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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Woodbridge, VA

My son has a new obsession and it is words. He used the word dynamic for everything, but now he has a new word and that word is pedophile. After asking him a hundred questions about why he is using this word, and making sure nothing happened to him, I am stuck. He heard the word on youtube, and is obsessed with it. I have tried to explain what the word means and asked him not to use it anymore unless someone has touched him inappropriately, but he is still saying it. How can I make him… read more

April 8, 2013
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent struggling with their child's inappropriate use of the word 'pedophile,' with the overwhelming consensus being... Read more

Members rallied around a parent struggling with their child's inappropriate use of the word 'pedophile,' with the overwhelming consensus being that ignoring the behavior rather than reacting to it is the most effective strategy, since any attention (positive or negative) tends to reinforce the fixation. Several members shared relatable and often humorous stories of their own children becoming obsessed with inappropriate words or phrases, explaining that this is a common phase where children latch onto words that get strong reactions, and typically move on to something else once the word loses its power. A recurring theme was the importance of briefly explaining why certain words are harmful, then shifting focus away from the behavior entirely, trusting that the obsession will fade naturally without the fuel of parental distress or attention.

A MyAutismTeam Member

Ok I will admit if it wasn't a problem it would be funny. Sometimes you just have to laugh... of course the problem is if he is still doing it you don't want to laugh. I assume that you explained what the word means you could try reading him the story the boy who cried wolf which explains why we only use certain words at certain times. You could try giving him an alternate word. if nither of those work then he might be doing it just to get attention and you might have to ignore it until he latches on to something else.

April 9, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

A new thing my son has started doing is smelling me. I do not work, I stay home with him all day except when he is at school. When his father comes home from work I usually leave and go to the store or get the mail for about 15-30 minutes(break time for me.) Every time I come back home he runs over to me and gives me a big hug and starts to smell me. I believe he can not express in words that he missed me so he uses his senses to communicate it with me. I feel so loved by him when he does this. Maybe your child missed you so much but could not express it in words. What a beautiful thing in my eyes : )

April 8, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Well if he was swearing, I would say totally ignore it because any attention (positive or negative) will make it worse every time you give a reaction. I can understand where this is somewhat different but I think I'd still say ignoring it is your best option. I guess you could try doing a "swear jar" type thing. After all if someone was touching him inappropriately there are plenty of other words he could use to tell you so I don't think making it off limits would be terrible either.

April 8, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

@A MyAutismTeam Member Finding the humor must be the answer!!! I felt good when I laughed about it. I felt angry when I was embarrassed or upset by it. Our bodies are always telling us through our emotions what the right answers are, we just need to listen!!! That tampon story is hilarious, I was laughing at loud literally.

April 9, 2013 (edited)
A MyAutismTeam Member

@Christywoolen that story is classic! ASD or not, every child has said or done something embarassing to their parents in a store or other public place. Just ignore the stares and get on with you tasks. Without going into too much detail, i am not ASD and embarrassed my mother in the store one time at the age of 4 by insisting to an older gentleman that the sticks of chalk were supposed to shoved up inside your peepee (i must have seen my mother use a tampon or something).

April 9, 2013

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