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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Whitewater, WI

My 3 year old daughter started the Early Childhood program at school in Sept. She has cried/screamed everyday that she has gone. She is there 3 hours a day 4 days a week and the teachers cannot get her to stop. She was in a Birth to 3 program before starting school and her behavior was fine. I have never heard her cry so much in her entire life. When I show up to pick her up even if she is having a meltdown she sees me and stops. There are 3 teachers and 10 kids in the class including my… read more

October 31, 2012
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent whose 3-year-old daughter with ASD has been crying and screaming nonstop at school for two months, offering... Read more

Members rallied around a parent whose 3-year-old daughter with ASD has been crying and screaming nonstop at school for two months, offering compassionate reassurance that severe separation anxiety is common and can improve with time and the right supports. Several members shared practical strategies including creating a family photo booklet or comfort item from mom to take to school, exploring sensory supports like weighted vests, gradually introducing separation through mommy-and-me programs, using sign language to reduce communication frustration, and working with the school to chart behavior triggers and adjust the environment. A recurring theme was the importance of considering whether a specialized ASD program might be a better fit than a typical preschool setting and trusting parental instinct while working closely with teachers to understand what the child is trying to communicate through her distress.

A MyAutismTeam Member

It sounds to me like she is going through severe separation anxiety. I would suggest making a booklet with pictures of you and family members to take to school with her. Also an item of yours that she derives comfort from, a scarf, hat, sock, washcloth, bracelet that you can let her "borrow" and hold onto for you until you "come back" and remind her you always come back for your stuff. Perhaps ask her what reward she would like to earn, (some one on one time with Mommy) for good/appropriate behavior. This is what I did for my son and it took 2 days and eventually he derived comfort from his "family" album. Hope this helps.

October 31, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

Have you had ears looked at my son sever ear fulid end up needing tubes making him wear heard like he was under water.

March 12, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Attention seeking and non verbal communication issues. Autistic children likes everything the way it is good for them. They can not tell you how they like it best so they scream if it is no good. We often do little things differently in school than at home. I taught my son to hold his shirt and his willy to pee. He can only go a few dripps at a time so they tought him at school to flash the toilet for the sound and since this would be a 3 step instruction to flush before to hold shirt and willy we ened up him peeing on his shirt and on the toilet sit. He was sent home from school, because he got so upset. You have to find out what are the "little things" they do differently in school and at home. Do not forget she can not explain if she is thirsty or wants more play. Try to help as much as you can.

November 7, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

Parent/Teacher meeting is coming up soon so I am going to find out if I can stay in the class with her. We have tried everything we can think of, from taking her shoes off, to having her carry he favorite blanket all morning. She seeks out the kids but as soon as someone try's to talk to her or even look at her she starts crying. And it's not a little cry, it's a scream her head off. The Teachers have to other kids tell her she is too loud, and it crushes me to see them gang up on her because she is crying. I don't feel it is a behavior problem anymore, and it seems to be getting worse. Now that is getting cold out I have to scrap my windows for my car and as soon as I leave the car to do that she is screaming. If she catches me with my purse or my car keys, even at home she is screaming. I very much believe it is separation anxiety. We have tried giving her pictures. We have tried showing movies that she loves. She always has to have something in her hands no matter where she goes so we try making sure that it is something she loves. Everyone at the school is so patient, but as a mom it is heartbreaking to walk away in the morning. Thank you so much for the advice. I still don't know what I am going to do but it is good to know I am not the only parent who has gone through this.

November 6, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

Try a few classroom visits. Is something going on shes uncomfortable with? Our is it the mommy factor? Chris would cry when I left but settled son after. Is she getting attention for crying? Find out what could be possible cause

November 2, 2012

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