Maz
All the suggestions above sound great. I don't have a child with Autism but I do teach them so I have a bit of an understanding. What I did with
DD when she said that to me once is explain that hate is very harsh and maybe it is frustration that she is feeling. I explained frustration to her and now she says whenever she is angry with me "mummy I'm really frustrated with you!"
It sounds very sweet (well better than 'i hate you'), she is getting her feelings out and expressing her anger with out hurting herself or me.
I hope this helps, otherwise have lots of
remember you are a great mum!