Can Autistic Kids Learn Manners? My Answer May Surprise You

If you've ever wondered whether your autistic child should be disciplined—or felt judged by strangers when your child had a meltdown - this video is for you. Can autistic children learn manners? Should parents have expectations? What does discipline actually look like for children with complex autism? In this video, I explain why many behaviors that look like defiance may actually be the result of whole-body apraxia, a motor planning disability that affects a person's ability to intentionally start, stop, and control movement. Understanding this difference can completely change how you support your child while still maintaining loving expectations. In this video, you'll learn: • Why behavior and intentional movement are not always the same thing • How whole-body apraxia can look like "bad behavior" • Whether autistic children can learn manners • What discipline should look like for children with complex autism • Why presuming competence changes everything • Three practical strategies you can start using today If you're raising a nonspeaking, minimally speaking, or complex autistic child, my goal is to help you understand what's happening beneath the surface so you can parent with more confidence, less guilt, and greater hope. Subscribe for weekly videos on: • Complex autism • Whole-body apraxia • Nonspeaking autism • Intentional movement • Sensory processing • Regulation and meltdowns • Parent education • Occupational therapy • Communication and spelling 💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! 👍 Found this helpful? Please like and subscribe for more evidence-based strategies for parents and professionals. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on supporting children with complex autism and whole-body apraxia! IMPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson    / @drdanajohnson   🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE    • SPELLERS THE MOVIE (Documentary)   📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship. #autismtherapy #apraxia #nonverbalcommunication #telepathytapes #abatherapy #nonspeakingautism #s2c #autism #asd #autismsupport #autismtreatment #autismmom