Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

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Developmental & Learning Disorders
/ Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

HELP!

Mantanona
Mantanona
My HF Autistic son, Jarrett has become increasingly more aggressive with my 4 month old baby. At first it was poking him in the head, trying to roll him off the couch and progressed to scratching him causing the baby to bleed and even one occasion where he buried the baby under a pile of pillows while he slept. I am completely at a loss of what to do now. I love my son but I am very concerned about the safety of my younger son. My husband and I are begining to loose paitents and our tempers as each new offence occurs. My husband has even began hitting him more each time Jarrett hurts the baby or another persons' child. I have considered sending my son to live with my father till the baby is older, but am not sure he or anyone else in my family can handle my son. I dont know what to do at this point and really need some advise from people who know what it's like to have a child with autism. Help!
sambod
sambod
have you tried social stories with him mantanona? you can look at hiyah.com or do to learn.com to see if they have social stories that will explain about a new brother/sister and see if that helps him.

could it also be that jarrett is jealous of of the baby and the attention that he gets? you might want to consider you and your husband doing activities with him by himself and explaining to him that even though there is a new baby that he is not replacing the love that you and your husband have for him.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It sounds lot like what my oldest did whith each of his younger siblings. He was very jealous and was trying to get some attention. I agree with spending some one on one time with him, also trying not to lose it when he is doing things to his baby brother would be helpfull too. I know it is hard to do, but he sees you getting upset because he is hurting the baby and in his little mind that makes the baby more important than he is. It isn't going to be easy to help him understand. You could try letting him help take care of the baby, getting diapers, toys, and playing with him in nice ways.
deleted_user
deleted_user
We had the same problem with our newest addition...Ette would pull her off your lap...off the couch...push her out of the way...scratch and cover her with pillows...we spent alot of time emphasizing the ways to play and deal with Emma...it takes alot of catching before the act and modeling appropriate behavior...now thats shes crawling he is all over her...He thinks shes the greatest toy ever...she follows him around and he waits for her...but we did have to keep her off the floor and pay alot of extra attention to what was happening...but I think its a new stage and a life change so it will take time and hopefully pan out quickly...like I said...Ette and Emma are best friends now...I really think shes his favorite...