My son is eight and I would like to present the idea of guns and safety to him. He is low level (asperger's) autistic. He does have a anger issues as well, but is very smart. My wife and I both carry but he does not know this, he has never seen a pistol but has seen rifles and shotguns I have in my office ( of course without ammo available) and we keep our pistols in safes except for my wife, she keep in her purse but put away from his reach
I would like to teach him gun safety and maybe test him on some scenarios of finding a gun. He has never asked about my rifles nor given them second notice, so I not sure of his response on finding a gun. but I do not want him pointing out my carrying while in public, only time will tell when he figures this out. He is home-schooled so he is protected from the gun playing roles that children play and is not allowed to watch much TV other than cartoons (which are probably more violent than cops)
Thanks for your input,
Bill
Gun Safety with an Autistic child
Moderator: carlson1
Gun Safety with an Autistic child
retired CHL Instructor
The anger part is what I would worry about.
The other thing I would worry about is "She keeps it put away from his reach" as this is impossible.
Nice coffee site......what about carrying K-Cups?
The other thing I would worry about is "She keeps it put away from his reach" as this is impossible.
Nice coffee site......what about carrying K-Cups?
Alan - ANYTHING I write is MY OPINION only.
Certified Curmudgeon - But, my German Shepherd loves me!
NRA-Life, USN '65-'69 & '73-'79: RM1
1911's RULE!
Certified Curmudgeon - But, my German Shepherd loves me!
NRA-Life, USN '65-'69 & '73-'79: RM1
1911's RULE!
I'm not sure what your question is, so I'll just babble. 
You can test the found weapon scenario with a replica pistol such as AirSoft. They are quite realistic-looking. You could also teach him to shoot that, with the provision that it is treated like a real weapon.
For actual shooting, I recommend starting with a BB rifle. It is much easier for the instructor to control the muzzle of a long gun. Then he can graduate to a bolt-action rifle, shooting prone at first.
That's how I learned to shoot, at age 10, and the lessons stuck with me for life.
- Jim
You can test the found weapon scenario with a replica pistol such as AirSoft. They are quite realistic-looking. You could also teach him to shoot that, with the provision that it is treated like a real weapon.
For actual shooting, I recommend starting with a BB rifle. It is much easier for the instructor to control the muzzle of a long gun. Then he can graduate to a bolt-action rifle, shooting prone at first.
That's how I learned to shoot, at age 10, and the lessons stuck with me for life.
- Jim
Last edited by seamusTX on Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:04 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
Charles L. Cotton
- Site Admin
- Posts: 17788
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 9:31 pm
- Location: Friendswood, TX
- Contact:
I would love to be able to offer advice, but I'm not qualified. Perhaps there is someone on the forum that has experience with children with these issues that can help.
I too would be concerned about leaving the pistol in a purse. One of my earliest memories is as a child between 2 and 3 years old. I opened the drawers of my parents' dresser and used them as steps to get to the top drawer and my Dad's S&W Model 10. I took the gun out, unloaded it, played with it, then put it back fully loaded.
When I finally told my Dad about this when I was about 15 years old, he turned so pale I thought he was going to faint.
If she wants to keep a gun relatively accessible, perhaps she could consider a semi-auto and keep the mag in her pocket at all times. This isn't a perfect solution, but if your son is a climber like I was, at least he won't find a loaded gun.
Chas.
I too would be concerned about leaving the pistol in a purse. One of my earliest memories is as a child between 2 and 3 years old. I opened the drawers of my parents' dresser and used them as steps to get to the top drawer and my Dad's S&W Model 10. I took the gun out, unloaded it, played with it, then put it back fully loaded.
When I finally told my Dad about this when I was about 15 years old, he turned so pale I thought he was going to faint.
If she wants to keep a gun relatively accessible, perhaps she could consider a semi-auto and keep the mag in her pocket at all times. This isn't a perfect solution, but if your son is a climber like I was, at least he won't find a loaded gun.
Chas.
I would consider this statement:
"He is home-schooled so he is protected from the gun playing roles that children play and is not allowed to watch..." the biggest concern. I infer from it you are going out of your way to keep him from anything that tends to encourage or involve any type of fighting play.
