Anxiety Disorder and Autism

As of the last week, or so, Nick’s anxiety has increased at school—and going to school, as well. About 3, or so, years ago, I had to take him to a therapist and a psychiatrist (for meds) to help him with a, almost debilitating, case of anxiety. We tried Luvox to relieve the anxiety and OCD, and it has worked, wonderfully, for these three years, and on a low dose, too. Just to reiterate, the OCD was like being hen-pecked with his perseveration about obsessive issues—like being nervous at school. I would hear: "I'm nervous in school, Mom" about 10 times just in the 20 minutes he would be getting ready for school. And my response? Well that was well practiced, too. I mean, if I didn't just say: "I know you are Nick," then he would get upset... apparently he just wants to hear those words--and nothing else--to help him through the issue...

So, I asked his teacher if she’s noticed an increase in anxiety at school—and that I would be calling his doctor to see about finally increasing the dose—I mean let’s face it, he’s only on 50 milligrams and went through 2 growth spurts since starting the meds (he’s now 5’7, and 14 years old), so I thought it just has to be the meds, but I just got this e-mail from his teacher…

I'm thinking part of Nick's anxiety is that we are planning a practice
lockdown drill. We don't know when it will be happening, and he is very nervous
about the whole process. We have stressed to him that it's just practice so we know
what to do in the event of an emergency. We have practiced them within the
classroom and they have talked about them in each class he attends. Until the
practice lockdown passes, an aide has been walking with him to his classes, rather
than going independently, to help with his anxiety. I'm hoping once we have the
practice lockdown, Nick's anxiety will be alleviated, as I'm not sure there will be
another practice one this school year.

Other than the lockdown, nothing else has changed here at school. He was slated to do the Pledge of Allegiance on the intercom this week which he has been practicing for months and really excited about, but has decided not to do it this week, he's just too nervous about the lockdown. Maybe he can try again later in the year.

Something to mention to the doctor; however, I’m also experiencing more frustration at home.. So I think I will be upping his meds… Tough call!

Any thoughts?