Expert: Tim Runner - 10/10/2008

Question
My son was just diagnosed with High function Autism about 2 weeks ago. He is 3 years old. He also has SPD.  He normally is a very “unsociable” child and hates going to daycare.  Normally he stands in the corner at does not interact with the other children.  Lately, in the past week, he has started hitting others.  This started with him hitting the table or wall when he was told something he didn’t like, or a toy wouldn’t do what he wanted it to do.  Now he has moved on to others.  Now he just seems to walk up to 1 specific child and just hits him with no provoking from that child at all.  It is happening so often now, the other child is scared of my son.  We are doing “time out’s” with my son, but he does not seem to understand that this is unacceptable behavior.  What advice can we give the school on how to get him to stop hitting this other little boy?

Answer
Kristi,

I don't know what state you are in, but many states have special programs for autistic children. These programs provide various types of help including behavior help. Usually this involves a behaviorist working one on one with the child to change the behaviors.

I suggest you contact the school that your son will be attending when he is older and seek their help. They can provide you help or direct you to the government agency that provides help for autistic children.

Behaviors have to be addressed when they are happening or about to happen. The child must be redirected and worked with by a trained behaviorist to overcome the undesirable behaviors. These agencies also train the parents. Behaviorists work both in the school and home.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)