That you believe this is necessary makes me uncomfortable. Since autism is such a broad term, and you mention anger issues, and you seem to keep him isolated, I would suggest you not seek advice on a public forum from strangers, and seek support in person, preferably from some one who knows your kid.
"He is home-schooled so he is protected from the gun playing roles that children play and is not allowed to watch..." the biggest concern. I infer from it you are going out of your way to keep him from anything that tends to encourage or involve any type of fighting play.
That you believe this is necessary makes me uncomfortable. Since autism is such a broad term, and you mention anger issues, and you seem to keep him isolated, I would suggest you not seek advice on a public forum from strangers, and seek support in person, preferably from some one who knows your kid.
Last edited by mcub on Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
My 11 yr old brother was diagnosed with Asbergersa few years ago. He was telling my dad that he wanted a BB gun, so last time i went on leave i bought a little bolt-action single shot .22lr and brought it down with me. I spent a week teaching him how to clean it and take care of it and also of course gun safety. I honestly trust that kid with a rifle more than i would 90% of people 2x his age. He is no less capable of being safe than any other child. Plus he absolutely loves the rifle and understands that it isnt a toy and that a mistake could seriously harm another person or himself.
PS. He has some anger issues as well, definately not violent by any means but he lets things build up and then throws a big fit. I wouldnt worry about it, just make sure its in the safe, locked away when not in use and you guys should have a lot of fun.
PS. He has some anger issues as well, definately not violent by any means but he lets things build up and then throws a big fit. I wouldnt worry about it, just make sure its in the safe, locked away when not in use and you guys should have a lot of fun.
USAF
SSgt, Combat Arms
NRA Member
ND CCL Holder
"I've got a firm policy on gun control. If there's a gun around, I want to be the one controlling it." -Clint Eastwood
Μολών λαβέ!
Sadly I lost all my guns in a boating accident in the Gulf of Mexico :(
SSgt, Combat Arms
NRA Member
ND CCL Holder
"I've got a firm policy on gun control. If there's a gun around, I want to be the one controlling it." -Clint Eastwood
Μολών λαβέ!
Sadly I lost all my guns in a boating accident in the Gulf of Mexico :(
VP may have a response here. What she says I would reall listen too.
Carry 24-7 or guess right.
CHL Instructor. http://www.pdtraining.us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA/TSRA Life Member - TFC Member #11
I will ask my wife when she gets home from school. She's a special ed teacher that specialises in autistic kids.
From what little I've picked up with Aspergers, you have to be very verbose with them regarding what's expected of them. I'll get details from my wife when she gets home.
From what little I've picked up with Aspergers, you have to be very verbose with them regarding what's expected of them. I'll get details from my wife when she gets home.
.השואה... לעולם לא עוד
Holocaust... Never Again.
Some people create their own storms and get upset when it rains.
--anonymous
Holocaust... Never Again.
Some people create their own storms and get upset when it rains.
--anonymous
-
stevie_d_64
- Senior Member
- Posts: 7590
- Joined: Fri Mar 04, 2005 11:17 pm
- Location: 77504
I'm kinda with Charles on this one...But I am not sure exactly what this affliction does to a kid...
The one question (I have) is; does it (affliction and activity) amplify the needs and desires a child has, and if they are exposed to something like shooting, and the control it instills, and how much fun the activity is...
If the child is more prone (due to the condition) to react negatively if they don't get it (or do it) right away, when they wish to do it???
I'm concerned that this may not be an activity worth pursuing, unfortunately...
Like I said, I am not at all aware of what the condition does to a person...Obviously we want to believe that an activity like this helps...I hope I am wrong about my concerns...And if you took this to a professional, obviously they are probably going to say no and keep the child on finger paints or some other form of benign (keep them in the dark) activity...
Again, just my two cents worth...
The one question (I have) is; does it (affliction and activity) amplify the needs and desires a child has, and if they are exposed to something like shooting, and the control it instills, and how much fun the activity is...
If the child is more prone (due to the condition) to react negatively if they don't get it (or do it) right away, when they wish to do it???
I'm concerned that this may not be an activity worth pursuing, unfortunately...
Like I said, I am not at all aware of what the condition does to a person...Obviously we want to believe that an activity like this helps...I hope I am wrong about my concerns...And if you took this to a professional, obviously they are probably going to say no and keep the child on finger paints or some other form of benign (keep them in the dark) activity...
