Behavioral problems in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Behavioral problems in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can occur in ways that are difficult to manage by professionals, parents or caregivers. Therefore, common behavioral problems in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are:
- Refusing or ignoring requests made by professionals, parents or caregivers.
- Acting in inappropriate ways in social situations. like, Undressing in public.
- Self-harm or harm to other children. like, Biting or hitting the head.
A common question is, “Why might children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder engage in behavioral problems?”
Children and adults diagnosed with autism may engage in certain behavioral problems because they:
- They have difficulty understanding what is happening around them. like, Not understanding what others are saying or speaking to them non-verbally.
- Difficulty expressing their wants and needs, which may lead to frustration for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- Excessive anxiety because of what is happening around them in the environment.
The occurrence of behavioral problems in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may be the result of some specific triggers, Of which:
Routine
Daily routines should occur in a structured and predictable manner for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Behavioral problems can occur due to irregular daily routine. Example, The child may become upset when meal times are changed.
Transfers
Children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty understanding time and moving from one activity to another.
Sensory problems
Children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder often have sensory problems such as under-responsiveness and hyper-responsiveness. Example, Weak response to touching surfaces or certain objects. Therefore, a child with autism disorder may become upset if he is not allowed to touch. Hyperresponsiveness is discomfort from loud noises or sounds.
Unrealistic expectations
Some behavioral problems in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may occur because they are frustrated by high expectations when performing certain required skills. like, Dressing independently.
Exhaustion
The occurrence of some sleep-related disorders in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can cause some behavioral problems, so parents and caregivers must pay attention to good and adequate sleep.
Pain or illness
There can be some health problems that can cause behavioral problems in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Therefore, parents and caregivers should consult a doctor when they suspect that there are some health problems.
Other cases
Some of the health conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder may occur. such as epilepsy, anxiety, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These conditions may cause some behavioral problems, Medical evaluation is the basis for early intervention in reducing behavioral problems.
How to reduce behavioral problems in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Changing behavior requires many steps, so parents and caregivers must work to understand the problem behavior and the reasons that lead to this behavior. Here are some of the following steps to reduce behavioral problems:
Step 1: Determine the target behavior
By identifying the target behavior (problem behavior) and focusing on it. Example, The child may scream to get the attention of others.
Step 2: Determine the function of the target behavior
The target behavior (problem behavior) and when, how and where this behavior will occur must be noted. Problem behavior can occur over the weekend. Example:
the behavior: Yelling at others loudly.
Time: 4 pm , Monday, June 7th.
Place: In the car on the way home from school.
What happened before the behavior (antecedents): The father stopped at the grocery store to buy milk.
What happened next (results): The father’s attempt to calm the child, And then go home without buying milk.
In this example, The trigger appears to be a change in the child’s usual routine for returning after school.
note: Problem behavior may serve more than one function rather than just one.
Step 3: Make changes
Once the functions of problem behavior are identified, Some of the following steps may be taken to make changes in behavior:
- Use visual schedules to organize the child’s daily routine.
- The child must be prepared in advance when changing the daily routine. Example, By giving instructions verbally or through the use of pictures.
- Add social stories. Example, picture of school, Then a picture of the grocery store, Then a photo home with a social story. Like “Mama’s going to pick you up from school, Then we’ll go to the grocery store, Then we will go home.”
- Intervene gradually in environments where the child may become upset. Example, Go to the market when it is less crowded.
- Communicate with the child clearly. Example, Do not give more than one request at the same time, Use language or images that the child understands.
- the demand. Example, Teaching the child how to ask for needs through language, through signs, or through pictures.
- Planning for difficult situations. Example, Do not do some new things when the child is tired, Also providing access to the child’s favorite toys in places that are annoying to him.
- Providing immediate praise when the child performs appropriate behaviors.
Improve communication and social skills
Improving communication and social skills may reduce behavioral problems in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. By working to improve it with the specialist working with the child and including it within the individual educational plan.
Reference:
Challenging behavior & autism: 3-18 years | Raising Children Network