Help to stop the whining?

[antwaun f]

I am in the process of starting up my own daycare from home. My first and only child I care for is 17 mos. His parents have told me he has some very mild autism. However I dont know too much about it. But he doesnt use any words...just dadadada type of words still. And he whines non stop. I have cared for many many children over the years and I have NEVER heard a child whine for literally 50 mins of every hour. Non stop. I try to ignore it, in hopes that it will stop the issue, and have told his mother of what my tactic to stop the whining is. She says its a good idea and is supportive. however she says she does the same...and by now i feel as though if she was ACTUALLY doing the same at home the problem would have subsided a great deal (as per my experience with past children) rather than her rushing over to pick him up. So i'm wondering if anyone can give me ideas on how to stop his whining. I am about the most patient person in the world, and I'm at my wits end. Everyday I think "I cant do this another day" (yes, it's THAT bad). So PLEASE PLEASE help!!