7 Essential Autism Behavior Management Strategies
When raising an autistic child, the more autism behavior management strategies you have in your back pocket, the better.
It is perfectly normal and acceptable that a child with autism would act differently from their peers. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to mitigate unwanted behaviors and overcome some of the everyday challenges that come with the disorder.
Implementing behavior strategies with children on the spectrum is beneficial for both the caregiver and the child, and can go a long way toward helping the child navigate social situations. Below, we’re sharing some of the easiest ways to manage autism behaviors, with things that parents, teachers, and caregivers can start doing right now to help autistic children thrive.
How to Manage Autistic Child Behavior Problems
The first thing to know about how to deal with autism behaviors is that the goal is not to force obedience or punish the child in any way. Instead, behavior management strategies like those below are intended to be interventional, giving children with autism tools for success at home and school.
Here’s where to start, with simple tips and tricks for tackling behavior problems at their roots.
1. Design a Predictable Routine
A lot of problematic autism behaviors in children are simply reactions to the unpredictability of the world around them. As much as possible, try to set and stick to a routine with children on the spectrum and help bring some order to their day. You should find that there is a lot less resistance to everyday tasks when the child knows what to expect and when.
2. Give Choices
You don’t have to let the child run the show (nor should you), but you can certainly mitigate behavior problems by giving them some agency. Working within the predictable routine mentioned above, try to provide choices whenever possible, particularly with non-preferred activities.
3. Learn How to Teach an Autistic Child “No”
Is it okay to tell an autistic child no? Absolutely. But to prevent an outburst, try framing your response in a more positive tone. For example, instead of saying, “no, you can’t have a cookie before lunch,” say, “first lunch, then cookie.” Other alternatives include “not right now,” “please stop doing that,” and “we are not doing that today,” all of which give some explanation in addition to a simple refusal.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
In the same vein, try to promote positive behaviors instead of simply shutting down negative ones. Positive reinforcement, when a child is behaving well, gives them a blueprint for what you expect from them in a given situation. It also provides context for what’s acceptable – and what’s not.
5. Focus on Coping Skills
You’re never going to be able to completely eliminate problematic autism behaviors. However, what you can do is give a child a toolset for behaving in a more acceptable way. What coping skills work with a particular child depends on their unique needs and preferences, and may include things like giving them a sensory toy, providing a safe and quiet space for them, or practicing deep breaths.
6. Try to Figure out Where a Behavior Is Coming From
Be proactive with behavioral management strategies. This means looking for root causes of problem behaviors and, when possible, eliminating them or taking steps to help the child adapt. A good example of this is autistic children who lash out in response to overstimulation. Do respond to the behavior to keep everyone safe, but also try to get ahead of it by addressing their sensory needs and creating a more comfortable environment for them from the get-go.
7. Be Consistent
Whatever strategies you use to help an autistic child manage their behaviors, be sure to stay consistent with them. This is just as important as setting expectations in the first place, and will help minimize anxiety for both parties. Behaviors may still occur, but the child will know what comes next and that you’re always there to help them work through trouble spots.
In Need of Professional Support?
Our team at Autism Specialty Group works with caregivers one-on-one to come up with solutions for unwanted and/or unsafe behaviors. Our services include individual therapy for children and caregiver tools, and can help you identify not just where problems are coming from but how to mitigate them.
Please contact us today to learn more.
References:
https://ibcces.org/blog/2016/07/15/behavior-strategies/
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=160&contentid=46