I told my autistic son to stop following a girl around and telling her she is sexy after he got in trouble for doing it. Told him why, and explained how that stalking criminal charges could be brought against him. Explained how an arrest and criminal record would make his life exceedingly difficult.

So he doubled down and threatened the girl's boyfriend instead.

Oh I wish logic and reason applied, I would happily explain ANYTHING in extreme detail. I mean, I have.

I have no idea how to get through to this boy. School is little help, psychologists don't know or won't be bothered to know, therapists are clueless. He's high-functioning in so many ways so most are happy to ignore him--until shit like this comes up.

As a parent now myself, I've used the "because I said so" line.

I have a personal rule however. When I've used it, I make a point to sit down and explain why. It might be after we have all cooled off, or after the stress is gone.

It gives them a sense of what went wrong. In the moment, they also know they will get an explanation eventually. Lastly, it keeps me honest. No using it because I can't explain in a way that doesn't make me look bad.

It's worth noting, parenting is HARD. Our generation at least has the advantage of modern information and science. The generations before us were stuck with hearsay and hope. Recognise their mistakes, but try not too judge them too harshly for them.