Help! My autistic son is becoming very aggressive!

[sonia1080]

Hi,

I am mom of 20 yr old son. He has autism. In the last month He became very aggressive towards me and anyone else who may get in his path during an outburst, I am now terrified in my own home.

He was taking Largactil 25mg and Nozinan 4% since 2003, he used to be very calm and nice. but when he has suffered last summer from some side effects, his psy decides to stop this treatment and gave him an anti-depressive Fluzoft 20 mg. so he became hyperactive.

Last month, he attacks me without any reason, I was injured in my arms and cannot lift my arms for 3 days. So I took him to his psy who gave him Depakine 200mg, Fluzoft 20 mg and Largactil 25mg.

2 weeks later, he attacks his sister while she was driving, he scratches her face and eyes causing a car accident.
The doctor prescribes him Zyprexa 5mg with depakine and Largactil. But nothing seem to reduce his aggressivity.  

I am very confused! Please help me

[jodi40]

He may need inpatient. My son is aggressive . He has horrible reactions to the meds also...which made aggression worse. He was in the hospital almost 4 months to regulate him. I also , at one time had him in a residential program...this helped alot because they were able to track his behaviors and make recommendations for home and school. It has been horrible having him away from home. I know what you are going through honey...:((( best wishes for you and your family . Oh , I should add..he has been home for over three months w/ minimal aggression and the program at school has approved w/ the recommendations. In home supports are key. fight!!!!

[Jessica L Thomason Sassi, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

Unfortunately, without information as to why he is engaging in this aggressive behavior, it is difficult to determine how to effectively reduce the behavior. Medications can, in some cases, help reduce problem behavior; however, each individual’s case is different and no one medication is helpful for everybody.

If your son is still receiving special education services (in many states, special education services cover a young person until they are 22 years of age), you could ask the school if they have a Behavior Analyst on their staff who might be able to help you address his behavior. If your son is not still in the school system, but receives services from a different state agency (e.g., Medicaid), you may be able to access the services of a behavior analyst funded by that state agency – in this case, I’d suggest that you contact his case worker, explain your situation, and ask what your options are.  
If you are interested in paying for and locating a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in your area, the BACB website has a local service provider directory at:http://www.bacb.com/consum_frame.html
Best of luck to you and your family