Biting and Spiting behavior in Adolescent
curiousitykitten
Hummingbird

Joined: 30 Jun 2011
Age: 32
Gender: Female
Posts: 18
Location: Massachusetts
This post is going to be short and sweet. My brother is 13 with asperger syndrome. Every summer since I've been about 13 (I'm 18 now) I've been watching him over the summer. I know this is sad, but im being totally honest here...I think he gets a little worse each year (i notice it the most during the summer because I have more time spent with him than during the school year)
I mean it could just be that what he does is less socially acceptable for a 13 year old than a 8 year old (i mean its not right for an 8 year old either...but i feel like when a 13 year old is doing this...its apparent that something is a little off)
but thats besides the point. Hes spitting, and biting himself and its disgusting. How to i reprimand him? I feel weird doing that because im just the big sister. I mean...i understand he has problems and what not...but I'm getting sick of this. He SHOULD know better...and he does because he lies about doing it when i catch him in plain site.
It really angers me. I know its a simple thing but I mean... I'm sorry. I wont accept someone spitting when they know its wrong. But I wont yell at him either because i figure thats counter productive. But I mean hes also 13...what am i going to do? Have him sit in the corner?
ughhhh I'm growing gray hairs
jojobean
Veteran

Joined: 12 Aug 2009
Age: 48
Gender: Female
Posts: 3,341
Location: In Georgia sipping a virgin pina' colada while the rest of the world is drunk
Some people with AS are prone to self injurious behavior...it is just something we do.
Possitive reinforcement works better with aspies than punnishments do.
set up a star chart,
for every day that he does not spit and bite then he gets a star and each star represents a point system....he can save up his points for something bigger or cash them in at the end of the week on something smaller
rewards dont have to be buying something but enjoying a faverate activity or taking him someplace he would really like to do.
plan ahead of time how many points equal what item or activity starting very small to big, but within your budget.
that works the best.
dont shame him for his behavior as it will likely make it worse as many stims are a result of trying to ease stress.
dont compaire him to an NT 8 year old either...he is not an NT and never will be, but you can reward possitive behavior and try to help him come up with replacement stims that are socially acceptable
hope that helps,
Jojo
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