Anybody have a screecher?

[cristeen]

And how on earth do/did you handle it?

DS (26 mo) was only just diagnosed (HFA) a few weeks ago, and we were supposed to start ABA this week, but I haven't heard from his case worker.  But this is seriously one of the biggest trouble spots I'm having right now, and could really use some advice before I rip my hair out.

He has an extremely high-pitched LOUD screech that he uses when he gets excited.  It's ear-piercing and headache-inducing.  And I cannot convince him to stop.  I've tried loving restraint, I've tried closing his mouth mid-scream, I've tried distraction, and at this point I'm resorting to yelling at him - not that it does any good whatsoever.  Most of the time I'm not even sure he hears me, he's so in his own world. 

I really need some coping techniques here... during the day I could mostly ignore it if I had to, but when DH comes home (or on the weekends), that sound sets him off like you wouldn't believe, so I spend the time doing my best to keep DS calm instead of doing things I need to be doing (like making dinner or housework).  I'm at the point of not ignoring it during the day because I know he needs a consistent reaction, but I haven't found one that does any good.

Anyone BTDT and found something that worked for them? 

[cinnamongrl]

(((hugs)))

I'm there doing that...

DD2, 2yo- recently discovered she's completely deaf. Your story is EXACTLY what we do. If all 4 of us go anywhere in the car, I have to sit in the back with her to try to prevent stress inducing screeches. I'm just extremely persistent with my trying to communicate to her to be quiet...Not silent, just not screaming. I do the hush sign and the calm down sign with her and try to acknowledge her, because often times it's just her way of wanting to share excitement, or to be involved and have me (or whomever) notice what she is trying to communicate. Sounds like the same thing as you are already doing and noticing. I do honestly think that it's getting better. Especially now that our family is learning how to communicate at her level. But, it's not perfect...yet...wanted to commiserate with you here.