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Child with Down syndrome and behavior issues
My 7 year old son has Down syndrome. He is a joy to be with. He does have impulsive behavior. His behavior isn't always impulsive, but when he is, he is uncontrollable. Has anyone had any success in diet or natural medicines to help with impulsive behavior? An MD prescribed risperdal for him, but we don't feel comfortable giving an antipsychotic med to a 7 yr. old.
Thank you for your suggestion. He is in a school program, he's in a regular ed class with co-taught reading and pulled out for math. He's very bright and very social. We've had him evaluated for Autism and ADHD and neither was diagnosed or suggested. A psychiatrist (who charged us an arm and a leg) met him for two hours and said he by no means has autism, but he has some autistic tendencies, ie the impulsive behavior. She wrote out the prescription for risperdal and said she'd put together a behavioural plan for him, in conjuction with his teachers. I haven't seen the results of the eval for the behaviour plan, but after two months of meds, I just felt like it wasn't right. I want to try something natural. I don't want to mask symptoms, I want to deal with them. I'll check out nativeremedies.com. Thank you so much.
Hi Kathy, I have a son who has Down Syndrome he is 10 , 11 on Nov 28. He is now in 4th grade. He had some problem behaviors last year , such as throwing himself on the floor and refusing to get up if he was going somewhere he didn't want to go. I have found several thing that may have contributed to his acting out. 1. He needs quite a bit of phsyical exercise. It helped. 2. He was pulled out for 2 years of K into a "resource room" which had some severe children that were often crying or screaming and needless to saw it about drove him crazy. I put my foot down and said he would be home schooled before he would enter that room another year. He learned about nothing there, except he did have alot of compasion for the others and prayed for them nightly and still does.He doesnt take any "drugs per say" but is on Nutrivene-D Daily supplement vitimans made especially for DS . He has taken these since 6 mos and has been ill about 7 times in his life. Very little compared to "normal"kids I care for. Does he like swimming? Playing with water really sooths my son. Loves to "help". put away dishes dust, Talk to other moms . I have many special needs children I care for . But little "D" is mine and the best thing that has ever happened in my life.
Sounds like you very much have all your ducks in a row. Had to laugh at your description of the some of the behaviors presented by your son, reminded me, of one my son decided to "act out" there was a child in one of the lower grades that had seizures and my son decided he would copy that , he would fall to the floor and copy the shakeing and the whole thing, I would get called to the school to pick him up. I finally got them convinced that he was just copying the boys action. My son is now 37 and is quite a help to me, works every day from 9 to 3, he is a very independent person. Any child can be a challenge in those early years, stick it out and you will find the charming person they develope into.
Yea I hear ya. He really copys the treak sound but still remembers to pray for the person every night. But It is important that we make sure our children have a environment that provides the learning needs. Such as nobody screaming or crying for long periods without the loud person having a aide to work elsewhere. I know my son in his hysterical laughing stage surly disturbed others, but would have benfited from a run around the playground a few times. He loves to run and is calmed by hiking and running I know he will be great. I went to the last DS convention in my area. I didnt meet anyone with DS I wouldnt want around.
my friends down syndrome son (who is 23yrs) has recently begun hitting and spitting at people. usually her son is so peaceful and never violent. are there any suggestions????? she is at her wits end.
There has to be a reason, try to find out what it is that is bothering him. Something new added to his schedule? Get those involved to keep track of when it happens and what happened just before, see if there is a pattern. I he in a day work program, if so, get his supervisor to help. it takes time to find out behaviors that start up, but it is worth it in the long run, because these types of behaviors can be retrained and avoided. Good Luck
father in texas cries out for help and for answers....my son is also down syndrome....he was very sociable and would communicate with us all the time....he is 10 n for the last 5 mths...wow...what a change...he speaks to him...fights with someone he sees....throws rages.... i dont know what is happening to him....ive taken him to psychiatrists..doctors......everyone gives me diff answers....thats is just puberty....harmones r not balanced.....one doctor gave him zolof...one day he took it...he really looked bad.....no respond...he looked crazy....WHAT IS HAPPENING....HOW CAN I HELP MY SON ALEX...PLEASE I NEED ANSWERS
father in texas....i need answers.....is my down syndrome son really going psychotic........will he ever come back to us the way he was a couple of mths ago.....what should i give him.......any natural thing to control hes speaking to invisible friends..i mean he always had them but now he gets mad or scared of them....when he gets mad he throws chairs and bangs his hands hard on the table....is this normal....he blinks his eyes very rapidly sometimes.....please email me at ***@****
my grandson is 10y. he has been sent home every day from school early this week. Needless to say, this is reaking havoc on their marriage also. My son, work for 5 years in a "State School" for mentally disabled and saw many of his clients with Down Syndrome put on medications. He is so afraid to start Taylor on meds. but after this week, he is ready to try anything. Is there a specialist that anyone would recommend, some pediatrition that specializes in behavior problems with Down children? I have read the previous posts and they sound encouraging. Maybe this is a stage, I think that alone would give them hope.
