u/Jsko1111

I have a 3rd grade ASD level 2 son with ADHD, enrolled in SPPS. He is verbal and has average to above average intelligence, but is debilitated by aggressive behavior and emotional outbursts, self harm, all that fun stuff. I’m trying to find an environment for him where he is safe, and staff can handle his behavior, and thinking and EBD program might be more appropriate for his needs than an autism program.

Any recs for/experience with SPPS elementary schools that are equipped for this? I’m looking at Highland Park and will be arranging a tour. Also considering intermediate district 196 (Pankalo?) although logistically that one is less desirable because it’s in Woodbury.

My son is 9, level 2 autism (PDA profile but not “diagnosed”), with ADHD. The biggest challenge with him is aggression and violent and or destructive behavior. We took him off abilify for a couple months to see if an SSRI would be more helpful with his rigidity and anxiety; and while there were some instant positive effects, they ultimately threw him off in a major way. He’s been back on Abilify for the past two weeks, along with extended release Ritalin. We are seeing a lot of improvement, but the talk of self harm and harming others has not gone away. He was like this before at 8 years old and earlier, and then he went to a part time hospitalization program and started Abilify, and the harming talk and behavior stopped. It is not the case this time. He is improving but is self isolating more and still rigid AF.

I don’t know what to do with this kid. He’s nine. I can’t have a suicidal 9 year old… but I do. Is anyone else out there dealing with this same awful shit? And has anyone found a way to improve a similar type of kid’s mental health? He sees a therapist at school, has an autism teacher and a social worker who are very involved and close with him. He’s going to attend a part time intensive therapy summer program. I really don’t know what the fuck else to try besides preparing for his death or him hurting someone else, because eventually he will have the means.