Catatonia like deterioration in autism....

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

I work in the schools and have a student who is 16 years old with autism. In

years past when he was in middle school, he was a bouncy, happy boy and in the

past two years has deteriorated in overall functioning. In the fall of 2010 he

was seen by the Diagnostic Center of Northern California who suggested that his

behaviors are similar to that of catatonia like deterioration as reported by

Shah and Wing.

One of the main suggestions is to reduce the overall anxiety in the individual

and we have modified a calming and rhythmic program for him. He has the

assistance of a 1:1 as well. I took pictures (for visual support) of him

performing simple exercises, and with the ones where I had him " raise right

hand " ...swoop goes the head toward the same side extended arm.

ATNR, Moro...am I off base or is there a better place to start? This is a

family that would welcome any hands on methods, so I know that I have full

support in this respect (sometimes it's hard in a school setting with

teenagers....but I feel this is a good and warranted case).

Thanks,

audra