A CHILD WITH PDD NOS GETTING WORSE?

I have a 5 year old son who was dx'd with Pdd-Nos. He was doing really good for a while. But as of the past few months he seems to be getting worse. He has alot more meltdowns, and they last alot longer. Some times its a whole day thing. Its Not predictable anymore what triggers him, Or what will help him. Is it normal for Autistic children to have such extreme ups and downs? Or should I be worried something else may be going on? If you could just share your advice or story I would appreciate it.A CHILD WITH PDD NOS GETTING WORSE?
No, he should not be getting worse, he should be improving. There are bad days yes, but in general the symptoms peak between 2-3 yrs old and then improve dramatically till the sensory system is matured at 10.



Things that can cause behaviors to exacerbate:



difficulty expressing wants and needs

how is his speech? Are you using PECS cards?



OT

his therapist could be not that good

you need to really follow through at home, if you aren't doing Wilbarger brushing protocol begin several times a day. Are you using a z-vibe? Weighted blanket? Pressure vest?



My oldest son with PDD.NOS (actually technically he lost the dx because he improved so much but I still claim it, he is 8) had meltdowns about 5x/wk and would last as long as 1 hour. With my middle son who is 3.5 yrs dx previously with PDD.NOS from 9 months til 3.5 yrs when he too lost the dx for improving too much and now is riding on encephalopathy dx, he would have meltdowns daily lasting 30-45 minutes. Then we got a good OT. She eliminated meltdowns completely within 1 month. After 2 weeks, he had only 2 meltdowns a week! He no longer needs sensory therapy and we haven't done really any protocol in 6 months. Has he had a sensory profile done recently? Sometimes if you've got a sensory avoider, with therapy they become a seeker before integration takes place. So what he needs may have changed. My youngest son with sensory issues (not autistic, but has delays, he is 2) was an avoider. My oldest was an avoider too. This is worse as far as sensory integration, but also once integrated the improvement will be more significant. My middle son is a sensory seeker.



Both of my kids have never had an educational dx on the autistic spectrum, only a medical one and neither have the medical dx of PDD.NOS now. My oldest was changed at age 6 to LD, my middle son was dropped at 3.5 to encephalopathy)



transitioning changes: any big changes to the family?



medical issues:

allergies, bowel issues-any signs of gastroenteritis? Chronic illnesses? Ear infections?



I hate asking this but by chance did he get the MMR booster recently? It is given betw 4-6 yrs old. Is that around the time the regressions began? How about a flu shot?



If he has had vaccine exposures recently recommend checking blood levels for heavy metal poisoning. If he has it, the only way to really improve is to detox. We did do a homeopathic detox with great results. My oldest went from the public school district recommending an institutional residential setting at age 4 (which we refused and switched school districts, the new school district did evaluate him for the autism program and said no, he doesn't meet criteria), to age 6 regular curriculum full inclusion classroom (where up to 30 percent of the class is identified sp. needs and 70+ percent typical) where he has been ever since.A CHILD WITH PDD NOS GETTING WORSE?
My sons also suffers from this. he is also 5 yrs. It is not uncommon for this behaviour. However, normality is dependent on an individual basis. You know your son. It could be a number of reasons that has triggered this. Perhaps a change in routine. Dietry changes or medication. When something bothers them they cannot xpress it as ordinary children do. You may like to try and sit with him %26amp; do something he enjoys. Like nice calming music. I have sensory equipment. That does help. If it becomes too much speak to your doc. phases are not uncommon. My son went through one where he kept throwing things at people, such as products off shelves in supermarkets. He finally stopped one day 18mths later as quickly as he began it. Hope this helps. But your not alone. Good luck xA CHILD WITH PDD NOS GETTING WORSE?
My 4 year old was diagnosed with Autistic Disorder earlier this year and has his good days %26amp; bad days.



Is your son in any type of school or therapies? My son isn't yet but should be within the next few weeks. I'm hoping it helps with his understanding, that's his main issue.
My 7 year old son has PDD-NOS as well. Is it possible that something in his life changed? My son acts up every time there is a change in routine, even if it's one I'd think would be positive for him, such as getting out of school for summer vacation.