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Autistic behaviors rubbing off?

LeeAnn - posted on 07/27/2009 ( 1 mom has responded )

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I have two daughters, my oldest, 2 1/2, is Autistic, and my youngest is 15 months. My oldest daughter hits herself, and plays with her poop. My youngest daughter hasn't been diagnosed, and isn't suspected to be on the spectrum, but is picking up on these and other behaviors that her sister does. She screams a lot, is beginning to hit herself, and has started playing in her diaper. I am at a loss for what to do...I know that she doesn't realize that sissy is different, and that certain things she does are unavoidable. I don't want to make huge differences in my children, but don't want my olther daughter to think it is ok to act out like this. I find myself constantly worrying that she might also be on the spectrum. My older daughter's Dr who diagnosed her said she wants my youngest to be tested @ 18 months to rule it out....any advice on how to cope, and know if this is just curiosity, or something more?

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Fiona - posted on 07/27/2009

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Wow, that's a hard one! (Semper Fi, by the way, my husband is a retired Marine). Our daughter is an only child, so I don't have any experience with this. However, I would suggest constantly trying to redirect both of your girls when they even begin to start playing with their poop. Change their diapers immediately and give them something to play with. (Distraction, distraction, distraction!) As for the screaming, when either of them do it, cover your ears and say "ouch that hurts my ears". I constantly do this with my daughter, because I am trying to get the message across to her that her loudness can bother others. Just because your older daughter may not be able to completely control her behavior, doesn't mean you can't teach your younger daughter how to behave appropriately. Just don't be hard on yourself, they are both very young! =)

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