Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

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My daughter is 6 years old and was recently diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has major compulsion issues. If she sees another child in a store, she will RUN over and hug her and sometimes even knock her down. She "compulsively" pushed a 2 year old into a pool last summer and thought it was funny. Then, a few weeks later, she pushed another toddler off of a play structure and again, thought it was funny. Is this normal behavior for Autism? It seems like something else might be going on. I cannot let go of her hand in public places for fear of her just running off. She does not think first. It's almost like she is in a panic and HAS to run to something that interests her. Even at home, if I leave a drawer open a little, she will stop everything she is doing to run and shut the drawer. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of compulsive behavior and if so, what can I do to stop it?

I have no idea about the pushing thing.


I, too, am highly distracted by an open drawer, cabinet, etc. As an adult, I still will stop everything and go close these things when left open. I try my best to make it seem natural (I've learned this in adulthood). For me, it's so highly distracting because I must visually process everything in my surroundings. If something has changed, a drawer left open--especially one with haphazard things inside!--it's frustrating because I need process all of those things too. It's much easier and quicker to process a series of closed cabinets.

If she does that for any reasons like I do...I'd suggest simplifying the home as much as possible. You have no idea how frustrating and debilitating an environment can be.

I think it's scary when kids are slow to develop. But remember that kids with ASD's do need more time.

I doubt that your daughter intends to be mean. She may not even realize the impact. Have you tried teaching her very specifically what she can throw and push, and showing her, with soccer balls and frisbees and toys, with instructions what is ok and why?