any ideas

[dryermom]

I have two boys ages 6 and 7. My 7 year old was diagnosed two years ago with PDD-NOS, anxiety and several sensory challenges. He has been doing pretty good until this last week. We went to CA. on vacation from our home in OR, upon returning, his agression is out of control. He will push or hit his brother for no apparent reason. He has also begun to bite again when restrained. Beings it is saturday here, I just spoke to his therapist by phone and she suggested we look into day treatment on monday. I have also sent my younger son to his grandparents over night. Any ideas regarding how to keep my son "safe" for the weekend?

[midwestmom]

I would say to do just what you are doing until the situation is better. Have your younger son stay with your parents even another day or two. Has your therapist spoken with you about medications to help reduce the anger and anxiety that is probably happening with your son now? This might be something to discuss with the therapist; sometimes a low dose of an anti anxiety med can make a big difference.

Try to keep things as low key as possible and yes I think looking into a day treatment program is a very good idea. Let us know how everyone is.

Jessica

[dryermom]

Saddly my parents where only willing to keep Lucas one night. Christopher is already on celexa daily for anxiety. I do have an appointment with his therapist today at 1pm and she is going to talk to his psychologist before we get there. She is also going to help me get Christopher into day treatment for the remainder of sumer break.
Thanks for your comment. I am not involved with a support group of any kind. This is the first time I have reached out for help.

Sandra

[midwestmom]

Sandra - another thought - if your son has been on Celexa for anxiety and it is not helping, it may be time to explore other options for medications. We have been there and I know that sometimes a trial of one med is needed to see if this is the right one for your child. Sometimes you know right away; in the case of my son, it took some time to find the right fit for him where he felt the most comfortable.

Did you hear anything about a day program?
Jessica

[dryermom]

I brought up the idea of a med change to his therapist and she does not think it's neccassery right now. In regards to the day treatment, that is not an option because that would take 2-3 weeks to set up. We looked at a residential placement, but he does not qualify at this time. I am doing everything I can at home. I am also waiting for the paperwork for DD services.

Sandra

[midwestmom]

I hope you get on board with DD services soon. You will then have a case manager and will probably get services. The important thing is to keep your younger son safe right now. Keep in mind that you can call the police and have your older son hospitalized in a child psych unit if your younger son's safety is at risk. It is not an option that is desirable but sometimes is needed and will surely get help for your older son in terms of a full medication evaluation as well as having the DD services hastened into your life. Good luck to you at this difficult time.

[ddexxters75]

Sandra - another thought - if your son has been on Celexa for anxiety and it is not helping, it may be time to explore other options for medications. We have been there and I know that sometimes a trial of one med is needed to see if this is the right one for your child. Sometimes you know right away; in the case of my son, it took some time to find the right fit for him where he felt the most comfortable.
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[midwestmom]

Sandra - I strongly agree with the above poster who is suggesting looking into evaluation for new meds. Don't just accept the word of the one therapist as law. We tried several different meds and then a combination of meds until we found the two that treated both his mood swings and his anxiety. Celexa is not a well known drug for use with autism and I suggest taking your son to a child neurologist (ped neurologist) or better yet a child psychiatrist for an evaluation.

Don't get stagnant because one therapist doesn't want to change things - it sounds to me like changes ARE needed. I have worked on a adolescent psych unit and very well understand the need and common practice of changing meds if the behaviors are troubling ie like you are describing.

Jessica

[Kai]

It might have been a really hard adjustment for your child. Vacations and changes in routine can be very hard for children with autism and he may be acting up because his routine was so upset. I would try making a very concrete schedule from morning until night for at least a week while he is adjusting to things at home again and see if that helps.