Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and concerns about their autistic children. You can submit your questions
here. By Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
Cherayne from Trinidad asks:
My son has begun having more frequent meltdowns. He would cry, scream, bite, and bang his body and head. I don’t know what to do to help him. He has started having them at school and hurting his caregivers.
Your question suggests that your son is experiencing more frequent meltdowns.
Anytime a significant change occurs with your child with autism that is causing harm to self or others, a pediatrician or family doctor should be consulted.
Consult your pediatrician
Your doctor can assist in “ruling out” some causes of the behavior. They may want you to monitor if your child is experiencing sleep disturbances or sleeping too much.
They may want you to monitor his appetite to see if he is overeating, not eating enough, or needing a restricted diet.