My 10 yr old kid has mild autism. He is unable to concentrate and always tries to throw objects out of house window. Dr said it could be due to sensory overload or anxiety. We are doing therapy as recommended. But is there any medicine to help him with his concenration and throwing objects?

Ans: Dear Parents,
Anger is an emotion which caters to fear and loss of control. Give a choice and not a command to let your son know that he has a choice.
Example- your son says “ I do not want to do homework”, you could say, “ would you like to do half now and half after play time” 2. Modelling helps- accept his emotion but essential agreements are needed for accepted behaviour. Showing as parents what you do to handle any strong emotions is needed. Talking to each other as partners in appropriate tones is also needed. Have family dinners where you discuss things each of you are grateful for and how you as grown ups handle tough situations.

Ans: Dear Parent, find included a few suggestions:
1. Visual Schedule and Choice Board - Create a visual schedule and choice board for your son. This will provide a clear structure and routine for him, reducing anxiety and the need for escape behaviors. Include preferred activities and breaks in the schedule to motivate him. When he shows signs of wanting to throw something out of the window, redirect his attention to the visual schedule or choice board, allowing him to make a choice of what activity he would like to engage in.

2. Sensory Breaks - Provide him with sensory breaks throughout the day. This can include using sensory tools such as fidget toys, stress balls, or sensory bins. These sensory breaks can help the child to regulate his sensory needs and reduce the urge to throw things out of the window. Teach him to use these sensory tools as a replacement behavior when he feels the need to throw something.

3. Social Stories - Create and use social stories to teach your child appropriate behavior and alternatives to throwing things out of the window. The social stories should include visuals and simple language to explain why throwing things out of the window is not safe and the consequences it may have. Reinforce positive behavior and provide praise when your son chooses an appropriate alternative behavior, such as asking for help or using a sensory tool.

4. Communication Support - Implement a communication support system as a family, such as a picture exchange communication system (PECS) or a communication app on a tablet. This will allow him to express his needs and desires without resorting to throwing things out of the window. Provide positive reinforcement when he uses it appropriately.

5. Environmental Modifications - Make modifications to the environment to reduce the likelihood of your son throwing things out of the window. This can include securing windows with childproof locks or installing window guards. Ensure that your child's preferred toys or objects are accessible in a safe and supervised manner, reducing the need for him to throw them out of the window.

Ans: This is not an uncommon behavior. You may want to observe the circumstances in which he does this. Is it to alleviate frustration of some kind or just out of curiosity to see what happens? Probably a good idea to see a child psychologist if you are not already.

Ans: When a child has a language delay and Autism , any behaviour he does is a communication he wants to do with you. You need to figure out what is he looking for,if it is to get your attention,then give him attention when he is productively engaged. When he tearing the pages , you have to be calm and without any verbal communication with him that time , can take him around for some task completion like watering plants etc.