I know someone with a 3 year old down syndrome child and at times she can be extremely violent with other children. I witnessed her violently attack another child and she assulted my 1 year old granddaughter. Her mom doesn't do a whole lot about it. I think that she feels like the child has been punished enough with her disease. She is also very hyper active.
I hear that down syndrome children are normally very quiet and mild mannered. Why would this child be so different?
I hear that down syndrome children are normally very quiet and mild mannered. Why would this child be so different?
"I think that she feels like the child has been punished enough with her disease"
Wow, that is a pretty bold & arrogant assumption for you to make lady. Every child is very different, down syndrome or not. The problem comes from people like you who assume and uses words like, "violently attacks" & "assaults" to justify your lack of knowledge regarding children with special needs. That really isn't helping a lot of the mothers here asking for simple advice or help. Your fueling most of the arrogant misconceptions about down syndrome children. I'm a 23 year old guy, my baby sister is 3 and has down syndrome. I absolutely LOVE her and would not want her any other way! She has her little temper but not really any different than her peers. Some days she's shy, other days she's hyper. Your granddaughter is only 1 and this child is 3? Its almost natural for an older child to be dominant over a younger one, playground or at home. All it takes is patients and understanding. Children with DS are use to routine. In my sisters case, keeping her active seems to help a lot when she acts up, we have her paint, walk with her around the block, read to her, swim with her, and most importantly pay lots of attentions to her. Another thing, they mimic very quickly. It's almost very sincere and innocent the way they do. If they see somehing done a certain way, they will register that as the proper way to execute that behavior, emotion or activity. Mothers, try your best to be patient and keep researching, keep having the childrens busy and active. I try to do my best to understand and help my parents. Leaha, maybe you should try your best to understand.
Wow, that is a pretty bold & arrogant assumption for you to make lady. Every child is very different, down syndrome or not. The problem comes from people like you who assume and uses words like, "violently attacks" & "assaults" to justify your lack of knowledge regarding children with special needs. That really isn't helping a lot of the mothers here asking for simple advice or help. Your fueling most of the arrogant misconceptions about down syndrome children. I'm a 23 year old guy, my baby sister is 3 and has down syndrome. I absolutely LOVE her and would not want her any other way! She has her little temper but not really any different than her peers. Some days she's shy, other days she's hyper. Your granddaughter is only 1 and this child is 3? Its almost natural for an older child to be dominant over a younger one, playground or at home. All it takes is patients and understanding. Children with DS are use to routine. In my sisters case, keeping her active seems to help a lot when she acts up, we have her paint, walk with her around the block, read to her, swim with her, and most importantly pay lots of attentions to her. Another thing, they mimic very quickly. It's almost very sincere and innocent the way they do. If they see somehing done a certain way, they will register that as the proper way to execute that behavior, emotion or activity. Mothers, try your best to be patient and keep researching, keep having the childrens busy and active. I try to do my best to understand and help my parents. Leaha, maybe you should try your best to understand.
have a 5 yr old grandson, that is very loveable. yet when he comes over, he manages to lock himself in both bathrooms, and goes around locking all the doors with locks on them.
It is if he is just looking to see what he can get into, Now he not only does this at my house but he does this at home as well. My poor daughter is just exhausted at the end of each day. He is not potty trained yet either, If you have some advice for us. Please let us know.
Texas Grandma
It is if he is just looking to see what he can get into, Now he not only does this at my house but he does this at home as well. My poor daughter is just exhausted at the end of each day. He is not potty trained yet either, If you have some advice for us. Please let us know.
Texas Grandma
Hi Granny.
I have an 8 yr old son that is very compulsive with doors as well. He has a tendency to shut every open door. He has even locked me outside when I was tending to the garden. On closer evaluation I noticed there are a few other behaviors that he has that is compulsive. For example he likes to "jiggle" blankets and stuffed animals. Awareness is always the most important factor is modifying behavior. Before your grandson goes to the bathroom get down on your knees to eye level (make sure he's looking you in the eye do not let him look away) remind him not to lock the door. After you hear he toliet flush immediately tell him how proud you are that he had not locked the door. Though he may not been offered the chance to lock the door yet, he will enjoy the praise and refraining from locking the door. He, instead will come immediately out of the bathroom to receive the praise and hugs. ' Potty training is always difficult. My 8 yr old is potty trained and understands the concept. However, I still have tolieting issues as well. If their routine or schedule changes or if their is stress in the environment then tolieting will become an issue. Wetting is how they express stress. Alot of the time they are not able to verbalize how they feel. The only thing they can control is wetting. Sometimes it is just a matter of not thinking to go or not wanting to stop playing to go to the bathroom. Remind him every hour to go to the potty. Watch fluid intake. Also, try a sticker chart. If he can stay dry all week than a reward is warranted at the end of the week. (Trust me I am still go through this. However, this tactics limit the frequency). You may want to check with the urologist to make sure he does not have issues with his bladder.
