What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?

[Guest guest]

Hi!

We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory treatment program

focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or adult with autism.

I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually helps, and I

so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do.

According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the one most

important thing that the program should give you?

I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously exciting, but I have

the feeling that I am going to be surprised by your answers. :-)

[Guest guest]

My son is almost 10 and has extreme anxiety during the day but when I put him to bed at night it gets much worse. He has bad dreams that he becomes fixated on so that the trauma of a bad dream lasts months, and the fear of having another bad dream causes him intense anxiety also.A few of the things I've tried so far are; dream catchers and the background info on how they work {when they stopped working I made him one myself and put extra love in it but that didn't work very long either}, research on why zombies could never exist, {he says facts don't help}, pet mice in his room, {he reasons that since they are prey animals their instincts will alert him if there is danger and he could relax unless the mice freak out} $110.00 for the setup, worked for 2 days, a cross necklace to remind him that Jesus is always watching over him {he called it his protection

necklace and it worked when I slept in his room but not if I didn't} He has a nightly routine that consists of a story, I have a script, I tuck him in, kiss him and listen to his prayers. We used to do this once a night....now we're up to five times a night, same routine verbatim and if he hears me in the hallway I have to do it again. I don't know what else to try and any help you can give would be wonderful. Thanks bunches, RhondaP.S. he takes melatonin nightly which used to help but not so much anymore.Subject: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?To: sList Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM

Hi!

We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or adult with autism.

I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do.

According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the one most important thing that the program should give you?

I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by your answers. :-)

[Guest guest]

For me, *the* most important thing is an escape route--a place to go

and feel safe when anxiety strikes. If the anxiety is triggered by

being alone, that may be mommy's arms. If by overstim, that may be a

quiet safe small place, whatever, until the child has the training to

internalize the feeling of safety and carry it with them.

One of the things that I found helpful was a home computer biofeedback

program. Some of them come with biologic monitors and are like video

games. Becoming relaxed , turning off the internal turmoil (physical

and mental) helps move the child through the game--the opposite of

most video games. It trains calm breathing, muscle tension, etc.

When the child is in a relaxed state, the biologic monitor recognizes

it and the child wins the level and advances to the next, while having

fun. This helps the child unconsciously internalize what it feels

like to be calm and how to get there, even while concentrating on

something else (playing the game). I think this may even be better

than some other modalities, that train in a specialized room (like the

therapist's office) while there are no distractors. Not easy to

transport that skill to the real world.

Sort of like training your dog to sit and stay at home. That is the

easy part. Try it when you are walking the dog and another dog

approaches--that part takes much more training. Humans are not much

different when it comes to emotions rather than rational thought.

I too, am looking forward to reading the answers of others.

> Hi!

>

> We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory

> treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or

> adult with autism.

>

> I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually

> helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do.

>

> According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the

> one most important thing that the program should give you?

>

> I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously

> exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by

> your answers. :-)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My son was prescribed inositol to help him sleep and niacinamide to help him

with anxiety. I also give him a light snack of peppermint tea and apples or

cheese at bedtime. We have also used (lemon balm extract) for anxiety.

It is from the mint family and doesn't tend to interact poorly w/ prescribed

psychotropic meds. I have found that if I play CD's of relaxing music (like what

is used for yoga/meditation) at bedtime, it helps my son. I also take my son to

meditation and relaxation class with me once a week, and it seems to help him,

maybe you could do some breathing and relaxation exercises w/ your son when you

aren't busy with other things. That way he will know how to do them and can do

them when he is stressed. I hope this helps.

Glenda

>

>

> Subject: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment

program?

> To: sList

> Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM

>

>

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>  

>

>

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>

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>

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> Hi!

>

>

>

> We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory treatment

program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or adult with autism.

>

>

>

> I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually helps, and

I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do.

>

>

>

> According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the one most

important thing that the program should give you?

