[G-Dawg]

I am at a total loss. My little boy (2 1/2 and autistic) is SO MEAN to his baby sister (10 mo) He is getting along better than ever with his older sister who is 5. He can't even be in the same room with the baby without screaming at her and pinching, or kicking, or knocking her down. It is so sad to see and it just breaks her little heart. She tries so hard to communicate with him on his terms and he is just so mean.<br><br>
Any ideas? How do I help them to have some sort of a relationship?<br><br>
TIA!<br><br>
G

 

[Leatherette]

Just a guess, but maybe big sis is able to facilitate understanding for him and work around his differences, and little sis frustrates him because she can't communicate/understand him more.<br><br>
L.

 

[hippiemom2]

Any chance of teaching them signs? Perhaps if the communication barrier could be overcome then it would help to foster a relationship. Rudimentary signs can be taught to very young children and perhaps he would like to learn with his baby sister. Especially if he learns the signs and could help teach the younger one.<br><br>
I don't know if it will help. My son was so mean to my daughter when she was born as well. It took a while before they had a relationship that didn't involve his domination and mistreatment of her. They still have lots of spats but the physical violence is becoming less and less. It has been rough and is a very frustrating situation. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"><br><br>
I hope things get better. If not, I would encourage you to try and seek out a play therapist to help them both get past this.<br><br>
Peace,<br>
Shelbi

 

[PikkuMyy]

I would post this under "special needs parenting". You'll get a lot more answers that way.