I have an 8 yr old son that is very compulsive with doors as well. He has a tendency to shut every open door. He has even locked me outside when I was tending to the garden. On closer evaluation I noticed there are a few other behaviors that he has that is compulsive. For example he likes to "jiggle" blankets and stuffed animals. Awareness is always the most important factor is modifying behavior. Before your grandson goes to the bathroom get down on your knees to eye level (make sure he's looking you in the eye do not let him look away) remind him not to lock the door. After you hear he toliet flush immediately tell him how proud you are that he had not locked the door. Though he may not been offered the chance to lock the door yet, he will enjoy the praise and refraining from locking the door. He, instead will come immediately out of the bathroom to receive the praise and hugs. ' Potty training is always difficult. My 8 yr old is potty trained and understands the concept. However, I still have tolieting issues as well. If their routine or schedule changes or if their is stress in the environment then tolieting will become an issue. Wetting is how they express stress. Alot of the time they are not able to verbalize how they feel. The only thing they can control is wetting. Sometimes it is just a matter of not thinking to go or not wanting to stop playing to go to the bathroom. Remind him every hour to go to the potty. Watch fluid intake. Also, try a sticker chart. If he can stay dry all week than a reward is warranted at the end of the week. (Trust me I am still go through this. However, this tactics limit the frequency). You may want to check with the urologist to make sure he does not have issues with his bladder.
HI all,
My nice is a 11yr old beautiful girl living inside a 3 to 4 year olds mind. I wish I could read her mind sometimes because she really has no idea how strong and big she is compared to my 3 year old, who she plays with as if they were the same age. Over the past couple of years her behavior has become outrageous. She hits, pushes, swares, grabs, and is very aware of her behaviors! When she gets angry and the younger kids(2-3yr olds) she may very well strike them as if they were her own size. Maybe this is hormones adding fuel to the fire but if she can hurt a small child intentionally and not even stop to think before she does it there is a HUGE problem. Alot of the time her mother brushes it off like it's not a big deal, but it's only because someone has'nt gotten seriously hurt yet! I"m afraid to leave the younger kids around her while playing in the playroom without supervision.
Just the other day she had a HUGE outburst and punched her 2 year old brother in the back knocking the wind out of him. He did pinch her but what ever the reason there is no need. Shes old enough to know the difference.
I dread a visit from her most times as she comes and literally DUMPS everything in the house! If theres a teddy on the bed it gets thrown off, pillows, blankets, throws, anything Just yesterday my 3 yr old son and I built a house out of the new dryer box. It took us the whole day and he was so proud. The minute she got into the playroom she tipped it over and flattened it to the ground!!! Then began ripping it up. When asked about what she had done her only reply was sorry mom, I'm sorry no time out. And ofcourse there was no timeout. Makes me so mad sometimes cause I love her and wish that things where different as my son has such a connection with her and loves to see her come. But play usually ends within the first hour and she has either pushed, grabbed, ect or something. My son is no angel and at the age of 3 he's just beginning to be a little man! But shes old enough to know the differnce and does know the difference! Sometimes she pretends not to hear you, or pretends that shes dosent know what your talking about to avoid something. I'm so fet up! What the heck can I do when they are here and something like this happens. Her mother makes excuses for her all the time, takes her two kids 2yr old and 11yr old with DS into peoples houses and lets them go.....food everywhere, toys everywhere, screaming all the time, yet I still love them.
I see the frustration in the families face whenever theres a get together, she always acts out in someway. What do I do when this happens?
I'm not bashing any mother who is raising a child with DS but please be aware of these types of issues as other people around you are very aware that they are present. Deal with the problem rather then pushing it under the rug, these children need the extra disicpline and perhaps the help of a doctor to see where the aggression and manic episodes are coming from.
Her grandmother and father have many issues such as bi-polar, manci depression, ect could it be signs of whats to come....
