How to Discipline a child with Asbergers Syndrome
Disciplining a child with an autism spectrum disorder, such as Aspberger's syndrome, can be difficult, as many of his errant behaviors are coping mechanisms he depends on for comfort. With time, patience, and forethought, parents can help their child overcome these habits and prepare him for a life of meaningful social interaction. The important key is to give him the order that his minds seeks.
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Instructions
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Control and limit the child's ability to partake in things that she fixates on. Take care not to discipline behaviors that she can not control. Try to help her replace self-comforting behaviors such as loud humming or drumming hands with healthier coping methods, such as swinging on a swing.
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Create a list of behaviors and the consequences for each misdeed. Make sure both parents are in agreement and understand it. Post it in a location visible to all, especially the child. If he is not old enough to read yet, periodically read it to him and review it together.
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Use visual aids to convey desired behavior. Children with Aspberger's have difficulty interpreting verbal communication and tone of voice. Conveying ideas through cartoons and drawings will be more effective.
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Teach the child preventatively through stories and by roleplaying alternative behaviors to things like hitting, screaming, and other expressions of frustration. Repeat these lessons often, since children with Aspberger's process information at a slower pace.
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Explain clearly to the child in a few words what he did wrong when he misbehaves, why it was wrong and what the punishment is.
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Remove something fun, such as a favored toy, as a punishment instead of "time out." Because children with Aspberger's prefer to be alone and isolated from social stimuli, traditional time-outs are often viewed by them as positive, and thus are ineffective means of discipline.
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Review your discipline plan regularly for consistency and effectiveness. Revise it as elements change, such as the child's behavioral patterns, emotions, and age.
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