Autisum tantrum advice

[Fozziebear]

Hi, I'm just after advice and other people's experience of autistic children and the tantrums that they have. I'm a foster carer with 2 placements at the moment, both boys and brothers. The eldest boy is autistic and attends a specialist school, fantastic place and staff!. The school have given me advice on how to distract him and keep him in a routine, which is working well, it's just the tantrums and frustrations that I'm struggling with. I've got great support from social services, I'd just like to know from people with similar experiences to make this lads life better, and less stress for us

[sparkyhx]

Autistic or Autistic spectrum? Are they high or low functioning

Full blown Autistic is hard to deal with if they are unable to communicate. trantrums are a way of communicating things are not 'ok' and unfortunately you can't stop them only try to avoid them.

Do you know what triggers the tantrums?
normal triggers are
- breaks in routine, even relatively minor to you can be catastrophic for autistic kids
- base needs - tiredness hungry
- sensory/emotional overload

If the child is able to communicate e.g. Aspergers then you can have a conversation after, to try to identify the cause and potentially modify behaviors, or give help with alternative coping mechanisms.

My son is 18 and has Aspergers and still has the 'meltdowns' when he is overwhelmed (sensory/emotional overload), but its better he does this, than harming himself, which is what he was doing 4/5 yrears ago.

Work closely with social workers, but treat them with a pinch of salt as they may be very good on theory, but every kid is different and generalisms don't necessarily help. And avoid anybody who says they know about autism, they've been on the course (very popular with teachers this one).

Try to find the local Autism group with parents who KNOW what they are talking about www.autism.org.uk

p.s. - well done on the fostering

[Fozziebear]

Autistic spectrum, high functioning, excellent verbal and written skills. I have started a rigid routine, not to hard to implement, just need to keep it 7 days a week it's mainly the stroppyness when he can't get the extra time on play or waiting for things. It had a chat with the school and I'm looking at the autisum web page too. Thanks for the info

[sparkyhx]

Fozziebear said:

Autistic spectrum, high functioning, excellent verbal and written skills. I have started a rigid routine, not to hard to implement, just need to keep it 7 days a week it's mainly the stroppyness when he can't get the extra time on play or waiting for things. It had a chat with the school and I'm looking at the autisum web page too. Thanks for the info

Well at least you have a fighting chance to help.
HFA/Aspergers are very similar. I don't know how old the kid is, maturity will help, as you are able to get through to him and help identify what triggers these outbursts and develop other mechanisms for relieving the stress.

Routine is good, but also being able to get him to be able to cope with disruptions is important for later life.

You cannot cure the problem, it is a coping mechanism, all you can do is help him identify the triggers and develop alternative coping mechanisms. Don't 'punish' the tantrums like you would a 'normal' kid, these come from a different place.

Pick up a book by Tony Attwood - Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome, this might be helpful.

If you want to speak to someone, you can drop me and the wife a line. She is an ex-social worker, psychotherapist and mum to a child with ASD. We may be able to help you with schools, NHS etc as we have been thru it and learned a lot along the way.

Edited by sparkyhx on Saturday 20th October 20:16