My nice is a 11yr old beautiful girl living inside a 3 to 4 year olds mind. I wish I could read her mind sometimes because she really has no idea how strong and big she is compared to my 3 year old, who she plays with as if they were the same age. Over the past couple of years her behavior has become outrageous. She hits, pushes, swares, grabs, and is very aware of her behaviors! When she gets angry and the younger kids(2-3yr olds) she may very well strike them as if they were her own size. Maybe this is hormones adding fuel to the fire but if she can hurt a small child intentionally and not even stop to think before she does it there is a HUGE problem. Alot of the time her mother brushes it off like it's not a big deal, but it's only because someone has'nt gotten seriously hurt yet! I"m afraid to leave the younger kids around her while playing in the playroom without supervision.
Just the other day she had a HUGE outburst and punched her 2 year old brother in the back knocking the wind out of him. He did pinch her but what ever the reason there is no need. Shes old enough to know the difference.
I dread a visit from her most times as she comes and literally DUMPS everything in the house! If theres a teddy on the bed it gets thrown off, pillows, blankets, throws, anything Just yesterday my 3 yr old son and I built a house out of the new dryer box. It took us the whole day and he was so proud. The minute she got into the playroom she tipped it over and flattened it to the ground!!! Then began ripping it up. When asked about what she had done her only reply was sorry mom, I'm sorry no time out. And ofcourse there was no timeout. Makes me so mad sometimes cause I love her and wish that things where different as my son has such a connection with her and loves to see her come. But play usually ends within the first hour and she has either pushed, grabbed, ect or something. My son is no angel and at the age of 3 he's just beginning to be a little man! But shes old enough to know the differnce and does know the difference! Sometimes she pretends not to hear you, or pretends that shes dosent know what your talking about to avoid something. I'm so fet up! What the heck can I do when they are here and something like this happens. Her mother makes excuses for her all the time, takes her two kids 2yr old and 11yr old with DS into peoples houses and lets them go.....food everywhere, toys everywhere, screaming all the time, yet I still love them.
I see the frustration in the families face whenever theres a get together, she always acts out in someway. What do I do when this happens?
I'm not bashing any mother who is raising a child with DS but please be aware of these types of issues as other people around you are very aware that they are present. Deal with the problem rather then pushing it under the rug, these children need the extra disicpline and perhaps the help of a doctor to see where the aggression and manic episodes are coming from.
Her grandmother and father have many issues such as bi-polar, manci depression, ect could it be signs of whats to come....
my son is 7 and has mosiac downs syndrome i am 25 with a daughter of 5, for the past 2 years i have noticed him self timulating on toys and recently he tried it on his sister. i had the school on the fone 2day and have to go see them as they say they have had to remove him from class. he goes to restbite once a month for the past year and they have noticed him doing it, im quite afraid of wot the school will say. i just dont no wot to do i dont no if he is still too young to be maturing in that sense as wen he goes to bed his hands are straight down his pull up and he is constantly fiddling with himself. if any1 has any hints or tips or knows of any help availible i would be truely grateful. many thanks tracey
I HAVE A 7YEAR OLD WITH DOWN SYNDROME. HE IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. LATELY HE WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME OR ANYONE AROUND HIM. HE YELLS AT ME. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY HE IS GETTING SO MAD. HE KNOWS HOW TO TALK, HE IS FULLY POTTY TRAINED. IF I DONT LET HIM DO WHAT HE WANTS TO DO WHEN HE WANTS TO DO IT HE GETS REALLY MAD AND JUST YELLS AND DOESNT LISTEN AT ALL. IM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. IM A SINGLE MOTHER AND HE GOES TO HIS DADS EVERYOTHER WEEKEND. I ALSO HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD THAT COMES OVER ON THE WEEKENDS HE IS HOME SO THEY CAN SEE EACHOTHER, AND HE SEEMS TO LOVE IT. I JUST DONT KNOW WHAT I AM DOING WRONG.
I have an 11-year-old son with Down Syndrome and he his typically a good child for the most part. But, he also has some behavioral issues of his own. He has compulsive behavior with hitting me and often scratching me on my hands usually when he finishes on the toilet and then time for bed. He doesn't do this when his father is home; only when we are at home alone. Are there any alternatives other than medication for him, preferably natural or other tactics.. I would like your feedback on this issue, plz..
I welcome your comments.
Thanks
Frustrated DC Mom
I welcome your comments.
