Violent Jerking

Post Reply New Topic

This is the first time I have posted here and hope I am doing it right. I am a special education teacher and have a 21 year old student with autism. He is non-verbal and does well in my class following directions and doing his work. He has been a little off the last few weeks, not eating, not sleeping, very energetic, laughing, yelling etc. This happened about a year ago as well and after a few weeks he was back to himself which is what we are hoping for now. Today at breakfast he was sitting in his chair eating and literally flew back in his chair. I was sitting across from his and jumped as well it was that forceful. He quickly regained his composure but was visually afraid and started to cry. I held his hands for a few seconds (that's all he allowed) and then he was fine. I notified the nurse and called mom. In the afternoon it happened 3 more times. It really scares him and he cried for a few seconds after each one. It seems to be just one huge jolt, very scary for him, me, and the other students. I have not seen this before and was wondering if anyone had any information on what it is or how I can help him.

Thank you

I can't say that I have the most information on the jerking, but go through it myself and had it checked out. I was told that it was a neurological tick and that mine wasn't threatening though it seems less severe than the ones you described. They do sound similar though in being a sudden jolt which forces a jerk (mine are usually in the shoulder or face area not sure where the ones for your student are). A neurologist or other medical professional would be able to give some more information though, hope he gets better

Perhaps it's a side-effect of being on psych meds. They can cause weird effects like that.

Perhaps he was feeling sick or pain and had no typical way of expressing it.

I go through these jerking movements as well. I can't prevent them and I can't stop them from happening. I have had them all my life, at first they scared me as I didn't know what was happening or why it happened, perhaps this is what your student is feeling as well?

Thank you all for your reply's. His doctor has told mom to keep him home until "he feels better". I hope he comes back soon.