@A MyAutismTeam Member My suggestion, is to lock up any items she isn't supposed to have when you're not able to have an eye on her. Then, when you can watch her, set up a point based sticker chart and roleplay by setting something out she might usually take for say two minutes and then reward her with lots of specific praise ie "great, you kept from taking ___, I really appreciate that" and a point sticker for resisting taking it. Set up special non food rewards for getting points, with low cost ones so she can get something every day and then keep a separate chart that keeps track of all the points she gets, even ones she spends, so she can save for bigger items.

Stay at only two minutes until she can resist it 100% of the time, then increase to 3 minutes and so on. Make sure you can always see her and the item, but slowly move away from her so you're eventually out of her sight. Doing this every day up to 3x per day, you'll slowly build up her impulse control.

For more information on setting up a point chart and setting up a program to help change this behavior, I recommend the book The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child. This book has helped us with modifying lots of problem behaviors.

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A MyAutis...

My grandson did that at about 12 and 13 also. I had him say in his head "Is this mine" and practicing that over and over he eventually quit. Did the same thing when he would tell on his brother. The phrase was "Is this any of my business?" It works great. He will even say Is that any of your business to me when he thinks I am overstepping his boundaries.

It's so frustrating. I just keep thinking about the future and what lies ahead for her. I want to correct this behavior before she becomes an adult. The world is not very forgiving.

My 6yo son is obsessed with Reese's cups, and has shop lifted them twice now. He doesn't even eat them! His favorite color is orange. We have them stashed everywhere now to keep him happy. I can totally see this turning into my credit card someday.

I am also curious for tricks to help him understand about other people's property.