Again, just my two cents worth...
"Perseverance and Preparedness triumph over Procrastination and Paranoia every time.” -- Steve
NRA - Life Member
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"
Μολών λαβέ!
NRA - Life Member
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"
Μολών λαβέ!
thanks for the replies, I am also nervous about being in reach, but Zach has never been one to go through our things, our daughter was the same way now 15. My wife really likes her SW 637 but going to the safe as much as she is in and out of the house would surely let on to what she is doing.
MCUB, I did not mean to sound like he is locked in his room with the curtains drawn, but we are proactive in what our children see on TV and not much of it is any good. He does have superheros and all the kid stuff but he is not on the same emotional level we were eight, so we are a little more careful.
seamusTX, I think you may have a good idea with the airsoft, just to see how he reacts.
Please everyone do get me wrong, I am not looking for specific answers but just ideas to kick around. I really do appreciate your remarks
AFJailor, I do have a pellet gun, so this might be a road travels. I am not sure about a 22 or anything that has a loud noise, that just one of his little things
Bill
MCUB, I did not mean to sound like he is locked in his room with the curtains drawn, but we are proactive in what our children see on TV and not much of it is any good. He does have superheros and all the kid stuff but he is not on the same emotional level we were eight, so we are a little more careful.
seamusTX, I think you may have a good idea with the airsoft, just to see how he reacts.
Please everyone do get me wrong, I am not looking for specific answers but just ideas to kick around. I really do appreciate your remarks
AFJailor, I do have a pellet gun, so this might be a road travels. I am not sure about a 22 or anything that has a loud noise, that just one of his little things
Bill
retired CHL Instructor
-
ShootingStar
- Member
- Posts: 94
- Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:51 pm
- Location: Friendswood
Bill,
I have seen some good advice here and the Airsoft is great. I have a son that has downs and he will never be able to handle the responsiblity of firearms. I have a 1911 Airsoft pistol that I sometimes let him shoot and I use the opportunity to reinforce what he should do if he finds a firearm laying around at someone else's house.
In my situation, I don't think that my son would mess with my guns if he found one in reach. I'm as sure as I can be about that. However, I have decided that I could never take that chance. Both me and my wife keep our guns on our bodies or locked up whether at home or out. There is no other way of being 100% sure that he would not get his hands on a gun.
Personally, I think the Airsoft is a good way to test the waters IF you think he may someday be able to safely handle a firearm. Even if my son didn't have downs, I would still observe the same safe storage procedures as I do now. There are some things you just can't risk being wrong about.
-ss
I have seen some good advice here and the Airsoft is great. I have a son that has downs and he will never be able to handle the responsiblity of firearms. I have a 1911 Airsoft pistol that I sometimes let him shoot and I use the opportunity to reinforce what he should do if he finds a firearm laying around at someone else's house.
In my situation, I don't think that my son would mess with my guns if he found one in reach. I'm as sure as I can be about that. However, I have decided that I could never take that chance. Both me and my wife keep our guns on our bodies or locked up whether at home or out. There is no other way of being 100% sure that he would not get his hands on a gun.
Personally, I think the Airsoft is a good way to test the waters IF you think he may someday be able to safely handle a firearm. Even if my son didn't have downs, I would still observe the same safe storage procedures as I do now. There are some things you just can't risk being wrong about.
-ss
A democracy is a sheep and two wolves deciding on what to have for lunch. A Republic is a well armed sheep contesting the results of the decision. - Benjamin Franklin
I have a grand daughter with Autism (sp). She was just diagnosed 6 months ago. She is also just 4 years old. This is just to say that I'm by no means an expert.
With that said, we have gone to several learning sessions with various experts to learn how to deal with this affliction. In every thing that I've learned is they have to have a set routine. This can include most anything as long as its a constant. Any variation will cause some conflict in their mind. This could I suppose include shooting as long as you keep it a constant routine.
This also applies to where things are placed. Again, a routine. If it's placed in the same spot every time, there is no reason for them to explore or to move it.
Again, I'm far from an expert, but have spent a lot of time and money lately with so called experts and this is what they have told us over and over.
