High-functioning autism and anger may look like the following: Having a meltdown with crying and shouting. Trying to escape the situation, which may potentially put the child in danger. Exhibit aggressive behaviors towards others such as biting, smashing, hitting, kicking, or scratching.
People with high functioning autism often are aware of their challenges and social deficiencies, sometimes causing repetitive thoughts about this, leading to anger and possible aggression. Knowing how to deal with the anger and help your child find the tools to manage this will bring a sense of harmony and relief.
These outbursts can include anger, frustration, and aggression, and are often triggered by sensory overload, communication difficulties, or changes in routine. The triggers could be due to Sensory Overload, Communication Challenges or Routine Disruptions such as changes in familiar routines or unexpected transitions.
In the general population, young children often become less aggressive as they get older and learn better ways to express themselves. But for some with autism, aggression persists through the teen years into adulthood.
Aggression in autism can involve severe tantrums, anger, hostility, sudden-onset violent outbursts including self-harm and rage 'episodes'. Up to 20% of individuals with autism exhibit such violent behaviours.
Mood stabilizing autism medication
Lithium, Lamictal, Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, and Keppra are options to explore with your child's pediatrician.
Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication given to kids who have extreme behavior problems like being very aggressive or angry. It's sometimes used for kids with autism, ADHD or ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) who are acting out in dangerous ways.
The only medications approved by the FDA for children with autism are Abilify and Risperdal. Both are antipsychotic medications that can help with irritability and aggression. Medication can also be helpful for kids who also have another diagnosis.
Your child isn't being rude on purpose – they might not know they should say hello. Your child might start hitting something because a particular noise is upsetting them. Or your child might smear poo on the wall because they like the warmth and texture of it, not because they want to upset you or do the wrong thing.
Children with autism often have trouble understanding what's happening around them and have difficulty expressing their needs and wants. These challenges can create situations where the child communicates their thoughts and feelings through verbal or physical aggression.
Many autistic children love to argue and need to have the last word. Autistic children often find it distressing to not be 'right'; this is due in part to the need to look 'perfect' to protect their self-esteem. It's not important to get the final word as the adult; don't get into a downward cycle of arguing.
By improving their social skills, individuals with autism can reduce frustration and anxiety that can lead to anger outbursts. Social skills training can also help individuals with autism develop greater self-awareness and empathy for others, which can improve their ability to understand and manage their emotions.
In a patient with autism and agitation, consider drug-induced causes like akathisia. Start by reducing sensory stimulation and then establish a set routine and structure to the day. Consider short-term benzodiazepines or beta-blockers, however, keep in mind the effect beta-blockers on sleep.
Divert the child's attention with objects and toys he/she likes (an autism meltdown kit) Teach your child to communicate when he/she is upset. Offer alternatives to something that is not possible (and the child wants) to make him/her feel like he/she has some control of the situation.
Remove or reduce distractions, such as loud noises, clutter or bright lights, during particularly stressful activities. How to decrease irritability: Consider what might be contributing to irritability, such as poor sleep, constipation, pain or environmental changes. Show respect for their thoughts and feelings.
Methylphenidate may improve hyperactivity in children with ASD in the short term, although there was no evidence that methylphenidate improves or worsens ASD symptoms. Some children cannot tolerate the medication's side effects.
The most effective interventions available are behavioral therapies based on applied behavioral analysis (ABA). There are many different types of ABA to choose from based on your child's strengths and needs.
While this is not a proposed cure for ASD, we illustrate that many of the aspects of ASD lead to the conclusion that brain inflammation may be playing a much larger role and that antihistamines may be a possible avenue for better control of these symptoms and aspects in a more benign way.
Yelling at children with autism can cause depression and negatively impact the emotional wellbeing of the child.
During a meltdown, we found that most autistics described feeling overwhelmed by information, senses, and social and emotional stress. They often felt extreme emotions, such as anger, sadness, and fear, and had trouble with thinking and memory during the meltdown.
Autism can cause a person to miss many social cues such as facial expressions and verbal signals that are commonly used while interacting. If a person with autism says something that appears rude or offensive, it is most likely a result of missing or not being able to read typical social cues.
Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to bright lights or certain light wavelengths (e.g., LED or fluorescent lights). Certain sounds, smells, textures and tastes can also be overwhelming. This can result in sensory avoidance – trying to get away from stimuli that most people can easily tune out.
Traumatic experiences can have a profound effect on autistic teen or adults' self-esteem and romantic relationships. Therefore, many autistic adults struggle to handle conflict because they see it as aggressive and threatening.