Something similar happens with my 4yr old. He adores his ABA therapist and each time she leaves, he screams and beckons to her with his hand saying 'hey..you come back here' or else he talks about needing to go to her house (simply because we say 'it's time for her to go home'). At first, my son would be very upset and it took several minutes to calm him down. It still happens, but now I am able to redirect him (usually dinner time) and he calms down quickly. It's almost at the point where it feels like part of his routine to protest her leaving each time.

I have a couple ideas that may/may not work, but will mention them:

1. If Dad can take some photos of his workplace and/or him at work, perhaps a social story might take some of the fear of the unknown away.

2. Have Dad make a video or voice recording that your son can listen to in the evening. Maybe there's a special bed time story that he could read and you (mom) can cuddle with your little one during that time.

3. Try to get your son involved in an activity before his dad has to leave for work. Then, have dad go out unnoticed. Maybe that will ease the transition.

But remember it has to be if your son was good while dad goes off to work. You might want to have a hidden stash so if dad cant bring someting home he can grab from the stash

I would add to the other suggestions a timer. Using something that is visual and auditory may be best. Often my daughter just doesn't get the time frame of things. She needs something that she can visually and auditorily rely on to let her know how long she has to wait for something. Using a visual schedule to show what type of things you have to do hour by hour (or even shorter if needed) while dad is at work may be helpful too. It will keep him focused on something else besides dad and help him break down the day into smaller segments while he waits for dad to come home. Just like ASDtimesthree had said.

Sounds like his routine has been altered. Our kids thrive on it(routine). A visual schedule with when dad comes home may help. Maybe a visual of moving dad's picture to a picture of work and then moving a picture of dad when he gets home will help him paired with a weekly calendar or hourly visual of his day if you use a daily visual schedule with him. It helps to teach them what to expect next.

As far as the poor behavior don't give it any attetion and ignore it and see if it gets better.

If not set boundaries like with any child about not hurting others and put him in timeout. ASD or not it worked with my kids.

I love the idea of the social story! My son has not seen my Husband's workplace, so this would be something very enjoyable for him! Thanks!