Autism-World

Q:I work in a daycare center and there is a 1 1/2 year old boy with autism how do we discipline him?

I am wondering if theres a certan way to discipline children with autism.

Answer:

It does depend one where he’s at on the spectrum, but it also depends on what you’re talking about as far as what he does. As with any child, the form of discipline depends on the actions causing the discipline. Especially at 1 1/2, that’s a tough one.

My almost 4 yr old is autistic, he was just starting to really show signs at 1 1/2. You can do timeouts, but you might have to sit there with him if he doesn’t understand he’s supposed to stay there. If you’re talking about tantrums, that’s a fun one!

The best way to handle the tantrums at that age is one of two ways. The first way was given to me by a special ed teacher. Place him on your lap facing out, and gently but firmly hold his arms until he stops. This works if he’s hurting himself or others, like mine was. It was the only way to keep him from biting himself and drawing blood or digging his claws into himself.

The other way is less extreme, it’s for when he’s tantruming but doesn’t hurt himself. Make sure he’s out of everyone’s reach and just let him do it. Keep in mind, they can last a long time, mine would usually go for 30 min. a piece. Usually, they’re in such a rage when it happens that they don’t even know you exist, so disciplining him while he’s doing it won’t do any good. Believe me, I tried! When he gets a little older, you can use the happy face/sad face. This is working WONDERS for my son now, but it wouldn’t have then. If he can stop himself from having a tantrum before it starts, or if he can do what I ask without fighting, he gets a happy face. If he tantrums or fights me, he gets a sad face. At the end of the day, before he goes home, give him a special treat. If he likes trains, find some train stickers, etc. This is helping Tim to learn self-control, to stop himself and get control before he’s out of control. Again, depends on how severe this little guy is as to whether or not he can comprehend a reward system.

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This entry was posted on Monday, September 17th, 2007 at 5:20 pm and is filed under Ask and answer, Autism Education Issues.