>

>

>

> I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously exciting, but I

have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by your answers. :-)

>

[Guest guest]

Have you tried 5 HTP in addition to the melatonin?

What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?

To: sList

Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM

Hi!

We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or adult with autism.

I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do.

According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the one most important thing that the program should give you?

I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by your answers. :-)

[Guest guest]

Hi Rhonda,

I’m going to ask a few questions about his anxieties.... to determine whether the anxiety is better accounted for under the ASD diagnosis, or whether he is struggling more with OCD. While both individuals with ASD and OCD are plagued with obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors), there are differences between the two.

Individuals with OCD are generally aware that their obsessions and compulsions are outside of the norm. They know it’s “weird†and unusual to have obsessions and compulsions that they cannot control. And they have tried to control them or hide them. Individuals with ASD usually do not try to hide or control them and are unaware that their obsessions/compulsions are unusual, not normal and perhaps considered “weird.â€

I ask because your son’s are quite extensive, pervasive and detailed. How aware of them is he?

Next concern, has a rule out of PANDAS and clostridia already been established. Often, there are medical issues...in this case bacteria, that affect the brain and can cause behaviors like tics as well as obsessions and compulsions that seem to not fade away.

Did you also know that Melatonin can cause nightmares and night terrors? It may be one of the contributing factors in his nightmares that inadvertently led to an aversion for sleep.

There are other alternatives to melatonin that can assist with calming at bedtime.

The things you did for him are great but I would still establish a non-negotiable routine that is in writing. Post the routines in easily viewed places. Prepare for the routine over the period of time he needs it. For example, for my son, I let him know for a whole week that he will sleep in his bed this Saturday night. There are things I can give him a minute’s notice for and things perhaps a year’s notice for....lol....

Include a bath, book, other calming bedtime routines...does he like massage? My son loves his feet massaged.

However, even with all the suggestions, none of them will matter if you haven’t ruled out and treated any possible medical conditions. You’re just spinning your wheels.

Google “PANDAS National Institute of Health†and write down the tests required. Do some additional research on both PANDAS and clostridia. Clostridia, in a high amount can cause OCD type behaviors, anxiety, tics and spaciness, rigidity/inflexibility, rages.

Though not always treated, or treated adequately, clostridia is in a large proportion of our kids’ bellies.

Hope this helps!

Sorry! I know it’s hard and frustrating sometimes!

From: hidden_garnet

Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2011 9:14 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?

My son was prescribed inositol to help him sleep and niacinamide to help him with anxiety. I also give him a light snack of peppermint tea and apples or cheese at bedtime. We have also used (lemon balm extract) for anxiety. It is from the mint family and doesn't tend to interact poorly w/ prescribed psychotropic meds. I have found that if I play CD's of relaxing music (like what is used for yoga/meditation) at bedtime, it helps my son. I also take my son to meditation and relaxation class with me once a week, and it seems to help him, maybe you could do some breathing and relaxation exercises w/ your son when you aren't busy with other things. That way he will know how to do them and can do them when he is stressed. I hope this helps.Glenda> > > Subject: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?> To: mailto:sList%40yahoogroups.com> Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM> > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Hi!> > > > We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or adult with autism. > > > > I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do. > > > > According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the one most important thing that the program should give you?> > > > I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by your answers. :-)>

[Guest guest]

Be observant, though. B vitamins, although overall part of anxiety

treatment, can cause vivid dreaming and even nightmares in some people

if given in the evening. Some cannot tolerate this. A homeopathic

called Rescue Remedy sleep can help too.

> My son was prescribed inositol to help him sleep and niacinamide to

> help him with anxiety. I also give him a light snack of peppermint

> tea and apples or cheese at bedtime. We have also used

> (lemon balm extract) for anxiety. It is from the mint family and

> doesn't tend to interact poorly w/ prescribed psychotropic meds. I

> have found that if I play CD's of relaxing music (like what is used

> for yoga/meditation) at bedtime, it helps my son. I also take my son

> to meditation and relaxation class with me once a week, and it seems

> to help him, maybe you could do some breathing and relaxation

> exercises w/ your son when you aren't busy with other things. That

> way he will know how to do them and can do them when he is stressed.

