When I say discipline, I mean- using punishment or other undesired consequences for those failing to comply with the typical rules of behavior. When my child is already distressed, physical punishment will cause further distress. When my child self-harms (banging his head on the hard floor) I don’t want to make that behavior worse. He doesn’t need physical discipline. He needs empathy and understanding. As an autistic parent, we have to get creative in our ways of teaching them right from wrong,