With that said, we have gone to several learning sessions with various experts to learn how to deal with this affliction. In every thing that I've learned is they have to have a set routine. This can include most anything as long as its a constant. Any variation will cause some conflict in their mind. This could I suppose include shooting as long as you keep it a constant routine.
This also applies to where things are placed. Again, a routine. If it's placed in the same spot every time, there is no reason for them to explore or to move it.
Again, I'm far from an expert, but have spent a lot of time and money lately with so called experts and this is what they have told us over and over.
NRA-Benefactor Life member
TSRA-Life member
TSRA-Life member
Here's the skinny from my wife:
PM me if you want, my wife offered to speak directly to you if you have other questions. I'll figure out how to get the two of you together.Nitrogen's Wife wrote: You'll probably want to do what's called a "Social Story" with him. Basically, explain, in detail what your guns are, how they work, how they are dangerous, what they are used for, and what can happen if he touches them without you around. You'll have to be very detailed with him. Most autistic kids can't infer, or "read between the lines" so be very thorough with him.
.השואה... לעולם לא עוד
Holocaust... Never Again.
Some people create their own storms and get upset when it rains.
--anonymous
Holocaust... Never Again.
Some people create their own storms and get upset when it rains.
--anonymous
I teach children in special education. Most of my students have learning disabilities, but I currently have one with autism. (I have taught several others with autism or PDD in the past.)
Everything depends on the individual child. My biggest concern would be his anger. I don't think that a child that age fully understands life and death. If he were to lose control of himself at the range, that could be a bad situation.
I would take seamus's idea and start with an airsoft, or even a toy gun. If I were to pinpoint a general strength shared by my past AU students, it would be that they are so literal! They take you at your exact word. It wouldn't surprise me if he called you out for breaking one of the rules.
Start him with a toy gun. Teach him the four rules and see how he does. Graduate to an airsoft gun or something similar. Re-teach the rules on that gun. Make a game out of hitting the target with emphasis that the muzzle only points downrange.
Keep him on the airsoft for awhile.
Again, only you know this child. I've taught many children. Some I would take to the range in a heartbeat; some I wouldn't let anywhere near a gun. Start slow. If he can take directions, obey you, and control his emotions, he may be fine.
Everything depends on the individual child. My biggest concern would be his anger. I don't think that a child that age fully understands life and death. If he were to lose control of himself at the range, that could be a bad situation.
I would take seamus's idea and start with an airsoft, or even a toy gun. If I were to pinpoint a general strength shared by my past AU students, it would be that they are so literal! They take you at your exact word. It wouldn't surprise me if he called you out for breaking one of the rules.
Start him with a toy gun. Teach him the four rules and see how he does. Graduate to an airsoft gun or something similar. Re-teach the rules on that gun. Make a game out of hitting the target with emphasis that the muzzle only points downrange.
Keep him on the airsoft for awhile.
Again, only you know this child. I've taught many children. Some I would take to the range in a heartbeat; some I wouldn't let anywhere near a gun. Start slow. If he can take directions, obey you, and control his emotions, he may be fine.
"If a man breaks in your house, he ain't there for iced tea." Mom & Dad.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
Ummmm.... Nope! Dont do it.
I'm sorry. I may be insensitive. I can't help that and I won't apologize. I don't want anyone that is the least bit "questionable as to anger issue's or mental issues" with a piece of Iron around me or mine.
I understand all the nice stuff that people with disabilities have to offer BUT not when that may affect me, my family, or my kinsmen. I realize I am not getting any friends with this. I speak the truth as I see it. I don't sugar coat things.
Too many kids with "anger management" issues are in the news. Keep your weapons safe. Were I in your situation-the kid wouldn't get any firearms privileges. Do you want that possibility on your soul? I truly lament the joy of shooting trips with your child. You couldn't ice skate with a paraplegic either. Somethings are just cold hard facts.
My condolences.
I understand all the nice stuff that people with disabilities have to offer BUT not when that may affect me, my family, or my kinsmen. I realize I am not getting any friends with this. I speak the truth as I see it. I don't sugar coat things.
Too many kids with "anger management" issues are in the news. Keep your weapons safe. Were I in your situation-the kid wouldn't get any firearms privileges. Do you want that possibility on your soul? I truly lament the joy of shooting trips with your child. You couldn't ice skate with a paraplegic either. Somethings are just cold hard facts.
My condolences.