While I think it is normal to want to curb bad behavior with punishment as an expedient (and sense of justice to yourself and the child's siblings). However, I've come to realize with my 7 year old that he doesn't understand yet the consequences of bad behavior. So at that point, punishment takes on a special form of cruelty and isn't lesson oriented. Too, age and intent are key. If the child is acting out in malice and can understand consequences, then an appropriate punishment may help along with other supports or empathy-generating strategies. However, when the bad behavior is due to frustrated communication, it is hard to blame the child who is speech challenged. That would be like punishing because of the handicap. Case in point, it took us almost 6 months to realize that sudden violent outbursts were the result of severe cramping due to lactose intolerance. Once we got him off of dairy products, my doors, door jambs/frames, and adjacent walls took far fewer beatings. But my point is that no amount of punishment would have cured his painful stomach cramps or his ability to communicate it.
So what do we do? Of course, we'll still say "no" and "stop it" but instead of a punishment we calm ourselves and then attempt to redirect his energies and decode the situation.
I hope this helps.

I punish my ASD daughter and non-ASD son because I have to draw the line somewhere. My daughter knows when she's beating or taunting her little brother. He does it too but at least they are bonding. My daughter never plays with other kids so it looks normal when they are together. I've put them in their rooms, taken their toys or bribed them with candy. You don't need to beat your kids much to get their attention.