You're cooking dinner, working, or talking to someone when your child suddenly hits your arm. Sometimes, hitting is a child's way of getting attention when they haven't learned a more effective way to ask for it. For kids with autism, teaching simple requests, gentle tapping, or using an attention card can make communication easier. Giving your child regular one-on-one attention and responding when they ask appropriately can also help them learn that they don't need to hit to be noticed.