My son was just diagnosed with PDD-NOS and in the last two months he has become more violent?

I have the sweetest 6 year old in the world, but since he was about 1 1/2 we have known something was a little off with him. He didn't start talking until he was about 2 1/2 but he did have hearing issues and once he had tubes put in his ears that seemed to help. But even so I have had relatives ask over and over again is he autistic? He just started the 1st grade this year and although we had family support meetings with his school last year he still is behind. He doesn't make eye contact very well, he will play with other kids but enjoys being on his own just as much, unless a teacher helper is sitting right next to him in class he doesn't complete his school work (not homework) or if he does do it, it is sooooo wrong. Kind of like he just does what his mind is telling him to. We have him set up for an EEG next Tuesday and I have requested to have an IEP assessment completed on him. The thing that really worries me is that in the last couple of months he is becoming more physically violent, kicking, throwing, punching, etc, to his sister who is one year older than him and to his friends. Today I had stopped by the school to drop off some paperwork and he happened to be in the office, so of course I was surprised to see him and when I said hello I heard a volunteer tell the school counselor that he had just written and apology letter. I of course then asked what he had done and found out that he threw a rock at another student and hit the student in the head. My son is a good boy and I am just afraid that he is getting so frustrated because he doesn't communicate like all the other kids that he is resorting to violence. I would love to hear any advice with someone going through the same thing because right now my heart is breaking. As a parent all we want for our children is for them to be successful, whether it is with peers, school, whatever and I just feel like I'm not doing everything I can but I don't know what else to do.

My son was just diagnosed with PDD-NOS and in the last two months he has become more violent?
PDD is a mild form of autism, but do not let that throw you into despair. Autism is a broad group- they call it Autism Spectrum Disorder. PDD is on the high functioning end.

There are two reasons for self injury (which my daughter had) or aggression: one is as you so aptly figured out: frustration, the other is sensory overload or sensory defensiveness.

At six, you may want to talk to a good psych in autism to discuss low dose of meds for the aggression or he may hurt himself or your daughter.

Other ideas that work sometimes: a quiet room, a hammock chair swing, a bean bag chair, a punching bag, playdough - pounding it, relaxation music or hip hop music, (they like the rhythm), water play, sand play, things that are "self stimming- like finger gadgets to turn that make noises like turn key wind up toys, riding in cars, swimming, baths....

You need to read up on autism, join CARD , a list serve that is for parents and professionals ( I am both), look for respite workers from Dept of Mental Health (they may be free- better to use the autism word to get service)... There is much more assistance out there in the spectrum than there ever was, many ideas and new things... diets, methods- some work for some people... Help is out there. Good luck.My son was just diagnosed with PDD-NOS and in the last two months he has become more violent?
I have a PDD.NOS son age 7 in first grade.



There are so many things to ask for at his IEP meeting:

A 1:1 aide

social skills group

preferential seating

a break card

speech and OT therapy for sensory input (this will greatly improve his eyecontact)

a picture schedule posted on his desk and locker

given notice to schedule changes such as firedrills and assemblies

1:1 reading with a reading specialist

untimed tests

testing over several sessions

prompting during testsMy son was just diagnosed with PDD-NOS and in the last two months he has become more violent?
I am going through the same thing with a student in my class. I know that his violence is coming from his frustration due to his inability to communicate with his fellow students a me, the teacher. One thing that has worked for me is to demand less of him than the other students. For example, if they are doing ten math problems, he would do five. I am a pre-k teacher so my lesson objectives are different, I don't actually assign math problems that way but I am trying to gear my answer toward your son. Also, he may need to take a break from his friends, or his work, or even the whole classroom environment. He needs a place to go, such as a resource room, because sometimes the regular noisy classroom is very overwhelming for some children. I also talk to the student to let him know what my expectations are, such as; we are going to music class, I need you sit down and listen to the music teacher and there will be no hitting while you are in class. I use stickers, every time he is able to do an activity without hitting he gets a sticker, activities include lunch, specials, whole group work, small group work, etc. It doesn't have to be stickers but you get the idea. To be honest, the teachers need to pay more attention so that they catch the triggers. Triggers are the things that are causing him to react with anger or violence. If someone is talking too loud beside him, that could be a trigger, it was for my student. That may not be one of the triggers for your son, but that's what the teachers need to find out, what triggers are setting him off. If you can figure that out, then you can diminish them, which will diminish the unwanted behaviors. Sorry I know this is long if you need any more ideas, help, or just want to talk send me an e-mail. Good Luck
Please also in addition to a comprehensive school evaluation consider a visit and/or series of visits to a Child Psychiatrist. There are some mental health issues that are co-morbid with ASD/PDD etc so getting some early benchmarks will be important.



I will also say one other thing - social skills is not just one thing for students that are neurobiological (ADD, ASD, EBD, etc) it is the ONLY thing - unless there is some significant remediation and skills taught - academics are superfluous. I know that it is counterintuitive for educators or parents to say that academics are less important but if you cannot get along with peers and adults - there are serious implications for his future.



You are on the right path - be open to what you hear, don't take it personally and believe that people are really trying to help you. It will be important to work with the school setting to set clear, measurable rules at home and school - try not to fall in the feeling sorry for your little guy being frustrated - the hardest part you will have to do is to maintain rules, limits, and procedures in your home that compliment what happens in school.



Go to autismspeaks.com and look up the first 100 days - great information, suggestions and resources.





Good luck.

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