Thanks
Frustrated DC Mom
Hi! I am a mother of a 13 year old son with Down Syndrome who has been mentally evaluated as being like that of a 3 year old. He has had behavior issues most of his life. Ofcourse when he was younger they were much milder, such as tossing his cup, or swiping things to the floor & MAYBE an occassional temper tantrum, which most toddlers have. As he has gotten older they have gotten worse while he has gotten bigger & stronger! Up until the last couple of years a majority of the behavior issues happened in school but now are increasing in frequency here at home. Medication had been suggested a long time ago but I didn't agree on it until this year. His behaviors consist of, kicking, hitting & throwing when he isn't happy about something or doesn't get his way. Half of the time they just come out of nowhere. He seems to converse with himself, grunts, grinds his teeth, paces, gropes the floor, twiddles objects in his hand, demonstrates facial "scruntching" and occassionally states he "see a cat in our room" (which we do not own). He is physically healthy other than having hypothyroidism and gets sick less than our other children do. He is involved in Special Olympics, LOVES church, singing & dancing, swimming & his most favorite...Chuck E. Cheese! HOWEVER, his irratic & impulsive behavior is starting to affect all aspects of his life which in turn is affecting ours! I'm being told it "probably is hormones". I've been told this for the last 4 years! Something has to give! We can hardly go places & if we do we cannot completely enjoy ourself or stay long because we are either on edge waiting for him to act out or he just does! The other children suffer for this! I hardly work because of babysitter issues along with the behavior.
I have had his eyes and ears checked regularly. He has had tubes in his ears, tonsils & adenoids taken out due to chronic ear infections and sleeping problems which have both improved. Had him on Nutravene-D but could no longer afford it so I give him a daily vitamin and try to feed him more wholesome food and stay away from junk as much as I can with an occassional treat. We try as much as we can to stick to routine. His communication has improved but could use more therapy but we are so busy with the behavior issues it's hard to deal with the rest. With his physical aggression & impulsive behaviors increasing here at home he is now starting to attack us. We recently spoke to the Dr. and are set to see a neurologist next week to see if MAYBE he's having petit mal seizures that could be contributing. I don't know what else to do! Any suggestions?! This is starting to become a love/hate relationship, which I know most of it he cannot help. I pray, I vent to family & friends, cry often these days & try to read up & educate myself to try to help him. Today we were notified by the school to come pick him up because he was acting out physically so much it wasn't safe to put him on the bus. According to them he became upset because he didn't earn the weekly Lion award due to behavior. So he decided that wasn't fine with him and threw his shoes & socks at the staff, was trying to hit & kick, screaming and scratching at his own face & neck. I heard some of this over the phone when they had called & I was trying to verbally calm him down. It is Fri & he has done this 4 out of the 5 school days! ANYBODY have a suggestion or similar experience??!!
I have had his eyes and ears checked regularly. He has had tubes in his ears, tonsils & adenoids taken out due to chronic ear infections and sleeping problems which have both improved. Had him on Nutravene-D but could no longer afford it so I give him a daily vitamin and try to feed him more wholesome food and stay away from junk as much as I can with an occassional treat. We try as much as we can to stick to routine. His communication has improved but could use more therapy but we are so busy with the behavior issues it's hard to deal with the rest. With his physical aggression & impulsive behaviors increasing here at home he is now starting to attack us. We recently spoke to the Dr. and are set to see a neurologist next week to see if MAYBE he's having petit mal seizures that could be contributing. I don't know what else to do! Any suggestions?! This is starting to become a love/hate relationship, which I know most of it he cannot help. I pray, I vent to family & friends, cry often these days & try to read up & educate myself to try to help him. Today we were notified by the school to come pick him up because he was acting out physically so much it wasn't safe to put him on the bus. According to them he became upset because he didn't earn the weekly Lion award due to behavior. So he decided that wasn't fine with him and threw his shoes & socks at the staff, was trying to hit & kick, screaming and scratching at his own face & neck. I heard some of this over the phone when they had called & I was trying to verbally calm him down. It is Fri & he has done this 4 out of the 5 school days! ANYBODY have a suggestion or similar experience??!!
Patients... Sitting and playing with the child, spending time with, not ignoring the child. Puberty plays some role for the 10+ yr olds, however attention calms 99% of all these issues.
Medication such as ratalin is NOT the answer. If the issue is at school, they are observing such behavior often times in some fashion. If the children have brothers or sisters at home, have a talk with them about how their little brother or sister with DS will copy their behavior. Anything sexual or profanity is guaranteed to be picked up fast such as running around naked and screaming "Lookit my goober" and such.
I have had an issue with my child, whom attends a public school consisting of mostly African American children thanks to forced busing, whom has developed the ability to say the "N" word. In fact at one point we had a sitter that used to take him to a particular hamberger place in town when she had errands to run, and now when we pull up top that drive-thru he shouts the "f" word.
Kids with downs often time may not be the fastest, or the brightest when it comes to common reasoning, but I guarantee you they have the memory of an elephant, and will mimic any and all behavior they see.
