Crasher: Needs advice/Autistic 5 year old & discipline

I have a friend w/ a 5 year old autistic son. He can speak when he chooses and its mostly understandable.

He is med/high functioning - can read, color, some math - he is very bright.

He just doesn't listen.

How can you discipline someone like that? Time-outs don't work b/c he plays in the corner by himself or sings, you can't take toys away b/c he doesn't care - or food either.

They try re-directing him but he goes right back to what he was doing. Yelling isn't working, talking sternly isn't working.

Ex: If he's playing with the window, they'll pull him away and make him count his fingers. Then he goes right back to the window.

He's fully capable of behaving better - its not the autism.

Any advice?

Re: Crasher: Needs advice/Autistic 5 year old & discipline

I personally treat DS like any other typical child when it comes to discipline. Time out does not work for all children even typical one. I know "angry eyes" do work with DS. Turning off the TV does work. Saying no does work. Do I have to repeat myself 20 times sometimes? Yes. And I will not give up until he gets it. But I think it is valid for all kids.

It's a hit and miss until you find what works.

In general, I would remove an "loved" item and tell them why.