Autism Q&A: Why Is My Autistic Child so Aggressive? Hitting and Violent Behavior Explained (2019)

My Autistic Child is Becoming More and More Aggressive at School: What Should I Do?

I get asked this question a lot, and when a parent says "my autistic son is becoming violent" I know IMMEDIATELY that the situation needs a remedy, or the aggressive behavior is going to get out of control FAST.

It is of paramount importance that as a teenager on the spectrum grows up, his or her parents need to know EXACTLY what to do the moment an autistic child shows aggressive behavior, and a tendency to express violence.

But before we begin answering this question, I want to tell you the story of a friend of mine... This particular boy with autism spectrum disorder was 16 years old, and he was getting MORE AND MORE aggressive at school.

To the point that he was knocking tables over, he was hitting, he was yelling, it was clear that he was REALLY out of control and things were getting WORSE...

• • • •
• • • •

If you liked this short video, you can download the first chapter of my book “Awakened by Autism” for FREE:

• • • •
• • • •

My name is Andrea Libutti and I’m a doctor, author and mother of a brilliant son, who at the age of 2 was diagnosed with severe autism.

It may sound unusual to hear someone speaking this way about this condition, but through my own medical research and family experience, I’ve discovered the keys to unlock a wonderful life for anyone who is diagnosed with autism.

Through the past ten years, I’ve devoted my life to discovering ways to reduce the overwhelm many parents feel, as well as delivering simple, straightforward advice you can use to improve your family dynamic starting right now.

[flittedacrossmybrain]

I'm sorry to hear that so many people suffer from autism, whether they be autistic individuals or the people in their lives. Your video offers an explanation for observed behavior; it also offers a possible treatment avenue, and I thinks that's great.

While hitting and violent behavior may be explained here, I think it a different matter to argue that hitting others and violent behavior toward others is excusable.

I want to tread gently here, and I don't want to be misunderstood: Persons impacted by autism are worthy of all the compassion and love due any human being. Other human beings also are worthy of all the compassion and love due any human being.

I agree with you that getting to the root of the frustration is paramount; it seems that the root of the frustration is grounded in communication difficulties.

I myself carry two diagnoses that are serious, and that can result in violent or aggressive behavior if improperly managed. Part of that management responsibility is my own. In other words, should I ever become violent or aggressive--and especially if I harm someone--it won't be because I suddenly became unable to discern right from wrong, nor will it be because I'm incapable of knowing that I'm harming someone. If an autistic person harms another person, accountability doesn't automatically become of no account. This must be part of the calculus for any prospective solution or treatment.

[Jenny-nket]

My son is 21 severly autistic hits me more than anyone else is on medication has no form of communication. Still having a really hard time getting help.

[elizabethveras]

What if they are verbal? And can tell us what the problem is. My child is becoming very aggressive only in school and its usually when he doesn't get his way.

[stephaniehack]

So my son is amazingly intelligent, yet minimally verbal and learning RPM right now. It's awesome. BUT, he is so out of control aggressive toward me - and it's all around food. He wants what he wants when he wants it. He is obese so that's not an option. He is bigger than I am and can (and does) take me down in a minute. What about that situation? How can I get him through this diet change (removing sugars and processed carbs) without him seriously injuring me?

[herintonjinna]

Why my 5 years old always bang his both side of head with his hands, try to calm him down but still doing it, everything's I do for him is not working 😢, so he stop cry and hitting his head by him himself, pls answer I need support thanks..

[SpecialStrong]

At Special Strong, we LOVE the special needs population <3 Isaiah 26:3

[joemoon]

My child was so playful and verv interactive since 1year of using doctor Oyalo herbs ….and now he is verbal and also improve in social skills, he can now communicate