Positive Strategies for Disciplining Children With Autism

Start With a Goal

• Realistically, you won't be able to "fix" all of your child's disobedient behavior overnight. The first behavior you should work on would be the one that negatively affects you or your child the most. For example, maybe your child's most destructive behavior is hurting himself at bedtime, throwing things at his sister or screaming at dinnertime. Choose the one you want to work on, and identify what might be triggering his behavior. Once you've identified a possible cause, you can choose which tools make the most sense for your family.

Be Clear About Expectations

• When an autistic child does something that would warrant discipline, it's best to correct him by making simple commands rather than telling him what not to do, says the University of Michigan Health System. For example, "set the glass on the table," is more positive and effective than "don't throw the milk on the floor." The same goes for easing your autistic child through transitions or other instances that might trigger a tantrum. "Use your indoor voice at grandma's house," "Hold my hand in the parking lot" and "Eat one bite of your broccoli."

Create a Calm Space

• Sometimes, an autistic child's negative behavior is caused by something upsetting in her environment. Create a space in your home in which your child can feel safe, secure and calm. A special chair with warm lighting and a favorite stuffed animal may suffice, or for an older kid a corner of the bedroom with a bookcase and a CD player with mellow music may help. When your child is out of control, gently guide her toward her calm space so she can regroup and learn how to exercise self-control.

Things to Keep in Mind

• AutismSpeaks.org recommends you, as a parent, keep four things in mind as you work with your child: clarity, consistency, simplicity and continuation. You must be clear with all caregivers about your plan, consistent in implementing it, able to explain it simply to your child, and continue to use these techniques as your child grows. It's important, too, when working on problematic behavior that you seek intervention. According to WebMD, you may need a child psychiatrist, speech-language pathologist, occupational or physical therapist to work with your child. The more your child works with professionals on coping with autism, the easier it will be to discipline your child in a positive way at home.