Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of ...
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Can stress/anxiety worsen PDD symptoms?
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My son is five years old, diagnosed at three with PDD. He has been gluten/casein/soy free since three and we have seen a great deal of improvement since he began the diet. He is also on a pretty strict regimen of supplements (calcium, zinc, multi-vit, magnesium, selenium, pro-biotic, and fish oil). He recently tested out of services :) and is attending a typical kindergarten. Kindergarten has brought a number of changes though and I was wondering if any stress can bring on past behaviors. He flaps more frequently now, is beginning to have an issue with textures (gag reflex), even with favorite foods, and seems to have more anxiety. His diet has always been an issue, but his school has agreed to allow me to pack hot GFCFSF foods, that they will heat and serve. I've sent the food, but he still won't eat. I would like some general comments/advice. I am definitely stressed and do not want to let him see it.
Posted on 09/24/09, 09:09 am |
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you know i think anxiety plays a huge role in our kids and schools, they are suddenly exposed to a new routine, new sounds, a lot of new sensory issues, new people. you said that he wouldn't eat his food at school. do they have him in the cafeteria with the other children? if so it could be that the noise factor in the cafeteria may be too overwhelming for him. my son has the option of eating in the cafeteria or in a seperate room .
welcome to the group. 
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Oli has learned to cope with the school thing. There may be issues that he is oerwhelmed or offended.
The thing about srimms is there is a calming effect, so he needs to have it evaluated and use flapping as a criteria on the IEP, stating that if he is stimming more that a determined amount, there needs to be intervention or a situational change in the school setting, or what you think. Was he in with typical kids before? Oli learned to cope over time with typical kids in school.
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I've spoken with Tommy's teacher a number of times and she said that she hasn't noticed any increase in his stims. I really notice them in his morning routine, so maybe he is just excited about going to school. One of Tommy's main issues is socialization. I am torn as to whether I should seperate him from the other kids at lunch or allow him to socialize and snack on a few things. Tommy's eating habits have always been an issue. I really think he just doens't want to eat. Thanks for the advice.
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Eddie is not in school yet but he does go to a daycare. Everytime there is new kids or there is a change in the day care he does start to stim more with the flapping and also, i have problems with the food. The days that to mutch has been changed he will not eat even his favourites foods also. He does have manny sensory issues but just when i think it is all better, if there is a day where he is more stressed about stuff that goes on throught the day he does stim alot more. I have been told by his therapists that it is mormal for a child with any typpe of Autism to stim more if they are stressed or have anxiety. I was also told to reachore them that it is ok to be upset over the new situations and if they are stimming to help them deal with it in a diferent way. When Eddie is haveing a bad day he hits his head on my hips alot and also hides under tables and stims with his fingures in front of his face. Help the teacher understand his needs and see if that helps.
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I had a teacher say that Oli never did the things he did. she was 1)clueless 2) oblivious and 3) incompetent and 4) dishonest.
5,6 and 7 will get me deleted from DS but hey, it is the truth... anyway is therer a Phd on the school staff to help with this. You say he "tested" out of service, but what are they doing to help him mainstream. He still needs some accomodation, so you need to advocate for the rest of his school career to get him the support he needs to meet his potential. I would not stop and if necessary video his stimms and in contrast to that notice when he has a no school day if he reacts differently. Was your son in special ed preK or an integrated program? I still would have the issues addressed in the IEP just to be on the safe side to cover his needs. I hope that helps.
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I was also wondering what you meant by "tested out." Was this testing just academic stuff? Kindergarten can be a stressful social situation for any kid.
Will it kill him not to eat at school? As long as he gets enough nutrients, can't he just eat at home?
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