> I hope this helps.

> Glenda

>

>

> >

> >

> > Subject: What would you be looking for in an anxiety

> treatment program?

> > To: sList

> > Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Â

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi!

> >

> >

> >

> > We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory

> treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or

> adult with autism.

> >

> >

> >

> > I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it

> actually helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want

> it to do.

> >

> >

> >

> > According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the

> one most important thing that the program should give you?

> >

> >

> >

> > I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously

> exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by

> your answers. :-)

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

But talk to his doctor before adding the 5 HTP. If he is on

antipsychotics like Risperdal, antidepressants, seizure meds or

Ritalin among other meds, it can cause an overdose that can lead to

something called Serotonin Syndrome. It is life threatening.

> Have you tried 5 HTP in addition to the melatonin?

>

>

>

>

>

> What would you be looking for in an anxiety

> treatment program?

> To: sList

> Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM

>

>

> Hi!

>

> We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory

> treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or

> adult with autism.

>

> I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually

> helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do.

>

> According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the

> one most important thing that the program should give you?

>

> I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously

> exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by

> your answers. :-)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the follow up I really appreciate it. He doesn't seem to be aware that he is at all unique in his issues. He has anxiety in almost every area of his life. I know melatonin can cause nightmares but before I started giving it to him he didn't sleep at all. At least not until the sun came up. He can't have his light turned off at all, even a night-light is unacceptable. He does have some OCD symptoms, he frequently repeats the last part of a word several times { for example if he said something about play he would repeat ay ay ay ay} . When I ask him why he says it's because he feels like he said it wrong and has to repeat it until he gets it right. The Dr. he sees now hasn't done any tests beyond those to diagnose him and his official diagnosis is Aspergers / PDD-NOS {she said he scores equally between the two} and right brain delay. We have a very

strict soothing routine that includes a story, a cuddle, a kiss and then I say " there are 4 Simpsons until morning, the love and tuck stay in the blankets, say your prayers." and then I listen as he asks Jesus not to let him have any bad dreams. He becomes hysterical if we deviate from this in any way, and as I said we now do this same thing 5 times a night. For daytime anxiety there is a bit of room for negotiation but at night anything that differs from his established routine is unacceptable. Baths also cause him anxiety so we only do those in the daytime {although he will happily push ice floes out of the way to get in the pool} I will do the PANDAS and clostridia research and I got the Pantathenic Acid and GABA today after I got the earlier E-mail. He is the sweetest little boy in the world and I just want him to be happy and at peace so I'll try anything but he's not big on being touched so he won't let me do the massage thing. I am open

to changing Drs if necessary. Thanks, RhondaSubject: Re: Re: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?To: sList Date: Sunday, February 6, 2011, 4:15 PM

Hi Rhonda,

I’m going to ask a few questions about his anxieties.... to determine whether the anxiety is better accounted for under the ASD diagnosis, or whether he is struggling more with OCD. While both individuals with ASD and OCD are plagued with obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors), there are differences between the two.

Individuals with OCD are generally aware that their obsessions and compulsions are outside of the norm. They know it’s “weird†and unusual to have obsessions and compulsions that they cannot control. And they have tried to control them or hide them. Individuals with ASD usually do not try to hide or control them and are unaware that their obsessions/compulsions are unusual, not normal and perhaps considered “weird.â€

I ask because your son’s are quite extensive, pervasive and detailed. How aware of them is he?

Next concern, has a rule out of PANDAS and clostridia already been established. Often, there are medical issues...in this case bacteria, that affect the brain and can cause behaviors like tics as well as obsessions and compulsions that seem to not fade away.