When a teacher suggests, or a Dr Suggests mind altering drugs, 99.9% of the time the best thing to do is to tell them to F**K off... Tell the teachers to quit be lazy or find another profession if they cannot or will not take time to assist in educating both studies and behavior of special needs kids. Their training makes them aware of what they are getting into, and if they cant handle it, get out.
So take time with your child, love your child, do things that make your child smile. Sure they may shut doors, tear paper and run around screaming "lookit my goober"... Mine does this all day long... Just stop a minute, look in their eyes and you will be reminded why this child was born. To make one another smile, to steal each others hearts and to give one another hugs no matter the occasion at the drop of a dime.
Hutch
Medication such as ratalin is NOT the answer. If the issue is at school, they are observing such behavior often times in some fashion. If the children have brothers or sisters at home, have a talk with them about how their little brother or sister with DS will copy their behavior. Anything sexual or profanity is guaranteed to be picked up fast such as running around naked and screaming "Lookit my goober" and such.
I have had an issue with my child, whom attends a public school consisting of mostly African American children thanks to forced busing, whom has developed the ability to say the "N" word. In fact at one point we had a sitter that used to take him to a particular hamberger place in town when she had errands to run, and now when we pull up top that drive-thru he shouts the "f" word.
Kids with downs often time may not be the fastest, or the brightest when it comes to common reasoning, but I guarantee you they have the memory of an elephant, and will mimic any and all behavior they see.
When a teacher suggests, or a Dr Suggests mind altering drugs, 99.9% of the time the best thing to do is to tell them to F**K off... Tell the teachers to quit be lazy or find another profession if they cannot or will not take time to assist in educating both studies and behavior of special needs kids. Their training makes them aware of what they are getting into, and if they cant handle it, get out.
So take time with your child, love your child, do things that make your child smile. Sure they may shut doors, tear paper and run around screaming "lookit my goober"... Mine does this all day long... Just stop a minute, look in their eyes and you will be reminded why this child was born. To make one another smile, to steal each others hearts and to give one another hugs no matter the occasion at the drop of a dime.
Hutch
my little brother is seven years old, he has downs. he is the most compassionate kid sometimes, but almost 90% of the time he just hollars and screams and is violent. if he doesnt get his way he throws a fit. if anybody makes him mad he literally punches or kicks them. he is too young for this behavior, i just cant imagine what it will be like as he get older. he does things he knows he shouldnt do, he has broken our toiet twice by flushing brushes down them and multiple other things that are severe. he just gets worse and worse. all the doctors think my mom is crazy and that she is just blaming his behavior on his downs but she isnt he really is terrible but we love him so much we just dont know what to do anymore. no punishment will stop him he just laughs. its getting out of control. any suggestions?
My son has down syndrome. He's 14years old, and half of the time he's very lovable; the other half he's very difficult. Most of the literature on down syndrome I have come across isn't giving the whole picture: they show or tell about some warm loving happy boy or girl. Well, that's half the picture. The other half is that they can be extremely impulsive and occasionally very violent. My life has been completely taken over because I spent every spare moment trying to keep my son with down syndrome from hurting my other two kids -- a three and four year-old. It's not his fault, but he doesn't understand that he is 10 time stronger, and that when he throws a fit and throws a rock it could kill someone. I know people on this forum are against drugs, but I am willing to try anything. Does anyone know what kinds of drugs will contain the violent behavior?
WOW-
I must say after reading all of the posts on this forum I'm at a loss for words. I have an 8 year old boy who has Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, I don't have answers as some of the behaviors we have never experienced.
At one point we did experience severe melt downs, some to the point where he would sit in the grocery on the floor and scream and cry at the top of his lungs. At first I thought it was fatigue and would go at a different time. I too, was at my wits end as often what should have been a 30 minute shopping spree at the most turned into a 3 hour one because of the melt downs and having to wait for him to move past it. If he didn't get something he wanted he would sit down, melt to the floor and be impossible to pick up. After all, we're talking a 4ft 80lb mass of dead weight trying to lift off the floor. So instead of fighting him or harming myself trying to lift him I would just wait it out, sometimes sitting down on the floor next to him. I'll never forget one time that I sat down next to him in the freezer section at Walmart, he stopped screaming and crying and looked at me and said "mom, that's not right" got up off the floor and said "let's go" .
He was exhibiting defiant behaviors at school as well, which was out of character for him. One evening I was watching a special on our local news channel.... They were talking about Singular and it triggering a lot of negative behaviors in patients. (Aggressive behavior, melt downs, depression, etc). After thinking about it the negative behaviors started about a month after we started the Singular. I knew our allergist would never agree as it is hard enough to convince him that not all the upper respiratory infections are "because he has Down Syndrome". I took him off the singular myself and with in a week I started noticing small changes. Melt downs weren't as often and weren't as long, more cooperative and agreeable, happier. I continued to keep him off the Singular and by 6 weeks we had our boy back. Not everything is perfect, but issues are manageable. We can shop with out melt downs, we can tell him no and not have him scream like he is being beat. So, my suggestion to some of you... check medications side effects thoroughly, food allergies can trigger behaviors too as my older children could not eat anything with red dyes when they were little as it triggered extreme hyper activity.
