Reducing aggressive behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
The writer recounts his visit to an autism clinic in Albania, It is one of the countries that lacks the most capabilities and resources. My encounter was with a three-year-old girl who was undergoing clinical evaluation for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. It is clear to us that the child wanted her parents to stop talking to us and leave the clinic. So the little girl bit and kicked her father and then started hitting her head. This child was trying to talk to her parents about her interests, but she was speechless. As aggression was her way of communicating her needs to her parents.
Regardless of the age of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, some may behave aggressively. As this may affect the individuals around him. Aggression is among the most common challenges that may greatly affect parents of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder.
What can help reduce aggressive behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorder?
Parents should work with the multidisciplinary team through four stages to reduce and limit aggression in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The four stages include: Identify, understand, manage, protection
Selection
Identification is the description of the behavioral problem. Parents and professionals can note the form of aggression an individual displays as well as the time and place where this behavior occurs.
Understanding
Behavior analysts often use functional behavioral assessment tools to explain and understand the causes of behavior. In other words, what is the function of this behavior produced by an individual with autism spectrum disorder? Does he tell you he doesn’t like what he does? Does the individual with ASD tell you in your classroom that this work is too complicated? Does an individual with autism spectrum disorder want something they can’t have? Identifying the communication behind the behavior is the first step to teaching appropriate behaviors that can serve the individual’s needs and desires.
in addition to, Some underlying problems can lead to aggression in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, Of which:
- Breaking the routine
- Sleep disorders
- Sensory stimuli (noise, high lights, smells)
- Health problems
Therefore, it is important to look at the behavior to determine the underlying cause of aggressive behaviors.
The Applied Behavior Approach (ABA) helps individuals with autism spectrum disorder learn appropriate and effective behaviors and reduce unwanted behaviors so that it is easier for the individual to communicate his or her wants and needs. Research has shown the effectiveness of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach in reducing aggressive behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
When the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis in reducing aggressive behaviors is reduced, it is important to consider other medical conditions associated with the individual with autism spectrum disorder. For example, Sleep disorders and gastrointestinal disorders can be associated with autism spectrum disorder, and treating these medical conditions can make the difference in reducing aggressive behaviors. Therefore, parents must notice their child with autism spectrum disorder when sudden aggressive behaviors appear, as the individual may suffer from pain, illness, or fatigue.
Medications have been used successfully to reduce aggressive and self-injurious behaviors in children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Risperidone has undergone, In particular extensive testing. Risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify) are both approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe agitation in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Include, Aggressive behaviors, tantrums, and self-harm behaviors. A recent study shows that combining parent training in behavioral intervention with risperidone may reduce tantrums and other unwanted behaviors in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to a greater degree than medication alone.
protection
Prevention is the last stage of the four stages and includes some strategies to reduce aggressive behaviors by working with specialists and teachers to create a good environment that can be predicted for an individual with autism spectrum disorder. Also include visual schedules and structured timetables as both help ease transitions between activities. Parents and teachers can also use immediate reinforcement of positive behavior for the individual with ASD.
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