Did you also know that Melatonin can cause nightmares and night terrors? It may be one of the contributing factors in his nightmares that inadvertently led to an aversion for sleep.

There are other alternatives to melatonin that can assist with calming at bedtime.

The things you did for him are great but I would still establish a non-negotiable routine that is in writing. Post the routines in easily viewed places. Prepare for the routine over the period of time he needs it. For example, for my son, I let him know for a whole week that he will sleep in his bed this Saturday night. There are things I can give him a minute’s notice for and things perhaps a year’s notice for....lol....

Include a bath, book, other calming bedtime routines...does he like massage? My son loves his feet massaged.

However, even with all the suggestions, none of them will matter if you haven’t ruled out and treated any possible medical conditions. You’re just spinning your wheels.

Google “PANDAS National Institute of Health†and write down the tests required. Do some additional research on both PANDAS and clostridia. Clostridia, in a high amount can cause OCD type behaviors, anxiety, tics and spaciness, rigidity/inflexibility, rages.

Though not always treated, or treated adequately, clostridia is in a large proportion of our kids’ bellies.

Hope this helps!

Sorry! I know it’s hard and frustrating sometimes!

From: hidden_garnet

Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2011 9:14 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?

My son was prescribed inositol to help him sleep and niacinamide to help him with anxiety. I also give him a light snack of peppermint tea and apples or cheese at bedtime. We have also used (lemon balm extract) for anxiety. It is from the mint family and doesn't tend to interact poorly w/ prescribed psychotropic meds. I have found that if I play CD's of relaxing music (like what is used for yoga/meditation) at bedtime, it helps my son. I also take my son to meditation and relaxation class with me once a week, and it seems to help him, maybe you could do some breathing and relaxation exercises w/ your son when you aren't busy with other things. That way he will know how to do them and can do them when he is stressed. I hope this helps.Glenda> > > Subject: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?> To: mailto:sList%40yahoogroups.com> Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM> > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Hi!> > > > We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or adult with autism. > > > > I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do. > > > > According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the one most important thing that the program should give you?> > > > I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by your answers. :-)>

[Guest guest]

I don't like including replies in my posts as it makes them uncessarily long to

scroll through, but in this case, I wanted to basically re-write everything you

said and just say, " I second the motion. " :-)

I would perhaps insist a little more on the calming evening routines. If he

doesn't like being touched as you mentioned, only massage the fingertips and the

toes and use olive oil as a lubricant. Progressively (very slowly) move on the

larger areas.

It's important to try to give him gentle touch and help him love it. The texture

receptors in the skin are the only ones that trigger brain Serotonin

up-regulation, which will help him relax in ways no other protocol, trick or

medication can.

>

> Hi Rhonda,

>

> I’m going to ask a few questions about his anxieties.... to determine

whether the anxiety is better accounted for under the ASD diagnosis, or whether

he is struggling more with OCD. While both individuals with ASD and OCD are

plagued with obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors), there are

differences between the two.

>

> Individuals with OCD are generally aware that their obsessions and compulsions

are outside of the norm. They know it’s “weird†and unusual to have

obsessions and compulsions that they cannot control. And they have tried to

control them or hide them. Individuals with ASD usually do not try to hide or

control them and are unaware that their obsessions/compulsions are unusual, not

normal and perhaps considered “weird.â€

>

> I ask because your son’s are quite extensive, pervasive and detailed. How

aware of them is he?

>

> Next concern, has a rule out of PANDAS and clostridia already been

established. Often, there are medical issues...in this case bacteria, that

affect the brain and can cause behaviors like tics as well as obsessions and

compulsions that seem to not fade away.

>

> Did you also know that Melatonin can cause nightmares and night terrors? It

may be one of the contributing factors in his nightmares that inadvertently led

to an aversion for sleep.

>

> There are other alternatives to melatonin that can assist with calming at

bedtime.

