Where is our best source of behavioral intervention strategies for an autistic child who wants to hit mom/dad?

Question

Child is age 5. Somewhat verbal. High functioning. Could have Asperger's. Strikes out when he is upset or frustrated. Otherwise a sweet, peaceful child. We want to try behavioral strategies before turning to medicine.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Being consistent with what you do is very important. I would talk to his teacher and find out what intervention they are using at school. If it is working there, your best bet might be to do what they are doing. If he already understands that intervention he would likely quickly adjust to having the same rules apply at home.

Catching him being good is the best way to increase the behaviors you do want. Praise him for "gentle touching" of mom/dad. If you see him almost hit but think twice, tell him how proud you are. You want to make sure you are giving him more attention for positive behaviors than for negative ones.

It's also important to give him an alternate behavior. If he can't hit you, what else can he do when he is angry or frustrated? Can you teach him to say, "I can't do it, help me"? Will he understand if you tell him, "When you are angry you can stomp your feet or scream very loud, but hitting is not safe so we can't do it." Is there an area of your house where he could go to kick or hit cushions? Can you catch him when you see him first start to get angry and help him do some stretching or deep breathing to calm down so he can tell you what the problem is?

This is a long process, but it sounds like you have a great kid and that you have a good attitude about the situation. With your child's teacher's help I think you will do great.

Source(s):

I am a social worker and a child educator who works with young children on the autism spectrum.

Answer 2

I would find one of those plastic punching clown dolls. Explain that when he is upset the only thing he can hit is the clown(or what ever character it is) then come up with something that will reward him Always positive re-enforcement. time out for hitting you it sounds like this is something he can understand.

Answer 3

bear hug him and wisper softly it is not nice to hit me I love you... I have a child who is like yours I started this with him he may get mad and start but then he melts and says i love you.,... it distracts them they have learned to say i love you it may not show them how to handle anger but it keeps you from getting the snot knocked outta you.

Answer 4

Book: Behavioral Intervention for young children with Autism a manual for parents or professional by Maurice, Green, and Luce. It's a paperback, probably on Amazon.com or Borders Books. Also, talk to a behavioral specialist who works with Autistic children in your son's school district.

Answer 5

Check out both these resources

www.behavior-analyst-online.org

behavioranalysisanddisruptivedisorders…