I can always tell when he is coming down sick as behavior changes.
Also I've noticed behavior changes with frustration. When our son is more frustrated he gets whiny or emotional. When he doesn't know how to express how he is feeling we see him stomp to his room and throw things. Some of these behaviors are so typical for a child that does not have Down Syndrome, but because we often focus on what we are told "Children with Down's are so sweet and loving" "Children with Down's are so calm and mellow" that we forget that they are children or individuals first and are surprised when they exhibit "typical" behavior. Honestly... I wouldn't expect any thing less from my child.
He does mimic behaviors that he sees in his classroom, sometimes, but we tell him that behavior is not acceptable and we will not tolerate it. Sometimes we have to tell him several times before it soaks in but he listens.
We discipline just like we do any other child, he gets grounded from activities when he does something wrong. One thing I have noticed with some parents with a special needs child is they are afraid to discipline or fail to discipline. I don't know if it is out of guilt or what, but that is only hindering the child. I'm not talking spanking all the time or things like that. But things like saying "No that is not acceptable" for the same issue all the time. Consistency and repetition. Not one time saying it and then the next time not. Time outs for the same negative behavior until it eventually stops, taking away things (ie... computer time. video game time, etc.) for negative behavior. It is a matter of being consistent and correcting all the time.
It is true that individuals with Down Syndrome can often have other issues going on.. Autism, ADHD, BiPolar, etc and it is always good to have those things ruled out when experiencing unusual behaviors. As for medications... that is your choice. I try all other avenues prior to medicating, simply because there are so many side effects that medication can cause which can create whole other set of issues.
Potty training issues: Our son has been potty trained since he was 18 mos old (quite unusual for a child with DS,) how we did it....REPETITION! When we knew he was starting to have a BM we would take him to the toilet, after doing this several times it registered. He would crawl to the bathroom and tap on the door and sign toilet. We would take his diaper off and he would go. Didn't take long after that for him to realize he had to pee in the toilet too. He would still have accidents, but doesn't most children at 2 & 3 who get sidetracked with playing or doing other things?
And then it got to the point that every store we went to and every restaurant we went to he would have to go. (still does at the restaurants). He would have accidents at school so the teacher broke it down to he had to go every hour. Sometimes he would go and then 10 minutes later have an accident. I finally took him to a urologist and discovered he was having bladder spasms. As he has gotten older the spasms are few and far between. Still frustrating but very manageable.
I would also recommend if your individual with Down's isn't very vocal or their speech isn't clear enough to always understand them then use alternate method of communication. Whether it be sign language, picture boards or something. It reduces the frustration levels tremendously.
I hope the best for all of you and that you find answers to help you.
I must say after reading all of the posts on this forum I'm at a loss for words. I have an 8 year old boy who has Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, I don't have answers as some of the behaviors we have never experienced.
At one point we did experience severe melt downs, some to the point where he would sit in the grocery on the floor and scream and cry at the top of his lungs. At first I thought it was fatigue and would go at a different time. I too, was at my wits end as often what should have been a 30 minute shopping spree at the most turned into a 3 hour one because of the melt downs and having to wait for him to move past it. If he didn't get something he wanted he would sit down, melt to the floor and be impossible to pick up. After all, we're talking a 4ft 80lb mass of dead weight trying to lift off the floor. So instead of fighting him or harming myself trying to lift him I would just wait it out, sometimes sitting down on the floor next to him. I'll never forget one time that I sat down next to him in the freezer section at Walmart, he stopped screaming and crying and looked at me and said "mom, that's not right" got up off the floor and said "let's go" .
He was exhibiting defiant behaviors at school as well, which was out of character for him. One evening I was watching a special on our local news channel.... They were talking about Singular and it triggering a lot of negative behaviors in patients. (Aggressive behavior, melt downs, depression, etc). After thinking about it the negative behaviors started about a month after we started the Singular. I knew our allergist would never agree as it is hard enough to convince him that not all the upper respiratory infections are "because he has Down Syndrome". I took him off the singular myself and with in a week I started noticing small changes. Melt downs weren't as often and weren't as long, more cooperative and agreeable, happier. I continued to keep him off the Singular and by 6 weeks we had our boy back. Not everything is perfect, but issues are manageable. We can shop with out melt downs, we can tell him no and not have him scream like he is being beat. So, my suggestion to some of you... check medications side effects thoroughly, food allergies can trigger behaviors too as my older children could not eat anything with red dyes when they were little as it triggered extreme hyper activity.
