ABA for Hitting Others in Autism

Watching your child hit you, a sibling, or a classmate is heartbreaking — and exhausting, especially when it happens every day. The good news is that hitting is one of the most well-studied behaviors in ABA, and understanding why it happens is the key to making it stop.

Why children hit others

Hitting is almost never “just aggression.” In children with autism, hitting typically serves a function: it may help a child escape a demand or overwhelming situation, get access to a toy or activity, gain attention, or express frustration when words aren’t available yet. The behavior works — someone reacts, removes the demand, or gives the item — so it keeps happening. A BCBA conducts a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to pinpoint the specific reason for your child’s hitting before any plan is designed.

How ABA reduces hitting

Once the function is clear, ABA teaches a replacement behavior that meets the same need more safely — for example, handing over a card to request a break, saying “help,” or pointing to a visual instead of hitting to communicate. At the same time, the environment is adjusted to reduce predictable triggers. Plans use positive, non-punitive strategies and are tracked closely with data so you can see progress. Related: challenging behavior and communication skills.

Frequently asked questions

This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Every child is different — a BCBA can assess your child’s specific needs. Autumn ABA serves families in all 21 NJ counties; see where we provide ABA therapy.

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