Hi,

I am Susan McPhail, M.Ed. I've been teaching special education for over 24 years and am the parent of an adult daughter who has autism. I have had training and conducted training in a variety of interventions designed to alleviate issues that are faced by people with autism/Asperger's syndrome. I have served as an expert witness and advocated for people who are on the spectrum of autism for over 20 years. I am currently a doctoral candidate and the focus of my dissertation is autism training for teachers.

I am sure that some sort of behavior therapy or counseling will be beneficial to your grandson. It seems as if he is not able to fully control his actions and is wondering why he has outbursts. This is a positive clue that he is in tune with getting help for his behavior and is ready for intervention. A good therapist who is familiar with high functioning autism and/or Asperger's syndrome would be a great way for him to get help with self regulating his actions and feelings. I am going to research therapists in Montreal. How soon will he join his father? Also, his father's leaving has undoubtedly affected him and may be a major cause of the behaviors. He needs to be reassured that all will be well shortly. As much as possible, prepare him for any changes that are forthcoming in his life. He can accept the changes a lot better if he's prepared ahead of time. I am not sure of the educational laws in Canada, but the school district should be able to provide some supports and services for him. Is he exhibiting these behaviors at school as well as at home? I will get back to you asap with resources in Montreal. If you will let me know where in CAnada he is now, I'll see what I can find close to you.

Thank you for the question and I hope that I've helped. Please consider accepting as it helps in supporting my further endeavors to assist families and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder. If you need additional information or assistance, please let me know through Just Answer.

Susan

Here is a link to possible services in Montreal. http://www.autismcentral.ca/research/index.php/en/resources/13-montreal-resources

http://www.montrealfamilies.ca/Montreal-Families/Directories/Special-Needs/

http://www.autismcentre.org/

I hope these help in finding services and/or supports for your grandson. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Thank you for clarifying. I am not qualified to make a diagnosis and he would need to be seen by a reputable therapist who is familiar with autism to get a difinitive diagnosis. Repeting words is an indicator of autism as is destructive behvavior. There are medications that will alleviate symptoms and a psychiatrist can make the decision of which would be most appropriate for him. I have known ppl w/ autism who take psycotropic meds as well as anxiety meds such as xanax. Again, he would need to seen by a professional to be prescribed medication. A good therapist can also work with him on the constant talking and restlessness that are problematic. I will check on services in Toronto York Region and will get back shortly.

http://www.york.ca/nr/yorklink/Agency.asp?AgencyID=2108

http://www.autismontario.com/york