High Pitched Screaming and Emotional Outbursts

[Guest guest]

Hello listmates,

We have been concerned for some time with our sons high pitched screaming. A

vocal stim? He usually does this when excited about something. Of course

this does not go over well in the school setting. We have not come across

another child that does this, and are unsure as to how to handle it.

Discipline? He is five now and this remains one of the main " attention

drawing " behaviors that we cannot seem to overcome. Is there anyone on this

list that can give some counsel on this?

Also, we are on day 6 of Prozac and are highly concerned. We have already

called Dr. G's office but have been told we may not get a reply

until Thursday. Our son is having these terrible emotional outbursts much

like tantrums. This is highly unusual because he is so easy going and sweet

tempered. Has anyone experienced this with an SSRI change or with Prozac? If

so do we wait this out or does this behavior warrant a change in meds soon?

Thanks so much for any feedback.

Martha

[Guest guest]

Hi Martha,

My son used to scream when he was frustrated or wanted something he didn't

know how to express. He used to play with one little girl quite often. I

remember when was little he played with one little girl he adored. It

was always at our house and I was the one to do everything, so her mom would

allow her to come over. This child always had fun at my house (mostly from

all the attention I gave her because back then wasn't too fun to play

with). It was great for her mom because she would get a break and never

have to reciprocate.

Anyway, one day I picked her up to go sledding with and me. When it

was time to drop her off at home, started screaming and having a major

meltdown because he didn't want her to leave. After that, the little girl

no longer wanted to play with . At first. I wasn't going to tell him

about why she didn't want to come over because I wanted to protect his

feelings, but then I realized that wasn't really helping . I told him

that the little girl wouldn't be coming over to play anymore because he

screamed and acted bad when it was time for her to go home. Now she doesn't

want to play with him anymore.

He and I cried together, but it was a turning point for us. I no longer

tried to protect him from the world and let him feel the consequences of bad

behavior. This was a major step in making him join the rest of the world.

Our instinct and best intention is to protect our children. At times we must

protect them from bullies and the difficulties they face as a result of the

autism. But if they are too protected, they don't learn what is appropriate

and expected. If they misbehave there needs to be consequences for that

behavior. If you do ABA they would recommend using the chair as the

consequence. If not call me and I will try to explain.

Marcia

805 497-8202