Do they do it just to do it?? | Autism PDD

We have tried to work w/ our dd on this, for a year or so now. Mostly in
hopes that it doesn't continue as she gets older, and stronger. She has
injured her sister (hit her w/ dvd case below her eye, bit through her skin
on her arm, and a few others), and this is a big concern of ours. We have
tried social stories, and continue to try this. We have some other books
on biting & hitting. All to no avail. What we have had to do, is really
monitor the situation. If we get a vocal warning (maybe a grunt, shout,
etc.) then we intervene, and separate dd from others. We let her have
some quiet time, and then do some sensory stuff (rocking horse, bounce
on ball, etc.). Nothing has worked to really prevent the hitting. I think,
like the others said, it's so many different things that lead to it, just like
her meltdowns. I think another factor is that our dd just doesn't get that
it hurts and also that it's not a socially proper thing to do. Some days are
really bad, others she does really well. This is a HUGE concern for me w/
regard to our dd & school. A typical preschool will not tolerate this
behavior.

Terry B.--our dd's behavior also escalates when it's time for meds (we see
an overall increase when her dose is too low). I have heard from other
parents that puberty is very difficult. Hormones kicking in just creates
more issues. Hope things get better for y'all soon. Take care.

Thank you for your input,she does have sensory issues,she is always wanting to be hugged or she is basicly sitting on top of you. I didnt think she was just hitting for the heck of it. I tell the teacher that she is probably looking for sensory input and not doing it to be a stinker. I am really trying to work with her to let us know that she need sensory input. Its hard to tell what the full situation is when your not there. But anyways I am glad that I wasnt going insane trying to figure out if she just hitting to hit,I knew i should go with my gut instinct.

Thanks!!

When my son hits, I sometimes think he does it to relieve something that is unbearable in his brain. I talk to the doctor about it and he feels that it can be what he calls a neurological storm that is over in minutes. Many times it is when his meds are due. It seems that he has little control then. My husband says he can see anger and aggression in our son's eyes just before he comes over and hits. It has been worse lately. Perhaps puberty stirs everything up.

Terry B. mother to Sam age 15

I think some kids hit out of frustation. Some may not have the language skills needed to clearly express their feelings. Some may not have the social maturity to know how to handle a situation with a classmate.

For other kids, it may be a sensory issue. Hitting and biting is actually common in kids with sensory dysfunction. Hitting and biting can give deep pressure that is calming to the system. Some kids with sensory issues may hit because another child is sitting to close or because they are upset by the noise level in the room.

i hit my freiends sometimes, not so much in school, but outside of school around the neghboorhood

They stopped liking me, never did i hit someone just to hit them, usually it involved them doing something i did not like, or did not want them to do, taking something of mine, im sure u understand how kids r.

Its a lack of understanding about others, your daughter knows she feels pain, but may not understand that others have feelings too, resulting in that. Kids will stop likling her if that continues. I doubt shes hitting others for no reason sometimes it may appear to be tho, as she may be 'offended' by something simple as sitting in the wrong seat er talking to someone she does not want them too.I had a quick question and probably a silly one. Do our kids hit to just hit? The school has been journaling about our dd at school each day. Well they told me she hit someone while they were in small group. And thats all the info I was given so I said we need to figure out what triggered it,so we can work on it. I get the response that nothing triggered it and that the parapro was sitting right next to her. So I guess do our kids just hit to hit or do you think something had to have triggered her to do it? Now today she hit someone because they were trying to show her the right page to be on. I think I know why she was doing that,because most kids are like dont touch my stuff and she thought that they were touching her stuff or going to take her stuff so that is why she probably hit. but just to hit to hit??? I am just wondering if there is more to it and they didnt really pay attention to what lead up to it. Sorry I can ramble sometimes

hi,

my son hits at times. Usually he hits me. when it happens, it is as if he is not connected in my world. Lately, I try the floortime approach.

When he hits me it never hurts me: so lately I start acting someting to the effect of Oh, my with a shocked and confused look. then, I have my hand up and I say

Oh, no you woke up Mr. claw and here he comes. With that it gets my child more focus. i beleive most children hit out of frustration and/or lack of having the ability to verbalize. Alos, sensory plays a big part of the situation.

gilda