126. I Know you have Asked … Is it their Autism or ?

I asked this question a million times if not more along this
journey.  Is their behavior a result of their autism or just
bad behaviors and how can we discipline them if their behaviors
are a result of their autism?  So many moms I have worked
with through the years say this is their biggest challenge.
 


The reason we discipline our children is not to punish or
embarrass our children, but instead, it is to teach them healthy
boundaries and what is and isn’t expected and acceptable
behavior, right?  So while there are absolutely some
different challenges that we come up against with our children on
the spectrum, it is important they also learn these lessons.


Unfortunately, traditional discipline techniques don’t always
work for our kids and there are several reasons for this that I
am going to talk about throughout this episode but before I get
started, I also want to say that I am a huge proponent of
consequences rather than traditional punishment which is often
aimed at making a child suffer for their inappropriate behavior.
I believe that having consequences and establishing boundaries
teach our kids responsibility, problem-solving, and
accountability.


There are some things that you want to consider too as it relates
to disciplining your children on the spectrum and the most
important one in my opinion is that safety must come first. The
safety of your child and other people.


There are also behaviors that our children exhibit that can’t be
“disciplined away” so it is really important that you have
realistic expectations and don’t discipline them for behaviors
that help them adapt to their environment.


Discipline teaches children to do the right thing and think and
act for themselves and for our children, it might be more
difficult but being consistent will help teach them the skills
they need to function independently.


Additional Resources:


41. Emotional Ups and Downs of Raising a Child with Autism


60. The Most Important Relationship in your Autism Parenting
Journey


If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about
on the podcast, email us directly at
info@notyouraverageautismmom.com