Saturday now with no restraint, thought that would never happen, he even pushes the trolley! Mandi in UK > And ours is a 9-year old's body! > -Phyllis > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2003 Report Share Posted June 10, 2003 Thanks for your words of encouragement,. Sometimes it is helpful just to hear that someone else is having the same problems I am. -Phyllis Re: Safety Issues Same thing here. With our son, as his cognition increased, he has done things he would have never done before. Honestly, I REALLY believe they can understand what you are saying. The ability to process and act appropriatly is what needs 'therapy'. Devon was very sneaky. He was in school this year, and a new bus driver passed him off to an aide who did not know him. Thank God he went into the school building, but they did loose him for about 1 minute. Alot of heads rolled that day. I can say this - after enzymes, Devon for the first time in his life realized that he 'lost' us or was not in our presence. Before, it was not apparent that he even realized we were around. If this is your major side effect, my impression is GREAT. I would stay consistent and beef up security measures- in whatever way is effective for you. Given a longer trial you may see other changes as well. in MI > I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Since we have started our non-verbal autistic son on enzymes, his mind has seemed to clear up cognitively to the point he is now getting into alot more trouble. For example, we have a 6-foot high fence in the backyard because he has always been a runner, and that has been fine for two years. Yesterday I caught him about to throw his leg over the top -he climbed it!! Now what?? He seems to be able to figure out how to get around our safety systems, and yet not the sense to know why they are in place. Another example is that we have a chain lock at the top of our front door, which has been fine for years until two days ago when he pulled a chair over to it and unlocked it. He was out in the middle of the road before I noticed anything! When he came back in, I tried to explain to him why he can't run out in the middle of the road, but it is hard to tell if he understands or even cares what I say. Anyone else out there had anything like this? > -Phyllis > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 > I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Since we have started our non-verbal autistic son on enzymes, his mind has seemed to clear up cognitively to the point he is now getting into alot more trouble. Yep! Not fun, is it? My son was about age 5-1/2 when that stage started. Terrible 2s at age 5 LOL. Now he is in not-so-terrible 3s at age 7. It does get better. >> For example, we have a 6-foot high fence in the backyard because he has always been a runner, and that has been fine for two years. Yesterday I caught him about to throw his leg over the top -he climbed it!! Now what?? My son is not allowed outside without supervision. He climbs trees up to over 50 feet, climbs fences, throws rocks over fences, fun stuff like that. He does not do this as much any more, but is still tempted. He was never a runner tho, thankfully. >> He seems to be able to figure out how to get around our safety systems, and yet not the sense to know why they are in place. Another example is that we have a chain lock at the top of our front door, which has been fine for years until two days ago when he pulled a chair over to it and unlocked it. We have a locking hook/eye on the tops of doors. This might work better for your son, altho he still might be able to figure it out. >> He was out in the middle of the road before I noticed anything! When he came back in, I tried to explain to him why he can't run out in the middle of the road, but it is hard to tell if he understands or even cares what I say. I spank my kids only when they do something which involves a safety issue. So they know that when mom spanks them, they MUST learn! I don't know if this would work for your child, but my kids get spanked if they go into the street. After the spank, they must sit in a chair and watch everyone else having fun. I make them sit there for about 10 minutes. Then the child must remain in the house for the rest of the half-day. This works for us. The good news is that this has worked for my son, plus he is more aware of WHY he can't do certain things. Not fully there yet, but getting close. Chelation has been very helpful in getting him to this point. Good luck. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 It is good to hear that it does get better! Previously had such a little cause-effect connection that the types of punishments you listed would have no effect on him except to think that we were just being mean. Perhaps his awareness is to the point that it might work now, however. I always leave corporal type punishments for last resort, however. It is hard to tell him one minute that hitting isn't allowed and then hit him the next in the name of correction. I am starting a series of safety lessons that explains in various different ways why these things are not acceptable. Perhaps it will work. He hasn't attempted anything dangerous since. He figured out hook/eye locks years ago. We have for now just permanently boarded up the front door. Until he understands better, we are just going to have to use the side door. I unfortunately don't have the luxury of being outside with him every moment (I homeschool four kids), so if he attempts it again, I suppose I will have to look into putting something at the top to prevent him. I wonder if a shelf would work. It works to prevent squirrels from getting into the bird feeder, so maybe...? Thanks for your advice. -Phyllis Re: Safety Issues > I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Since we have started our non-verbal autistic son on enzymes, his mind has seemed to clear up cognitively to the point he is now getting