why such a massive change in behaviuor???
Posted by
Snowdrop
on 8th December 2009
at 22:06
Hi Sarah
Could it be that a routine has changed at school & he doesn't like it or perhaps something has been added or changed around in his classroom that is overloading him or even perhaps he just has to use a different room now thats never been used before?? There's always the possibility that another child could be bothering him but I guess you would probably have asked him that already.
Did anything happen 3 weeks ago that you can think of that may have triggered it??
Can't really think of any other ideas, anyone else??
Tracy - Community Champion
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 9th December 2009
at 12:42
Hi Sarah, I'm sorry to hear this. It sound very frustrating.
Like Tracy, my first thoughts were that perhaps something in his environment has changed. Or perhaps there's a new person around? Or it could just be the Christmas season...sometimes people get really down about Christmas.
I'm sorry, I wish I knew how to help more! Please let us know how you're getting on so we can help brainstorm with you as you explore ideas.
Posted by
asteroids
on 9th December 2009
at 13:15
Hi Sarah,
It could be the dreaded Christmas stuff. I always struggled with the run up to Christmas when I was a teacher. All the routines disappear to make room for Christmas plays and rehearsals, carol services etc. A lot of schools now decorate classrooms as well as the hall and other parts of the school so there are a lot of sensory intrusions, such as twinkling lights, glittery things and stuff hanging from celings or stuck on windows.
In addition to these changes, there are also Chirstmas parties and Christmas card deliveries around the classroom (not much fun if you aren't a very popular member of the class).Then there's the general end of term stuff so children will be making cards, watching films etc instead of the usual literacy and numeracy. In fact, the last few weeks of this term seem to be just a big social gathering. Worst of all, the teachers are either very, very nice or really horrible.
Of course, there could be another reason for your son's sudden change in behaviour. I think you will all have to muddle through the last couple of weeks then see if he settles again in January. It would probably help him if the school could allow him extra time out from some of the classroom activities and maybe give him some 'jobs' to do as this may help him to stay calm.
Perhaps the school could keep a diary to see when the incidents occur as this will help them to identify the triggers.
Asteroids Sara - Community Champion
Posted by
Leanne
on 9th December 2009
at 13:40
Hi
Is there a chance you talk through each incident with the teacher involved to work out what the trigger was... I completely agree with the other suggestions but I wonder whether something is actually happening in class that he loses it over.
In an ideal world the teacher would be able to provde the answers but I do know that alot goes on in secondary classes that teachers seem oblivious too..
Another idea is talking/role playing the situation with your son to see if you can pick up what the issue is ???
My 14yr old has aspergers and yr 9 was really good for him.. so far yr10 has not been so good - there is alot more teasing etc and he is now beginning to get physical.I think its a hormone thing myself.
Leanne - Community Champion
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 9th December 2009
at 14:04
Hi Sarah
Sara has mentioned something that has worked for my son (he is 14 with Aspergers) and is not good with the disruption to his routine at this time of year either, but he does like helping the teacher's tidy rooms and clean blackboards (sorry whiteboards .... must be pc about this). Any time he appears stressed there are a couple of his teachers who are quite good at spotting it and get him to go a message for them or tidy up their stock cupboards, all of which he really enjoys .... it's just a pity he doesnt bring this tidiness home to his room!!!!
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
bumblebee
on 10th December 2009
at 13:30
Hi Sarah,
I think Josie's and Sara's suggestions are spot on, but I just wanted to pop in and say that so many of our children find this time of the year stressful. I work with children and all (with and without ASD) have been either slightly withdrawn recently or more hyperactive and difficult to engage and I believe it is due to their routine being disrupted....I just wanted to share this as I think it is something that so many people struggle with, but the fact that our children have autism to contend with too, makes it so much harder to rationalise feelings and choose the correct responses that so often the confusion, frustration and/or anxiety manifests as aggression and hitting out. Has he got a visual timetable? if so, could the teachers present a change to his routine visually at the beginning of the day (if not, they should at least pre-warn him verbally)....even if the change is going to the hall for 30 mins to practice xmas songs or making cards instead of doing history etc....a little preparation may make a big difference.
I hope things improve soon for your son and for you too. Stay in touch :0)
Claire - Community Champion
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Posted by
sarahmccabe
on 8th December 2009
at 21:31
Hi its me again, im looking for some advice
my son has ASD and ADHD he was only diagnosed last December, but with a lot of support and a change of school he seemed to have settled down finally at school
However the last 3 weeks have been hell! its like it was in the old days with him throwing school chairs and having to be restrained, i dont no what has gotten in to him
He does have alot of anxieties about a school trip next year, changing to a secondary school and his up and coming SATS but could this really be the reason for the sudden change?
The school says they are in crisis and dont no what else to do as even the men have trouble restraining him
Ihave spoke to my son at length and told him we will deal with the worries he has so there is need to be badly behaved any more but even though he says ok mum, the very next day i am called to the school again!
help!!
im at my wits end and am sure the school are going to exclude him permently. he has not got a statement we are submitting that shortly
Sarah x