Children on the spectrum think differently than others. When you communicate with them, they may not hear or understand the inflections in your voice, so it may be difficult to discipline them when they don't know what they did wrong. This can challenge traditional beliefs and make proven methods less effective.

Discipline is meant to set clear and concise boundaries, not to punish or embarrass your child. There are specific challenges that disciplining your autistic child may bring, but it is important to do because it instills valuable lessons that your child will take throughout life. If your child is yelling and having a tantrum, remember, you are in control. Your calm demeanor is a powerful tool. Do your best to stay calm and don’t raise your voice because children learn through imitation. Being calm establishes the basis of the conversation and the actions that will follow. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a step to the other side of the room. Sometimes, your child may need a little space, and unless it's a safety concern, there shouldn’t be a reason not to grant this favor.

Remember that kids on the spectrum are still kids and may engage in certain behaviors simply because of the attention they get or the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Assess each situation separately, but remember that you know your child; you know what discipline techniques work best and how to navigate their tantrums, and if you still need to learn, you will learn. By educating yourself, you will realize that through trial and error, techniques will start to become intuitive. Open yourself up to understanding that you will learn how to mitigate these issues, be patient, and know that your child could be making significant progress and then suddenly regress. This is a normal part of the process, and understanding this can help you feel more prepared and understanding. By knowing their needs, you'll have fewer tantrums, or at least tantrums that are within your control.