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Autism/DIAGNOSIS
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MY EIGHTEEN MONTH SON GREETS ALL CHILDREN HE MEETS WITH A SMACK TO THEIR FACE. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS A SIGN OF AUTISM. HE'S VERY AFFECTIONATE AND DEFINATELY A MOMMA'S BOY RIGHT NOW. HE ALWAYS LOOKS ME IN THE EYE, BUT I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE HITTING. HE EVEN WILL SWAT AT INFANTS IN THEIR CAR SEATS. I AM DISCIPLINING HIM EACH AND EVERY TIME HE HITS ANYONE. MOST KIDS ARE NOT BOTHERED BY THE HITS BECAUSE MY SON IS USAUALLY SMALLER, BUT I'M AT MY WITS END TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHY MY SON IS HITTING TO START WITH!
Hi Toni,
This is surely a disturbing behavior, but in itself probably does not indicate autism.
I suspect he is defending his "territory", YOU. He does not want any other child to move in on the most important person in his life.
Also, he is not old enough to have any idea that others have feelings. You will be talking to him about it hurting, I'm sure. Keep it simple.
How you discipline him is very important. Don't hit him in return!
Prevention of the smack is more important than anything. You know he does it so keep him more then arm's length from all children. If he does succeed in hitting another child, immediately remove him to some place of isolation and tell him that hurting others is unacceptable behavior. You don't have to keep him there long, maybe 2 or 3 minutes. Then welcome him back to society. Every time he hits, he goes to his room or time out chair.
It may take a couple of months for this to really sink in. During that time he will be getting closer to the developmental stage which will allow him to begin to understand others have feelings.
Now, IF he continues to have this problem past age 2 to 2 1/2 then I would worry about a developmental disorder.
Best wishes,
Catherine
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Answers by Expert:
Catherine Ridenour
Expertise
I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.
Experience
I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.
We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.
Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.
Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.
NOTE:
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