Hello
is this child punching everyone, or just those who make demands? Are they able to commnicate in other ways?

WIth the limited information here, my first instinct is this is a child hitting people who make demands as that is the way they have to say "I don't want to do this" They need to be given other ways to communicate this. And then given praise when they do communcate in a better way.

Then you are back to the demand, as I am assuming there is not an option many times of saying "I don't want to do this" Most kids with Autism need some control, if you give them this it will go a along way. it could be choosing which color paper to do their math on (which can also address sensory needs if they exist) Also remember to use "first/ then" Works so well and helps to explain what is coming next. Always alwasy explain what is happening, any unexpected will casue fear and then hitting will be instinctual.

If the child is hitting out at everyone, could be sensory. Some kids need deep movements. try something like a heavy duty magnet and scheduled time to move it around on a metal door, or carrying a bucket of sand.

As you can see, this small question can have so much to it - hope something I have said can help!

There is a wonderful book. The 5 Point Scale by Mitzi Curtis and Kari Dunn-Buron. It is a visual to help someone with communication issues understand where they are emotionally. It can used in a variety of capacities. Love it!

I went through this with my 4.5yr old. It was a combination of emotions that are quick to flare and communication issues. Most of the time, this was because of something he did not want to do (usually playground issues with peers). Since my son is visual and loves predictability, I wrote down a list of things he could do if he felt frustrated or when someone did not play nice. Every time we go to a place where I anticipate there 'may' be conflict, we review what he CAN do if he feels a certain way. First he can say "No, thank you." Next, he can go do something else. Last, he can find me or another grown up and ask for help. This gives HIM control and choices over how he reacts to a situation that he otherwise has no control over.

My son is 8 years old with Moderate Autism. He used to hit too. Out of frustration due to communication and sensory issues. Best thing to do is to stay positive with the child. Try to find out his needs. Find an activity that the child likes, to bring his frustration toward a positive happy activity. Reward child when he/she does good on keep hand to him/herself. If this don't work try having child sit on his hands until he/she can calm down. Best of luck. This is one of the hardest struggle for any staff or parent dealing with Autism.

Thank-you. We haven't tried that yet. We will certainly try those strategies and see how it works.