Safeguarding Parents and Children

Hi,

I just wanted to ask for some advice please. My boys are both autistic age 13 and 15. Today they got into an altercation, it started verbally and then got physical to the point I had to intervene. In sort y youngest threw a punch at his older brother but got me right on the cheek bone. Its now swollen to three times its size!

So my question is this. In my sons school all teachers and assistants are trained in Team Teach (the use of safe restraining, safeguarding etc). Would anyone know if similar is offered to parents with high octane and aggressive children at all? I live in Hampshire and to my knowledge and following research there does not appear to be any courses along this line. I'm only 5ft tall and although as a body builder I am physically strong, sometimes I just don't see the punch coming! Both my boys are much taller than me now too. Perhaps if I was competent in safe restraining it may prevent the issue becoming physical full stop. It just seem crazy to me that teachers have this resource but parents don't.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Have a good day,

Rae

  • Personally I think solution is to send the kids off to martial arts lessons. The more one thinks intellectually and systematically about violence the more one realises it’s important to be selective in one’s violence. I believe this is what they mean when they talk about martial arts teaching self restraint and self control.

    or maybe sometimes kids just need a good boot to the head :p https://youtu.be/U2G37G1LcVU

  • I empathize with your situation, Rae. It's commendable that you're seeking ways to manage conflicts effectively. While formal Team Teach training for parents may not be widely available, you could consider enrolling in Safeguarding Children Level 2 training, which can provide valuable insights into understanding and managing challenging behaviors in a safe and sensitive manner. Additionally, consulting with a child psychologist or behavior specialist might offer tailored strategies for de-escalation and conflict resolution in your home. Building open lines of communication with your boys to help them express their needs and emotions can also be pivotal. Remember, seeking professional guidance and continuously working on communication and conflict resolution skills are crucial steps in creating a safe and harmonious environment for your family.

  • Hi leanne35,

    I am sorry to hear your sons are struggling.

    You may like to have a look at the following link for more information on behaviour and strategies:

    http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/understanding-behaviour.aspx

    You may be interested in seeking some professional support regarding the behaviour. You can search for professionals in your area we are aware of on the Autism Services Directory: www.autism.org.uk/directory.aspx

    You may like to contact The Autism Helpline who can provide information and advice on behaviour and strategies.  You can call them on 0808 800 4104 (Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday 9am to 3pm).Please note that the Helpline is experiencing a high volume of calls and it may take a couple of attempts before you get through to speak to an advisor.

    Hope this will be helpful,

    Mod-Federica

  • Hi Rae,

    I'm not sure if it's any help, but I work with highly autistic people, and all staff receive training in Studio 3 techniques. It's about blocking blows, or extricating yourself from hand-holds, hair-pulling, body hugs, etc.  There's info here:

    Intro to Studio 3

    I really don't know if it's available outside of professional care, but it's useful to know the techniques.

    Tom