5 Ways to Discipline an Autistic Child

It can be difficult for a parent to determine the best way to

manage their childs unwanted behaviour. This can be even
more difficult when the child is autistic. It is important that as a
parent of an autistic child, you recognise that discipline is more
than just punishing a child for naughty behaviour, but
modifying bad behaviour into something more constructive.
Method 1 of 5: Approaching Discipline in a Child-Centered Way
1. Dont forget that, above all these, an autistic child
is a child.
Any given child has their own preferences, quirks,behaviours,
and reactions. Any child has things they dont like, and things
they do. Being autistic doesnt change this. Any discipline
techniques you use should approach difficult behavioural
situations with understanding. Focus on providing your child the
support they need to control themselves and turn naughty
behaviour into more constructive actions.
* Like any child, a child with autism can misbehave. Children
dont always follow the rules, and sometimes all kids have
trouble controlling themselves when theyre upset. Being
autistic shouldnt constitute a free pass from following the
rules, but on the flip-side, autistic children also shouldnt be
punished for how the express themselves. True discipline
involves teaching self-control and how to get your needs met in
a constructive way.
2. Be patient.

While at times you may become frustrated when trying to

understand your childs behaviour, it is important to remember
that patience is the key. With time, with use of the strategies
covered below, your autistic child will learn better ways to
behave. This wont happen overnight.
*Remember that some autistic children show auditory sensory
problems, visual sensory problems or tactile sensory problems.
So when they are not paying attention to you or do not seem to
be listening and following what you say, do not immediately
conclude that they are doing it to annoy you. Something may
be disrupting their concentration.
3. Stay positively focused.
Remember that a lot of discipline involves encouraging the
correct behaviour in your child, as opposed to punishing the
wrong behaviour. Work with your child to identify what is not
acceptable and present them with alternatives that are
(covered below). The more you reinforce the good behaviours
continue, it is beneficial to see a behaviour specialist to bring
up your concerns.
4. Handle meltdowns with care.
A lot of what you might think of as bad behaviour in autistic
children comes in the form of meltdowns. This can be
particularly difficult to react to with younger children or others
who dont use verbal communication to express when theyre
upset. What may look like a bad behaviour tantrum in some

can actually be an attempt to express their needs, deal with

unsettling sensory experiences, or handlre stess.
*Ideally, you want to create a plan to help teach the child to
avoid meltdowns themselves. Classic disciplinary tactics that
focus on punishment, like time-outs, can make things worse by
upsetting the child further and removing any sense that they
have control over their decisions. Instead, teaching a child to
take a break and introduce self-calming techniques empowers
the child to manage their time and emotions and encourage
the child to self-regulate.
*How to Dealt with Autistic Childrens Meltdowns and How to
Reduce Meltdowns and Tantrums in Autistic Children can help
futher with meltdowns in particular.
5. Do not yell at your child.
Shouting at your child, trying to be bossy or displaying too
much of authority can make her anxious and confused. When
facing anxiety,

children

may

become

very restless

and

agitated. They can start showing temper tantrums, yelling or

screaming. Therefore, it is important to keep your voice
lowered, even if you are very frustrated.
*They might also show self-harming behaviours like banging
their heads against something. Discuss replacement behaviour
with a therapist. For example, the head-banging child could
shake his head rapidly to relieve stress without harming
himself.

Method 2 of 5:Creating Routine to Reduce Discipline

Needs.
It is important to ensure the following steps are maintained on
a regular basis because it is difficult to implement any targeted
strategies

to

discipline

an

autistic

child

if

there

are

inconsistencies in discipline or inadequate supervision of the

child.
1. Have a seat and established routine and structure.

2. Use picture schedules to create order.

3. Be consistent with the schedule.
4. Adapt the schedule in small ways as your child
grows.
5. Ensure there is sufficient supervision for your child.
6.

Resolve any sleep or medical problems.