into alot more trouble. Yep! Not fun, is it? My son was about age 5-1/2 when that stage started. Terrible 2s at age 5 LOL. Now he is in not-so-terrible 3s at age 7. It does get better. >> For example, we have a 6-foot high fence in the backyard because he has always been a runner, and that has been fine for two years. Yesterday I caught him about to throw his leg over the top -he climbed it!! Now what?? My son is not allowed outside without supervision. He climbs trees up to over 50 feet, climbs fences, throws rocks over fences, fun stuff like that. He does not do this as much any more, but is still tempted. He was never a runner tho, thankfully. >> He seems to be able to figure out how to get around our safety systems, and yet not the sense to know why they are in place. Another example is that we have a chain lock at the top of our front door, which has been fine for years until two days ago when he pulled a chair over to it and unlocked it. We have a locking hook/eye on the tops of doors. This might work better for your son, altho he still might be able to figure it out. >> He was out in the middle of the road before I noticed anything! When he came back in, I tried to explain to him why he can't run out in the middle of the road, but it is hard to tell if he understands or even cares what I say. I spank my kids only when they do something which involves a safety issue. So they know that when mom spanks them, they MUST learn! I don't know if this would work for your child, but my kids get spanked if they go into the street. After the spank, they must sit in a chair and watch everyone else having fun. I make them sit there for about 10 minutes. Then the child must remain in the house for the rest of the half-day. This works for us. The good news is that this has worked for my son, plus he is more aware of WHY he can't do certain things. Not fully there yet, but getting close. Chelation has been very helpful in getting him to this point. Good luck. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 > It is good to hear that it does get better! Previously had such a little cause-effect connection that the types of punishments you listed would have no effect on him except to think that we were just being mean. Perhaps his awareness is to the point that it might work now, however. I always leave corporal type punishments for last resort, however. It is hard to tell him one minute that hitting isn't allowed and then hit him the next in the name of correction. This is why I only spank when it is a safety issue, otherwise I don't. >> I am starting a series of safety lessons that explains in various different ways why these things are not acceptable. Perhaps it will work. He hasn't attempted anything dangerous since. Sounds good. > He figured out hook/eye locks years ago. I have a LOCKING hook/eye, and it is at the top of the door. Not sure if this is the type your child has figured out, but mine can't figure it out while at the same time standing on a chair LOL >> We have for now just permanently boarded up the front door. Until he understands better, we are just going to have to use the side door. This sounds like it will work, provided he does not just start using your side door. > I unfortunately don't have the luxury of being outside with him every moment (I homeschool four kids), I also homeschool four kids. They are not allowed outside without my permission, and only two of them are allowed outside without supervision. But they are still required to ask permission to go outside. The other two are not allowed outside unless I give them permission AND I am sitting outside with them. >> so if he attempts it again, I suppose I will have to look into putting something at the top to prevent him. I wonder if a shelf would work. It works to prevent squirrels from getting into the bird feeder, so maybe...? Might work. Or angle the top inward, like you see on the prisons, except I don't recommend adding the barbed wire LOL Good luck. And yes, it does get better. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 Dana, I meant that even for safety issues, I want to try EVERYTHING else first before corporal punishment -the last step before signing the commitment papers to an institution! Yes, I knew what you meant about the locking hook and eye. He figured that out years ago. He seemed to think that one was much easier than the siding lock. I guess he is good at locks. The side door leads out into the backyard and it's only exit to the outside is through a very heavy gate that I can barely lift, so it is kind of a pain in the neck, but it is better than worrying about the front door that leads directly out in the street. It is defiantly too heavy for him to lift -at least for a few years. Hopefully he will understand why he can't do that type of thing first! Clearly our homeschool situation then, is very different. Because of learning disabilities, therapies or age I need to work one-on-one with each of my children. I think it wouldn't be a very healthy life if they had to wait for me to be completely finished with all of them before they could go outside for a breath of fresh air! (Perhaps you live in the city and being outside isn't that healthy or fun, perhaps? My kids love to spend most of their free time outside exploring, experimenting, building things, etc. etc. that you just couldn't do indoors.) If and my youngest waited until I could be outside with them, they would spend very little time outside. 