Aggressive behaviour is often dismissed as “part of autism”. Very rarely
are any investigations carried out to determine if there may be
a medical cause. But children
don’t harm themselves or others or behave aggressively
for no reason.
Make sure it is not medical
Children and adults with autism frequently suffer with physical co-morbidities, and consistently face barriers in accessing appropriate medical care. They may be unable to identify the physical location of pain/discomfort within their bodies, so symptoms are often dismissed.
Blood sugar balance is key
Cravings for carbohydrates and refined sugar are indicative of blood sugar balance that is out of control. If you have ever felt “hangry”, you
will have a small insight into the world of someone whose blood sugar levels soar and plummet throughout the day, leaving them prone to mood swings that can tip over into aggressive behaviours.
Chronic infections
Yeast and bacterial overgrowth in the gut, persistent streptococcal infections and viral load can all contribute to mood instability and behavioural symptoms.
Allergies and intolerances
Food intolerances and allergies can be the driver behind aggressive behaviour, poor sleep, hyperactivity, fatigue, and poor focus. Investigating and removing common food triggers can be a game-changer.
Stress hormones
When the body is frequently in 'fight-or-flight' mode, children may react in exaggerated way to situations, and it can take them a long time to calm down. Assessing and addressing the root contributors to the stress response can help alleviate behaviours.
These are just a few of the common contributing factors to aggressive behaviour that we see in clinical practice. To read more and learn how you can address these issues, read my full article here.
Please note we do not diagnose or treat illnesses at Brainstorm Health but can help you advocate to get the right medical diagnosis from qualified doctors if necessary.
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