Behavior Management Series: Hitting and Kicking

Your writing and methods, each by themselves, are absolutely fascinating. Combined they make good reading, good teaching and generate thought. Mine, toward better ways I could have taught my children, and ideas and guidance for those who still face that task.

I've always contended that all children are not born knowing very much, they need love, patience and teaching. Children with ADHD and on the Spectrum demand a very special person but without guidance for themselves, such as this, failure looms large sometime, regardless of good intent. I think you are helping a lot, I hope more people find your work, and will read and comment, because we learn from each other.

I was taught as a child to walk away when one's personal space was 'invaded'.  The problem?  The invasion came from being teased and tormented for being 'different' (read WEIRD).  I just wanted to be left alone.  Walking away didn't work as the individual (or group) would follow; all along keeping up the abuse.  Eventually I would reach my endpoint and lash out physically.  The individual whom I smacked would sometimes back off.  The group would beat me up.  Inevitably a fight would ensue no matter what.  Then when I got home, I would get in trouble and consequently punnished for fighting as the other parents' attitude was that of "not MY child!"  Add to that the prevalent attitude:  "He brings it on himself."  This kind of behavior is what led to 'Columbine'.  Times have not changed in this respect.  Children nowadays are still cruel, sadistic inhuman beasts.  I went through my ordeals 40 odd years ago.  If your child is acting out in this manner, first do NOT intervene as it will make matters worse amonsgt his/her peers.  Stand up for your child and demand a recconing from the parents AND authorities.  For your childs sake do not 'pour salt on a wound'.