How will you discipline an autistic child?

Question

How will you discipline an autistic child?

Answer 1

Each child is different you need to find a way that works for your. Find something the child like and work with that. If you want the child to do something just keep going over and over with it. Sometime sitting them down, putting them away from you and keep telling them no. It will get thur to them. Just take awhile. I work with them on my special ed. bus.

Answer 2

My son is 15 and has autism. I agree with everyone here.

Yes, you must pick your battles, yes you must nip the important things in the bud.

But continue to try to have patience.

And just love your kid, and raise them to the best of your abilities.

It's that simple.

Answer 3

I prefer the term 'consequence', rather than discipline.

My son has autism.  He needs to learn the rules to get along in life.  There are times when 'no' has to mean 'no'.  Safety reasons, social reasons and to save my sanity!  The consequence needs to be immediate and short.  Grounding, for example, doesn't work.  Cancelling a special outing also doesn't work.  Hitting doesn't work either, of course.  What DOES work is plenty of small rewards for positive behaviours.  Also, when the child does something he should not, then immediately the activity stops.  If there are poor tables manners, no dessert.  Simple.  Quick.  Lots of explanations.  Children/people with autism really do want to understand the world they live it, so taking the time to explain why you are doing really will help in the long run.  You probably have to explain it over and over and over, but it's worth the time.

Also....look into ABA therapy.

Answer 4

Number one - don't just say don't do that - teach a replacement behavior provide visuals model the skill

Number two - natural consequences - don't be a helicopter parent - those students who grow to be the most successful learned problem solving skills through independence.

Number three - logical consequences - behaviors have consequences - they are not always punitive but they are consequences and it is important to learn the cause and effect.

Answer 5

Go to your Doctor and ask about help n assisting the child. But do NOT,NOT, NOT, discipline the child. he/she is autistic disciplining he/she might seem like showing hatred to words he/her.

But talk to the Doctor

Answer 6

I have a child who is bi-polar, and I can tell you what NOT to do. Don't listen to your family or friends who know very little about the subject. They don't mean to, but they lack understanding of your situation unless they understand it as well as you do. You should read as much as you can about your child's situation, but even then, discard what clearly doesn't apply. Have confidence in your understanding of your situation and go from there. If something is working, build on it, if it's not, get rid of it. Listen to yourself and your child. I wish you the very best.

Answer 7

Change your way of thinking and living, reformulate completly the entire value system and that is valid for every "mature" and "normal" person, probably 99% of world's population...

Whay are they the problem and not you? They want a peaceful universe, with friendship, joy and games... What do you offer them? Unilateral standards, pollution, wars and stress. Bah! Who needs treatment here???

Answer 8

My son is autistic and I can give you some guidence. First off do NOT spank or hit your child.  Punishment or discipline should take on the face of redirection and training him/her not to do the inappropriate behavior.  Do not use negatives with your autistic child.  Don't tell your child what you don't want them to do, tell them what you want them to do.  Instead of saying "I don't want your toys in the floor"; say instead "I want your toys in the toybox."  

If you are not familiar with how to work with an autsitic child (and it can be frustrating at times) find a support group with other parents who are faced with the same challenges and get some good ideas from them.  one thing to keep in mind, what works for one child may not work for yours.  Another thing to keep in mind, because one tactic worked today does not mean it will work tomorrow.

Answer 9

I agree with Kelly.  I have an autistic 18 yr old son.  Hie is high functioning so your situation may be different.  Discipline was and still is very hard because he usually does not realize he has done anything wrong, and will more than likely do it again and again.  You have to learn to pick your battles and not try to change every behavior because that just won't happen.  You need to make sure that he learns not to do anything dangerous that could hurt himself or others.  Most of all listen to your heart not all those well meaning relatives, friends and even teachers (who often do not have a clue as to how to work with autistic kids)  who tell you to try this and try that, and why don't you do this and why don't you do that.

I think that anyone with an autistic child can relate to this.

Answer 10

It depends onthe child-each child with autism is so different

A desired method using the ABA teaching style is positive reinforcement.  For every time period the child behaves appropriately he gets reinforcement (toys, hugs, food, etc.)   A behavior specialist can rightr a behavior plan.