Impulse Control (AS)

birdie_1010

My 7 year old son with AS is really struggling with impulse control. It has always been one of his biggest challenges, behaviorally.  We have worked like crazy to teach him social skills and have tried to give him as many opportunities as possible to practice those skills with support, and fading those supports as we practice. 

However, he still struggles to generalize those skills and, it seems, as soon as he struggles with generalizing his impulses take over and he makes poor choices. As he gets older, it is just becoming more and more apparent and frankly annoying to his peers.

The good news in all this is that he is starting to recognize when his impulses are taking over. There have been several cases lately when he will say, "I am really trying to stop _______, but my body just won't let me."  During those moments, we try to give him redirection and encouragement to make the appropriate choice.  With help, he can usually get through those moments. However, we aren't always there.  I need more help learning how to give him the tools he needs when he recognizes his impulse are taking over.  How the heck do you teach impulse control?

Also, he is really starting to get "frustrated with his body" when he recognizes these moments are happening . A lot of times it takes that one little moment of impulse and turns it into a big frustrated, anxious, upset meltdown about him feeling that loss of control.  I really feel lost when he gets to that point. 

I am having such a hard time relating to him and knowing how to coach him through.  I need wisdom!