's school takes most of the morning itself, and then Sam, , and ' takes the afternoon up until dinner. I squeeze in any housework I can before and after school. That means I am usually unable to go outside until at least after dinner -sometimes not then. In general the kids tell me that they are going outside, but since it is a totally fenced in backyard with a six-foot fence, it really don't get too excited about whether they tell me they are going outside or not, especially the 11 year old! I guess for us it would be a little like her telling me that she is changing rooms every time she goes from one to another. Besides the fresh air, needs the vestibular and other sensory stimulation that being outside provides, and he is very good at being his own OT and getting what he needs for himself. So, not letting my kids step out of the house without me is not really an option here. I guess I never imagined a situation that would be like that. But most of all, it is good to hear that it does get better and the reasoning will tend to catch up with the abilities! -Phyllis Re: Safety Issues > It is good to hear that it does get better! Previously had such a little cause-effect connection that the types of punishments you listed would have no effect on him except to think that we were just being mean. Perhaps his awareness is to the point that it might work now, however. I always leave corporal type punishments for last resort, however. It is hard to tell him one minute that hitting isn't allowed and then hit him the next in the name of correction. This is why I only spank when it is a safety issue, otherwise I don't. >> I am starting a series of safety lessons that explains in various different ways why these things are not acceptable. Perhaps it will work. He hasn't attempted anything dangerous since. Sounds good. > He figured out hook/eye locks years ago. I have a LOCKING hook/eye, and it is at the top of the door. Not sure if this is the type your child has figured out, but mine can't figure it out while at the same time standing on a chair LOL >> We have for now just permanently boarded up the front door. Until he understands better, we are just going to have to use the side door. This sounds like it will work, provided he does not just start using your side door. > I unfortunately don't have the luxury of being outside with him every moment (I homeschool four kids), I also homeschool four kids. They are not allowed outside without my permission, and only two of them are allowed outside without supervision. But they are still required to ask permission to go outside. The other two are not allowed outside unless I give them permission AND I am sitting outside with them. >> so if he attempts it again, I suppose I will have to look into putting something at the top to prevent him. I wonder if a shelf would work. It works to prevent squirrels from getting into the bird feeder, so maybe...? Might work. Or angle the top inward, like you see on the prisons, except I don't recommend adding the barbed wire LOL Good luck. And yes, it does get better. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 Reminds me of when the Parents as Teachers educator was paying us a home visit. We were chatting up a storm when the doorbell rang. " I wonder who that would be this early in the day? " I said to her. I opened the door to find my son, then about three years old (and the person we were chatting about). He managed to escape right under my nose, but decided he wanted back in. Embarrassing! > outside. The other two are not allowed outside unless I give them > permission AND I am sitting outside with them. > > > >> so if he attempts it again, I > suppose I will have to look into putting something at the top to > prevent him. I wonder if a shelf would work. It works to prevent > squirrels from getting into the bird feeder, so maybe...? > > > Might work. Or angle the top inward, like you see on the prisons, > except I don't recommend adding the barbed wire LOL > > Good luck. And yes, it does get better. > > Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2003 Report Share Posted June 14, 2003 > Dana, > I meant that even for safety issues, I want to try EVERYTHING else first before corporal punishment -the last step before signing the commitment papers to an institution! Well that is true! But I discovered that one well-timed spank removes the need for further discussion. Now, I just have to say " do you need to be spanked? " That will stop the behavior. It would have been nice to be able to use other measures, but this is what finally worked for my family. I rarely spank now any more, which is good. But if you can stop the behavior with other measures, that would be good. > Yes, I knew what you meant about the locking hook and eye. He figured that out years ago. He seemed to think that one was much easier than the siding lock. I guess he is good at locks. My son figured out the sliding lock really easily. But I am glad you found something that works for your son. >>It is defiantly too heavy for him to lift -at least for a few years. Hopefully he will understand why he can't do that type of thing first! LOL! My 7yo is stronger than I am! So it might still be possible for him to open a gate even if I could not open it LOL > Clearly our homeschool situation then, is very different. Because of learning disabilities, therapies or age I need to work one-on-one with each of my children. My #1 is relatively self-sufficient. The other three I do all together as a group. This works very well for me. I think my situation is different than yours, because my kids need very little one-on-one. >> I think it wouldn't be a very healthy life if they had to wait for me to be completely finished with all of them before they could go outside for a breath of fresh air! We do lots of school outside, so that can help. But if given the choice, my kids would be outside 24/7 riding scooters, chasing each other, or digging in the dirt, instead of doing their schoolwork. They enjoy doing schoolwork outside, but it can be distracting to them, depending on what subject they are trying to learn. > But most of all, it is good to hear that it does get better and the reasoning will tend to catch up with the abilities! Yes it definitely is better here! Glad you found a solution that will work for your family. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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