Hitting
Some children, teens, and adults with autism frequently strike out at other people. Why do our friends hit or pinch strangers, family and friends, or their fellow students at school?
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There is, of course, not just one answer to this question. Each individual with autism has their own unique mixture of strengths and deficits in several different areas, so the reasons for hitting vary greatly from person to person. And, until we pinpoint the exact problem for a specific individual, we cannot fully understand the motives and then develop an effective the cure for a challenging behavior issue like hitting.
For example, one or more of these issues may be causing a person with autism to hit others:
1. seeking attention
2. expressing general anger or frustration
3. reacting to a person standing too close for comfort
4. expressing boredom or discontent
5. hitting has become an unconscious habit
6. expressing dislike for a particular person
7. hitting occurs when a person is too excited or overstiumlated
8. trying to tell us they are hungry, tired, cold, or hot
9. expressing need to go to the bathroom
10. being mischievous
11. attempting to purposefully hurt a person
These are just some of the factors that could be causing a person with autism to hit other people. I’ve even had young friends with autism who appeared to purposefully hit people because they enjoyed the loud and sudden reaction by everyone in the room.
TIP FOR THE DAY: Take time to pinpoint the problem and all the circumstances surrounding it. Once you scout out those factors, you will be able to develop an effective plan to decrease hitting and increase more positive interaction with other people.
Check out our Pinpoint the Problem Toolkit by clicking on the Toolkit tab at our website: http://FAQautism.com
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
