Took the kids to the zoo. Autistic son had a really bad day!

They really reacted differently in places with so many people and other new stuff that they see like animals. They are not scred but they just act out and there you go mama all the best that you can do to pacify your child. In my case when he's into that mood, i give him the pressure hug and give him a massage. I kept in whispering "iloveyou" and "behave my dear son" these calms him down. Massaging him from the shoulder down to his arms, hands and fingers. He loves to be massages. He too wants me to do slight scratches on his head. Before leaving the house we do a briefing where we're going and i tell them what kind of activities they can do. I works. I used to bring them (2 special sons) in the office when i am in the process of looking for their caregiver. They are so behaved. They know that they are inside an office and they have to behave well so that they will not disturb my co-workers. Now when we're in the mall and especially in the park they are free to move---they can play, laugh aloud and even run. Next month there is an exposure trip in my kids school and we are going to the Ocean Park and the Avalon Zoo. I will share with youmy experience after this activity. They are so excited and even counting the days for that event to come. I am hoping that they will be fine and enjoy the fieldtrip.

haha, those animals must be laughing at him oh. Have you given him something to eat that produce so much tears? Maybe he swallows the tear gas accidently oh. Maybe you can write one article to rant about a difficult and embarrassing day to the zoo oh!

My son done that before at the Zoo, amusement park even just local stores. Many times, it is because he was hot, tired and tooo much stimulation. If there is alot of commotion, activities or such going on, it is hard for his brain to tolerate and take in. I literally had to put him down, wrap my legs around his and wrap my arms around his arms. Then he would still hit me with his head, but I wouldn't let up until he calmed down. I hated those moments!! At the same time, I would humm to him. There have been many days I wondered why I would go somewhere with him, though, I know he is going to have to learn to be in public and hopefully calm down. I never wanted to give my son medications but it got to the point he was failing at school, having more issues at home and I knew I had to do something. My son is 6 and many times I feel he is going on 3. good luck to you

Wow, you poor thing! I guess you had a tough day, huh? And on top of everything else you have going on you must be at the end of your rope where he is concerned. I wish I had some suggestion to offer you but I really think you are going ot have to enlist the aid of a specialist for this. Every child is different and what works for one parent has nothing to do with you and your family. Your son is getting older but as you said emotionally he is still years behind. You need someone who can assess him in person and monitor his progress and help you come up with a plan.

Regarding the mood altering medications.......it sounds like you and I have a similar problem, my son also has ADHD. Does your's repeat everything back to you, or request things the way you would ask him? ie. instead of "I'm hungry" it's "Are you hungry?" I was very, VERY reluctant to put him on meds...but consider this: Your son's hyperactivity and moodswings could be interfering with his ability to learn how to properly communicate and learn life skills. I finally caved and put my son on medication for hyperactivity (ritilin, of course), and it is like he is a different child...still autistic...still has his own personality...but calm. He has started asking what and who questions, has started following the plot in movies, has started playing nicely with his toys (not just breaking them for fun and bad attention). If you think life is hard now....just wait till you gotta take the lil guy to the dentist! (that sucks royally!)

Does your child stim? I recommend always carry a small fan with you...or a pinwheel...anything that spins...toy helicopters are great. Your son may have had a melt down because of the crowd, autistic kids don't like to be around lots of people. Was he interested in the animals at all? Mine isn't, but recently he has developed an irrational fear of snakes (I think he had a nightmare, and just after we got rid of the bug phobia too....darn it).

Go to the doctors and beg for help .tell him you cannot cope full time anymore.You need help get a friend in.I see my friend fall apart sometimes and it is horrible to see.