biting - Autism Spectrum Message Board

class2009 · 05-05-2009, 05:58 PM

I work with a 14 year old boy who is a biter. He bites when startled by loud noises or intrusion into his personal space. But he also holds 'grudges' against children who have screamed days before and may bite them on a day when they are quiet. He often avoids tasks by asking for a break and the last time, I tried using 'first/then' with him but he got too agitated and bit.
When he bites, it is hard. He often breaks skin. He seems very angry when he bites. Social stories do not seem to be helping him.

Any suggestions?

Mira11 · 05-05-2009, 10:33 PM

This is very difficult and at 14 he is at the onset of adolescence when the hormones can make this kind of impulse control even worse.

I would strongly suggest getting a team of professionals/parents together to try to create a behavior management plan. And it's also very possible that at his age, medication to help control his impulses may be needed. For my son they were a necessity and helped open doors for him to understand his behaviors.