The M Word...

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Hi,

We have been living with Autism for the past several years. My daughter was diagnosed when she was about 2 and she is now 7 and a half. Last year, she started started to rock on her pubic area as if masturbating. We kind of thought this was only temporary and that she wasn't really masturbating. It pretty much stopped over the summer and then came back during the school year. We had a meeting with the teacher and therapists this morning to discuss ways of treating this behavior and at least only allow it in a private setting. Has anyone had this problem and found ways to curb or modify this behavior? If so, I would really appreciate feedback.

Thanks!

Bot my boys went through this, one is NT and is 6 yo and the other is 4 and is ASD. We drilled in in their heads that they can only "play with it" in their rooms. So far they have been doing that. I don't think it was anxiety related for them though. I think they just liked the way it felt.

It might be stress related, especially if it disappeared during the summer. I read a post or article abt a similar situation totally unrelated to self pleasure, but can't remember where or what the title was. Even being stress related it does need to be taken care of privately. Anyway, you might want to look into that aspect.

Is she verbal? Does she respond to verbal cues?

"Privates in private" worked with my son. Any contact in public places in our home was met with the phrase, followed by removing him to his bedroom and closing the door. He was told he could come out when he was finished. All very matter-of-fact and unemotional.

My daughter is 10. Same deal. We have been successful getting her to only mess around like that at home in her room or the bathroom.

It really has just been exaggeration and repetition for us. At first we thought to not give any attention. But its apparently compelling on its own. So that did not work.

So we raise our voice (not yell) Ohh Noo not here! remove and rinse her hands. We dont yell, we don't punish, we do make sure through our actions and words it is clear that there are places it is not acceptable.

The issue is intermittent at worst now. She does like to give that area extra attention. But I cant really remember the last time we had to correct her in a common area.

It does take time and patience though. Calm but Assertive.

Just what has had some success with us.