>

> The things you did for him are great but I would still establish a

non-negotiable routine that is in writing. Post the routines in easily viewed

places. Prepare for the routine over the period of time he needs it. For

example, for my son, I let him know for a whole week that he will sleep in his

bed this Saturday night. There are things I can give him a minute’s notice

for and things perhaps a year’s notice for....lol....

>

> Include a bath, book, other calming bedtime routines...does he like massage?

My son loves his feet massaged.

>

>

> However, even with all the suggestions, none of them will matter if you

haven’t ruled out and treated any possible medical conditions. You’re just

spinning your wheels.

>

> Google “PANDAS National Institute of Health†and write down the tests

required. Do some additional research on both PANDAS and clostridia.

Clostridia, in a high amount can cause OCD type behaviors, anxiety, tics and

spaciness, rigidity/inflexibility, rages.

>

> Though not always treated, or treated adequately, clostridia is in a large

proportion of our kids’ bellies.

>

> Hope this helps!

>

> Sorry! I know it’s hard and frustrating sometimes!

>

[Guest guest]

Another approach to do simultaneously is to just address dealing with changes. Incorporate small changes into the day and indicate when you are doing such and then verbalize to him, “How do you think it will go? How do you think you will feel?†Then, right after, follow up with, “I’m hopeful that...†Adding “hope†is helpful to our kids as it provides them with a sense of relief. many of our kids, with their anxieties, often lack the feeling/concept of hope that it will change, or improve. Same with relief concept. They need to know they can feel relief.

Also, start making mistakes, in the way you say and do things so he can see you make mistakes and it’s ok. It’s ok for everyone to make mistakes. And verbalize everything about the mistake. Mistake how you pronounce something and see if that’s ok. (I hope he says yes its ok!). Just add little mistakes and highlight them for him and that you are ok even though you made a mistake.

Do these little things constantly so he can see you model being ok, no matter what.

Last thought, what is your anxiety like?

Are you an anxious person?

From: Rhonda Moser

Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 7:04 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: Re: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?

Thanks for the follow up I really appreciate it. He doesn't seem to be aware that he is at all unique in his issues. He has anxiety in almost every area of his life. I know melatonin can cause nightmares but before I started giving it to him he didn't sleep at all. At least not until the sun came up. He can't have his light turned off at all, even a night-light is unacceptable. He does have some OCD symptoms, he frequently repeats the last part of a word several times { for example if he said something about play he would repeat ay ay ay ay} . When I ask him why he says it's because he feels like he said it wrong and has to repeat it until he gets it right. The Dr. he sees now hasn't done any tests beyond those to diagnose him and his official diagnosis is Aspergers / PDD-NOS {she said he scores equally between the two} and right brain delay. We have a very strict soothing routine that includes a story, a cuddle, a kiss and then I say " there are 4 Simpsons until morning, the love and tuck stay in the blankets, say your prayers." and then I listen as he asks Jesus not to let him have any bad dreams. He becomes hysterical if we deviate from this in any way, and as I said we now do this same thing 5 times a night. For daytime anxiety there is a bit of room for negotiation but at night anything that differs from his established routine is unacceptable. Baths also cause him anxiety so we only do those in the daytime {although he will happily push ice floes out of the way to get in the pool} I will do the PANDAS and clostridia research and I got the Pantathenic Acid and GABA today after I got the earlier E-mail. He is the sweetest little boy in the world and I just want him to be happy and at peace so I'll try anything but he's not big on being touched so he won't let me do the massage thing. I am open to changing Drs if necessary. Thanks, Rhonda

Subject: Re: Re: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?To: sList Date: Sunday, February 6, 2011, 4:15 PM

Hi Rhonda,

I’m going to ask a few questions about his anxieties.... to determine whether the anxiety is better accounted for under the ASD diagnosis, or whether he is struggling more with OCD. While both individuals with ASD and OCD are plagued with obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors), there are differences between the two.

