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Autism/Hitting others (puberty)

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Expert: - 5/9/2009


Question
I love my son so much and am his number one fan and advocate! My son just turned 15 and more and more he has been pinching and hitting me and his aunt and cousins, but at school he is an angel, my son has Autism. Im glad he doesnt do it at school because they wouldnt understand but he is getting taller and bigger and I want to nip it in the bud. After he is upset he says sorry and acts like it never happened.(which I understand and do not dwell on that) Thanks in advance!

Answer
It basically boils down to whether you are bigger than him. If you are, then when he hits you, you have to put him in a time out. If you are not bigger than him, you must take something away like TV, computer or whatever he likes.

I also recommend that you have him earn time towards that desired activity by telling him that if he goes an entire day without hitting or pinching, he can have the activity.

Try this and see if  you can nip it in the bud

Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
www.valerieherskowitz.com

Autism

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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