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Resources > Living with Autism
Challenging Behaviour and Autism
Strategies for positive behaviour support
Source: Autism Research Institute
This article addresses challenging behaviours often exhibited by individuals with autism, offering insights into their nature and effective management strategies. It defines challenging behaviours as actions that significantly interfere with daily life, encompassing a range of expressions such as self-injury, aggression, destruction of property, and non-compliance. The article clarifies that these behaviours are complex, stemming from a variety of underlying factors. These root causes can be biological, including heightened anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or undiagnosed medical conditions, which can lead to discomfort or distress. Additionally, social factors play a significant role; individuals may engage in challenging behaviours to communicate unmet needs, gain attention, escape undesirable tasks, or express frustration when conventional communication methods are insufficient. The article strongly emphasizes that challenging behaviours are primarily a form of communication, particularly for those on the autism spectrum who may struggle with verbal expression. To modify these behaviours, the article advocates for positive supports and targeted interventions. A crucial step involves understanding the specific context in which the behaviour occurs, which is vital for developing effective intervention plans. It highlights the Functional Behaviour Analysis (FBA) as a standard assessment tool used to systematically identify the triggers and functions of challenging behaviours. Treatment strategies are typically multifaceted, focusing on prevention by modifying the environment, teaching alternative replacement behaviours, and implementing consistent responses to manage the behaviour when it occurs.
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