Individuals with OCD are generally aware that their obsessions and compulsions are outside of the norm. They know it’s “weird†and unusual to have obsessions and compulsions that they cannot control. And they have tried to control them or hide them. Individuals with ASD usually do not try to hide or control them and are unaware that their obsessions/compulsions are unusual, not normal and perhaps considered “weird.â€

I ask because your son’s are quite extensive, pervasive and detailed. How aware of them is he?

Next concern, has a rule out of PANDAS and clostridia already been established. Often, there are medical issues...in this case bacteria, that affect the brain and can cause behaviors like tics as well as obsessions and compulsions that seem to not fade away.

Did you also know that Melatonin can cause nightmares and night terrors? It may be one of the contributing factors in his nightmares that inadvertently led to an aversion for sleep.

There are other alternatives to melatonin that can assist with calming at bedtime.

The things you did for him are great but I would still establish a non-negotiable routine that is in writing. Post the routines in easily viewed places. Prepare for the routine over the period of time he needs it. For example, for my son, I let him know for a whole week that he will sleep in his bed this Saturday night. There are things I can give him a minute’s notice for and things perhaps a year’s notice for....lol....

Include a bath, book, other calming bedtime routines...does he like massage? My son loves his feet massaged.

However, even with all the suggestions, none of them will matter if you haven’t ruled out and treated any possible medical conditions. You’re just spinning your wheels.

Google “PANDAS National Institute of Health†and write down the tests required. Do some additional research on both PANDAS and clostridia. Clostridia, in a high amount can cause OCD type behaviors, anxiety, tics and spaciness, rigidity/inflexibility, rages.

Though not always treated, or treated adequately, clostridia is in a large proportion of our kids’ bellies.

Hope this helps!

Sorry! I know it’s hard and frustrating sometimes!

From: hidden_garnet

Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2011 9:14 PM

To: wlmailhtml:/mc/compose?to=sList

Subject: Re: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?

My son was prescribed inositol to help him sleep and niacinamide to help him with anxiety. I also give him a light snack of peppermint tea and apples or cheese at bedtime. We have also used (lemon balm extract) for anxiety. It is from the mint family and doesn't tend to interact poorly w/ prescribed psychotropic meds. I have found that if I play CD's of relaxing music (like what is used for yoga/meditation) at bedtime, it helps my son. I also take my son to meditation and relaxation class with me once a week, and it seems to help him, maybe you could do some breathing and relaxation exercises w/ your son when you aren't busy with other things. That way he will know how to do them and can do them when he is stressed. I hope this helps.Glenda> > > Subject: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?> To: mailto:sList%40yahoogroups.com> Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM> > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Hi!> > > > We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or adult with autism. > > > > I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do. > > > > According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the one most important thing that the program should give you?> > > > I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by your answers. :-)>

[Guest guest]

We see Dr. Rossignal in Melbourne and are really pleased with him. We have seen two other DAN Dr.'s and he is by far the best. His two son's are on the spectrum as well and that makes me feel a little better because he knows what we go through. I can get you the info if you are interested.

What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?

> To: mailto:sList%40yahoogroups.com

> Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:49 AM

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> We are putting together a do-it-yourself at-home multisensory treatment program focused on relieving anxiety in a verbal child or adult with autism.

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> I think want to make sure we are doing this right, that it actually helps, and I so, I would like to know what YOU would want it to do.

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> According to you, what would make it a great program? What is the one most important thing that the program should give you?

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> I think that what we have done with it so far is fabulously exciting, but I have the feeling that I am going to be surprised by your answers. :-)

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[Guest guest]

Many of us were part of the Touch Institute research many years ago in which we parents did massage therapy on our own children and documentated any changes. I used sesame oil which didn't have a strong smell on my child. She loved the attention, I don't know for sure if it changed her, however there was definite mom & child time every day in a gentle soothing manner that calmed her. We started slow and used deep compression (proprioceptive) input by gently squeezing her arms/legs after the massage and I tucked her in tight and she slept so well. It also helped me get back to stopping all the needed but can wait little things that interfered with our alone time and calmed my nerves also.

