physically restraining a vioent autistic child?

[jennybensmummy]

has anyone got any tips, ben is 3 but the size of a 5 year old really and veyr very strong and extremely violent and a lot of self harm, does anyone have any tips of how i can safely physically restrain him?

Agree with donkeyderby.

jennybens happy to help with GF (have 2 on it) as I am sur others will be

You can get GF tortilas easy for a start, just look for the corn ones if he likes wraps, DS4 loves them (I cut them into fish shapes, PFB is Fourth baby here LOL)

Let us know what help you need

Yes, it is incredibly hard to get Team Teach training for parents. I did almost organise a course once direct with a trainer but I flaked out and didn't get round to it as it needs a certain number of hours over x days, do people want it all at once, spread over several weeks, what hours can they do, where to do it blah blah. It should be easier to access.
I know this may not be helpful now and you might want to scream, but how are things going with Communication? Your child is young so hopefully has some way to go with communicating which will definitely help. But I know that its easier said than done, especially when you are managing and fire fighting. Are you being given any support with teaching Pecs, receptive language, Makaton etc? How about an Earlybird course too?
It also seems like the diet would be worth a go and you could certainly get lot of help here from Peachy and others.

You should be careful with what you're giving instructions to do. This can also be used in adults of the same size. I find this irresponsible in the fact that you are telling people how to restrain instead of responding first. Assess the risk... Do they need restrained or held. Do they need pressure point stimulus or being physically overpowered. You should only ever restrain a child if they, you or anyone else is at risk of being harmed. Not because it stops there emotional outburst. Helping them to be angry without them harming anyone is the way to go. Yes restraint gains control but its a form of stimulation you don't want to encourage. As it will become more difficult to maintain without you becoming angry. All that energy will manifest with your own bodies responses over a long term basis. You will end up regretting using your knowledge and power that way.

Do you use symbols as a form of communication with your son? If he is sensitive to stimulation (other than his own) try going non verbal and showing your son a safe environment in which he can let out his frustration. It gives him the ability to seek the sensory stimuli he requires but in a controlled and safe manner.

I tried this working with a child for 5 years who head bangs and head butts. I have used portable options such as large cushion, beanbags, duvets and mats, placed them in close by and shown a symbol of a pillow to indicate where is safe. It worked very well, granted it is an extremely hard habit to change but it kept him as safe as possible and also the others around him.
Hope this helps even a little.