Thanks. I plan to research more.

If your granddaughter has not been evaluated for a possible disability of any kind, I encourage you to talk with her parents about what you have observed. Then, encourage them to seek an evaluation via the early child assessment program in your state or via the special education team at her school. If your granddaughter falls on the ASD scale, understand that much of her behavior may not be something she can control. Rather, it may be a symptom of her ASD. Professionals who understand ASD and are trained to intervene effectively with ASD will be able to help her parents and you understand what she can and can’t do. Those children who fall on the high functioning end of the ASD scale, as well as children with other mild disabilities, can learn to behave fairly well while those who are more significantly impaired may not be able to do so. Typical discipline strategies are often not appropriate for children with disabilities. Therefore, it would be helpful to consult with medical and mental health professionals who can help her parents and you learn how to respond to your granddaughter in a way that shows grace for the things she may not be able to change and teach her better ways to respond if she is able to do so.

Finally, I encourage you not to be too hard on yourself. It is very difficult to know the best way to interact with a child with a disability because each one is unique and has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Take care of yourself so you are ready to have patience and tolerance for a variety of behaviors. Your presence in her life will be very important for her health and wellness.

Melody,
I have sent your question on to Dr. Joannie to answer for you. May God bless your heart for your granddaughter.