I can always tell when he is coming down sick as behavior changes.
Also I've noticed behavior changes with frustration. When our son is more frustrated he gets whiny or emotional. When he doesn't know how to express how he is feeling we see him stomp to his room and throw things. Some of these behaviors are so typical for a child that does not have Down Syndrome, but because we often focus on what we are told "Children with Down's are so sweet and loving" "Children with Down's are so calm and mellow" that we forget that they are children or individuals first and are surprised when they exhibit "typical" behavior. Honestly... I wouldn't expect any thing less from my child.
He does mimic behaviors that he sees in his classroom, sometimes, but we tell him that behavior is not acceptable and we will not tolerate it. Sometimes we have to tell him several times before it soaks in but he listens.
We discipline just like we do any other child, he gets grounded from activities when he does something wrong. One thing I have noticed with some parents with a special needs child is they are afraid to discipline or fail to discipline. I don't know if it is out of guilt or what, but that is only hindering the child. I'm not talking spanking all the time or things like that. But things like saying "No that is not acceptable" for the same issue all the time. Consistency and repetition. Not one time saying it and then the next time not. Time outs for the same negative behavior until it eventually stops, taking away things (ie... computer time. video game time, etc.) for negative behavior. It is a matter of being consistent and correcting all the time.
It is true that individuals with Down Syndrome can often have other issues going on.. Autism, ADHD, BiPolar, etc and it is always good to have those things ruled out when experiencing unusual behaviors. As for medications... that is your choice. I try all other avenues prior to medicating, simply because there are so many side effects that medication can cause which can create whole other set of issues.
Potty training issues: Our son has been potty trained since he was 18 mos old (quite unusual for a child with DS,) how we did it....REPETITION! When we knew he was starting to have a BM we would take him to the toilet, after doing this several times it registered. He would crawl to the bathroom and tap on the door and sign toilet. We would take his diaper off and he would go. Didn't take long after that for him to realize he had to pee in the toilet too. He would still have accidents, but doesn't most children at 2 & 3 who get sidetracked with playing or doing other things?
And then it got to the point that every store we went to and every restaurant we went to he would have to go. (still does at the restaurants). He would have accidents at school so the teacher broke it down to he had to go every hour. Sometimes he would go and then 10 minutes later have an accident. I finally took him to a urologist and discovered he was having bladder spasms. As he has gotten older the spasms are few and far between. Still frustrating but very manageable.
I would also recommend if your individual with Down's isn't very vocal or their speech isn't clear enough to always understand them then use alternate method of communication. Whether it be sign language, picture boards or something. It reduces the frustration levels tremendously.
I hope the best for all of you and that you find answers to help you.
its very hard for anyone (downs or not) to be violent or destructive if they are exhausted. i wrestle quite hard with my girlfriends 7 year old downs boy, we also have a rope swing in the back yard, and regularly go to the park where there is a climbing structure and other kids., bike (tricycle) and anything else physical as often as possible. i also let the boy know when his behavior is not ok,(his mother wil plead weakly and be ignored, i dont) i dont allow the fact that he has downs make it possible for him to get away with poor behavior, a hard spank on the bottom is a great way to get a childs attention, if done with love and focus, it only needs to be done for a short while, when the child knows certain behavior will be rewarded with a spank, that behavior stops. lots of physical activity combined with appropriate disciplinary action for bad behavior has our downs child happy and well behaved, and praised and loved openly and regularly for his good behavior. 95% of the time he is a pleasure to be around,
occasionally have to show him my spank hand/face, he knows i want him to stop whatever he is doing, and he does stop.
then we can all get on with having a happy life together instead of the downs boy driving the whole family crazy!
i believe the family deserves peace.
occasionally have to show him my spank hand/face, he knows i want him to stop whatever he is doing, and he does stop.
then we can all get on with having a happy life together instead of the downs boy driving the whole family crazy!
i believe the family deserves peace.
I am the mother of a 13 year old girl with Downs. Lately she has been havivg major behavorial issues. All she wants to do is lock herself in her bedroom and watch TV or listen to the radio.....It isn't the fact that she does this it is what happens when she can't. When she misbeaves or does not listen the only thing that impacts her is to either take her tv away of take time away from the TV...This throws her into a total tailsping. Crying, throwing things and slamming doors and such. She fights with us to do anything, go to school or everyother activity she is involved in. We have thought about seeking professional help but don't know where to start...As long as she gets her way and has her TV life is good....Please anyone do you have any sugguestions....Thx
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