To: sList Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 6:19:17 AMSubject: Re: What would you be looking for in an anxiety treatment program?

I don't like including replies in my posts as it makes them uncessarily long to scroll through, but in this case, I wanted to basically re-write everything you said and just say, "I second the motion." :-)I would perhaps insist a little more on the calming evening routines. If he doesn't like being touched as you mentioned, only massage the fingertips and the toes and use olive oil as a lubricant. Progressively (very slowly) move on the larger areas.It's important to try to give him gentle touch and help him love it. The texture receptors in the skin are the only ones that trigger brain Serotonin up-regulation, which will help him relax in ways no other protocol, trick or medication can.>> Hi Rhonda,> > I’m

going to ask a few questions about his anxieties.... to determine whether the anxiety is better accounted for under the ASD diagnosis, or whether he is struggling more with OCD. While both individuals with ASD and OCD are plagued with obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors), there are differences between the two. > > Individuals with OCD are generally aware that their obsessions and compulsions are outside of the norm. They know it’s “weird†and unusual to have obsessions and compulsions that they cannot control. And they have tried to control them or hide them. Individuals with ASD usually do not try to hide or control them and are unaware that their obsessions/compulsions are unusual, not normal and perhaps considered “weird.†> > I ask because your son’s are quite extensive, pervasive and detailed. How aware of them is he?> > Next concern, has a rule out of PANDAS and clostridia already

been established. Often, there are medical issues...in this case bacteria, that affect the brain and can cause behaviors like tics as well as obsessions and compulsions that seem to not fade away. > > Did you also know that Melatonin can cause nightmares and night terrors? It may be one of the contributing factors in his nightmares that inadvertently led to an aversion for sleep. > > There are other alternatives to melatonin that can assist with calming at bedtime. > > The things you did for him are great but I would still establish a non-negotiable routine that is in writing. Post the routines in easily viewed places. Prepare for the routine over the period of time he needs it. For example, for my son, I let him know for a whole week that he will sleep in his bed this Saturday night. There are things I can give him a minute’s notice for and things perhaps a year’s notice for....lol.... > >

Include a bath, book, other calming bedtime routines...does he like massage? My son loves his feet massaged. > > > However, even with all the suggestions, none of them will matter if you haven’t ruled out and treated any possible medical conditions. You’re just spinning your wheels. > > Google “PANDAS National Institute of Health†and write down the tests required. Do some additional research on both PANDAS and clostridia. Clostridia, in a high amount can cause OCD type behaviors, anxiety, tics and spaciness, rigidity/inflexibility, rages. > > Though not always treated, or treated adequately, clostridia is in a large proportion of our kids’ bellies. > > Hope this helps!> > Sorry! I know it’s hard and frustrating sometimes!>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the early answers already. So far, I gather that as well as a long

term solution to " heal " anxiety, what a good anxiety treatment should include

immediate techniques to help relieve the child regain control during anxiety

episodes. Right?

Let me describe what we have so far, so that you can give me ideas on what else

a good therapy should have in order to help with anxiety effectively. It is

going to be a pack of 6 worksheets. Each worksheets the parent would follow for

two weeks, making the program last for 12 weeks.

Each worksheet is a set of gentle short sensory techniques designed to help

build in the brain the areas that need to be strengthened in order to NOT feel

anxiety. Got the idea?

What kind of support would you like to get while you follow that program?

What kind of guaranteed level of success would you like to be given?

How would you like the exercises explained to you? Video? Audio? Text? All of

the above? Group Q & A conference calls?

How would you like to be able to access the worksheets?

Anything else you think a good anxiety treatment program should have, or NOT

have?

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