Welcome to my "Ask Me Anything" blog post series!
I answer lots of questions on my social media channels, and it makes sense to share this information (anonymously!) in case it is useful for others too.
"Hello. I was wondering if you have any advice or strategies to try with a 9-year-old pre-verbal child who is in their first year of school. He had settled really well, completing tasks, following a timetable and enjoying school. Over the last 4 weeks, he's really started lashing out when he's told no. Such as climbing over the fence, hitting children trying to stop him from health and safety issues, and started pinching us, when that hasn't worked, he's biting us, also then starts peeing on us when biting doesn’t work. Also, he has started coming up randomly and hurting the adults. He constantly tries to control the room and day…We’ve tried so many things and are at the end of our tether, and parents are very anti-school."
If he’s trying to control the room, it means he feels out of control and unsafe. Offer him ways of gaining some control in a safe way; making choices is a great way (use visuals). Having a predictable environment and routine can ease anxiety. Use a visual schedule and refer to it before every change or transition.
Work out what safely brings him joy and join him in this play. Meet these sensory needs to climb, push and pull through a sensory circuit regularly in his day.
I have a sensory diet download here, which may be helpful.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, let me know.
*I am not a doctor or medical professional, so for some questions, you might want to contact your GP, the National Autistic Society, or the NHS.
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