MY SON HAS PDD NOS (AUTISM) AND IS 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.MY SON HAS PDD NOS (AUTISM) AND IS GETTING WORSE?
It could be a variety of things as to why he is having meltdowns that seem worse than he normally does have. Usually all forms of their behavior is some form of communication. It could be something he is trying to express but don't know how to, it could a variety of sensory related items, etc. I know you mentioned that they are not predictable anymore, so not knowing if you have tried this, I would like to suggest one thing....keep a log noting times, settings, people, %26amp; activities when he has his meltdowns, you may see a pattern forming and have a better understanding as to what is causing the meltdowns. Hopefully if the cause can be figured out then the meltdowns can be prevented or at least more predictable. If he is receiving occupational therapy you could talk to his therapist about any possible sensory issues that may be causing the meltdowns. They should be able to help him deal with and overcome these sensory issues. If he has a speech therapist , they should be able to help him with any communication needs he has. Another thing is looking into the GFCF diet (gluten free - casein free). In some children with autism, they can exhibit low tolerance or allergies to certain foods or chemicals which may contribute to behavioral issues. In some cases their stomachs have a hard time breaking down peptides from foods that contain gluten and casein. With the extra peptides in their system, they may cause disruption in biochemical and neuroregulatory processes in the brain, affecting brain functions. However, as with any treatment with autism, it has to be done on a trial basis, the diet may or may not work with your son, but the only way to know is to try it. You must do your research on it because there are certain ways you should implement the diet such as removing casein first then removing the gluten over a period of time, they can go through withdrawal in which their behavior worsens before it becomes better, etc. You have to learn to read labels and such because gluten comes in many differnt forms and it can also be found in normal everyday household products which can be absorbed into their system.

Here's a few links about the gfcf diet if you are interested in pursuing that option.

The Official GFCF Diet Support Group Website

http://www.gfcfdiet.com

Diet Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders, PDD-NOS, Celiac Disease, and Gluten %26amp; Dairy Allergies/Intoleran. Website includes lists of food: acceptable %26amp; unacceptable foods; list of unacceptable ingredients; extensive list of GFCF products; explanation of the GFCF diet %26amp; getting started including the stages of the GFCF diet; understanding how to read labels; hidden ingredients; information about nitrates, phenols %26amp; salicylates; gluten intolerance/celiac disease information; GFCF recipes; parent support groups including local dietary intervention support groups; GFCFKids forum; community bullentin board; GFCF diet survey; GFCF diet support; diet counselors; and much more.



Autism Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI)

http://www.autismndi.com

Since 1995, Autism Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI) has been helping and supporting parents using dietary and biomedical interventions for autism spectrum disorders. They provide help and support for families using a gluten %26amp; casein free diet (gfcf diet) in the treatment of autism and related developmental disabilities. The ANDI mission is simple: "To help parents understand, implement and maintain dietary intervention for their autistic children."



New Diets

http://www.newdiets.com

Features gluten free/casein free (GFCF) recipes: basic ingredients; condiments; breads; soups %26amp; stews; vegetarian %26amp; side dishes; meat entrees; seafoods; %26amp; desserts. Information provided on: getting started; product vendors; school lunch menus; problems baking with substitutes.MY SON HAS PDD NOS (AUTISM) AND IS GETTING WORSE?
if you live anywhere near westchester county, NY you can contact Dr. antonio blanco. he is a fantastic person, and is great for sorting out autism and other mental disorders. he is also great for schooling, if you have to get your child in to a private school and your school board won't pay.



-really hope this helps



CJMY SON HAS PDD NOS (AUTISM) AND IS GETTING WORSE?
I have no answer for you, with the exception simply to say my thoughts and prayers go out to you. I pray the Father puts somebody in your life to answer your questions. Good luck to you and your son.