Have any parents out there experienced lashing out at others, especially those they care about? My daughter was diagnosed last year and is currently in ABA, showing small signs of improvement. At the same time, she has an issue with biting her hands - a behavior that unnerves me to no end. She is currently undergoing treatment at her school with a behaviorist and again, it is getting worse before it's getting better.

I am finding it difficult to relate well to others, especially those who are even trying to help and listen to me. Is this typical - has anyone had a similar experience? Any help or advice would be appreciated.

How old is your daughter? What is her dx? Yes, we have experience a lot of lashing out from our son over the years. He is 7 yo and has Asperger Syndrome (with hypotonia and sensory processing disorder). Although he is very verbal since an early age he would hit, spit, kick, bite, head butt, and crash into me causing bruises. At different times and ages he would do these things (not all at once thank goodness).

After his dx with an ASD it took two years to get back into the Regional Center and start ABA therapy. It has been amazing for us. We have been doing it for 8 months. Our most important problems that we focussed on were non-compliance and aggression. We are doing so much better. I love our behavior providers. They are the best. They totally "get" my kid and that is so important.

Sometimes I get very moody and do not like being around people. I have actually become more anti-social in some ways. I think this is due to the fact that we have so much on our minds and since other people cannot see our child's disability they think it is due to bad parenting. Before we get the dx we think we must be bad parents. So if you have had judgemental comments from family or strangers then it is typical for you not to relate well. I don't know if this is coming out the way I want to but I hope it helps. I have to go take my son out. Let me know if you need any ideas on books or other support sites. This one is pretty quiet.

MOlly

It is easy to become angry and resentful when we are under so much stress with very little understanding from those around us. I used to, and sometimes still do, beat myself up because it seemed that I should be able to have more patience and stamina as it seemed other moms around me have. I eventually realized that our lives are more stressful than a normal families and I need to take time for myself on a regular basis and cannot compare myself to other moms around me. I think you may need a break. We all have our limitations and must take care of ourselves. Can you take the weekend to go visit a relative? Go on a weekend trip with a friend? My son also has behavioral issues, OCD and tourettes. Does your daughter have ocd and/or tourettes? If you child has behavioral issues then it is even more important to take time for yourself. I know first hand that if you do not that things will only get worse.

Take care,

There are other responses to this question you have raised on your post on the Health board.

See you there.

Hi Kitty...
My son is autistic and yes..it's frustrating in so many ways...
What you are feeling is not unusual...I have a very hard time relating to others....very!
Hope it helps you to know...you are not alone...
I feel the pain of autism too.
Take care
Whats Left

My younger sister has classic autism and severe mental retardation. She always slaps herself across the face, pulls at her hair and pinches herself. But she also lashes at people more than what she does do to herself. I have scars and bruises all over my arms from trying to control her in public. It's very embarrassing and when we get home I usually burst into tears. My mom is usually stronger than I am about it, but it's still hard because of the staring and rude comments you hear from people.
My sister's hair pulling is the worst, she pulls a whole bunch out at one time and then she will cry because it hurt her and slap her face repeatedly. I don't understand why she does this and we've never looked into it but we believe it's from stress and too many people being around her at once (Like at a grocery store, or mall)