Fevers and Autism

“How does it feel now, Declan?  Does your ear hurt now?”

Declan looked thoughtfully at the Doctor and turned his head on an angle.

“Yes.”

“Does it hurt when I wiggle your earlobe?”

Declan thought for a moment and replied, “No.  It hurts when you press down on it.”

“Oh yes,” the Doctor said as she peeked into Declan’s ear with her scope, “this ear is infected.  I will prescribe you some medicine to make it feel better.”

“Declan, this is the pink medicine which is a little different than the one you like.  But you still need to take it to make your ear better,” I added.

Declan turned his head to look at me, “Okay.  I will take the medicine, Mom.”

I smiled and nodded.  Good old, Sick Declan.

How did we get to the Doctor’s office?

It all started five days ago.

After putting a pink cheeked Declan to bed one night I carefully asked when he awoke the next day, “How are you feeling, Bud?”

Declan swallowed, held his throat and responded, “Yes, I am still feeling quite ill.’

He’s still feeling “quite ill.”  O-kay.  Sick Declan is here.

For the next few days we went through the ups and downs of sickness – Sleep, rest, Tylenol, fluids.  One Emergency Room visit for difficulty breathing led to three rounds of respiratory steroids and a diagnosis of Croup.

And just when we thought we were through the rough patch, Declan woke a few days later with pain in his ear.

It is during these times of sickness the most remarkable thing happens.

Sick Declan leads to calm, clear headed Declan.  The Declan who looks at and talks to strangers.  The Declan who doesn’t bounce around the house.  The one who can communicate his feelings more clearly.

Years back I started looking around Google for some answers – did fevers affect autism behaviors?

Well, lo and behold, just like sleep is a common issue for those on the autism spectrum, fevers can affect some autistic behaviors.

The Fever Effect

In the article here, I read of a study that was published stating: When autistic kids get a fever….They can become less withdrawn, more alert, more talkative, more communicative. [The] hospital staff members working with autistic children “noted [the] marked behavioral [improvements].” But, as soon as the fever stopped, they went back to their baseline.

In another article of a study concerning fevers and autism found here, I read: parents reported that fever improves their children’s ability to learn, communicate and interact with others. It also lessens the children’s repetitive behaviors and tantrums.

This is pretty amazing findings!  What is happening with fevers that is causing those with autism to become more alert and communicative?

No one really knows yet, but it is being studied.  In this article here, I read: Possible explanations include changes to the action of cells in the brain’s hypothalamus or to the release of glutamine or taurine.  Another theory involves “heat-shock” proteins people produce during fever to protect cells from damage.

Not every parent reported these findings when their autistic child had a fever.  Just like sleep – fevers affecting autism behavior appears to be a common issue, but not true for everyone.

These positive findings though are directing researchers to determine if there are treatments or new ways to help.

Declan is on the mend and I am saying goodbye to Sick Declan.  Which is a good thing.  I am happy to see him back bouncing on his trampoline and pain free.

I am sure I will see Sick Declan again one day and will continue to marvel at the subtle differences in his communication and behavior!