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How to Reduce Aggressive Behavior in Children with Autism
Four Methods:Helping Your Child Reduce MeltdownsUsing the ABC’s of AggressionHelping Your Child Communicate to Reduce MeltdownsUnderstanding Your Child’s Unhappiness
Most autistic children are not aggressive, but many will melt down and throw enormous "tantrums" when they are exposed to difficult situations or don't get what they want. The following tips help to reduce meltdowns and improve self-control in an autistic child.
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EditSteps
EditMethod 1 of 4: Helping Your Child Reduce Meltdowns
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1It is much easier to start addressing meltdowns when the autistic person is a child. For example, a 6-year-old boy who throws himself on the floor is much easier to manage compared to a 16-year-old. Also, the child is comparatively less able to cause injury.[1]Ad -
2Come to terms with the fact that not all methods work for all children. Recognize that your child is unique and previously tried-and-tested treatments may not apply to him or her. It is therefore strongly recommended that treatment is designed by a qualified, compassionate expert. No matter how well intentioned the person, failing to develop or maintain a proper treatment regime can worsen the behaviour. -
3Create a ‘quiet space’ for your child. It is important to recognise your child may have difficulties processing and regulating multiple sights, sounds, smells and textures. Too much stimulation and your child can become stressed, overwhelmed and prone to meltdowns. In this circumstance a quiet room can help the child calm down. You can teach your child how to signal they need the quiet room after you have shown the child the benefits and purpose of the quiet room. Adding some books and toys to be used quietly can help make the room relaxing. When the child is in the room, try to leave him/her alone for a while.[2]- This can be done through the child pointing to the room, showing you a picture representing the quiet room, or by asking for it.
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4Be a positive role model. Your child observes you when you're stressed, and learns to mimic your coping behaviors. Keeping your cool, clearly expressing your feelings, and taking quiet time when you need it will help your child learn to do the same. [3] -
5Remain calm and consistent. As simple and, for parents, as difficult as this sounds, the meltdown-prone child will need a calm, stable parental figure as well as consistency from all those involved with his or her care. You will not be able to address your child’s self-control until you have control of yourself first.[4] -
6Keep to a routine. Autistic children get very distressed and agitated if they find deviation in their routine. It can feel like the order of the universe has been upended, and nothing makes sense anymore. This distress can easily lead to a meltdown. Try to maintain a clear routine, perhaps involving a picture schedule, to help your child understand how things work.[5]- If changes to have to occur, it is best to prepare your child for these changes by showing them the changes that are to be made through pictures or social stories. Explain why the change will occur. This will help your child understand what to expect and be calm when it happens.
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7Teach anger management techniques to your child, such as breathing and counting. Some autistic children do not inherently understand how to deal with anger, and thus they may break into a meltdown. Congratulate your child when they successfully demonstrate anger management techniques.
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8Create a reward system. Work with a specialist to implement a reward system so your child can be rewarded for remaining calm. Rewards can involve praise ("You did such a good job handling that crowded grocery store! That was very nice deep breathing"), gold stars on a calendar, or physical rewards. Help your child feel proud of his/her accomplishments. See how to discipline a child with autism for more information on creating reward and punishment systems.[6] -
9Sometimes, it is best to ignore bad behavior. This does not necessarily mean completely ignoring the child, but acting as if nothing was wrong. This is best applied to your child yelling, swearing or sulking. This will teach the child that the behavior is not an effective way to get attention. It helps to clearly communicate this idea, such as "I can't understand what's wrong if you're pouting back there. But if you would like to calm down a little and explain what is wrong, I would be happy to listen to you." [7]- Only call the police in extreme, physically harmful situations. Autistic people have died in the hands of the police.
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10Give your child nutritional supplements. The aggressive tendencies can be tamed by putting the child on supplements such as vitamin B6 and magnesium, DMG. Vitamin B6 helps the body prepare neurotransmitters that send signals from one cell to another which eventually helps with the brain development and functioning. This vitamin also plays a major role in making the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which can have a big influence on your child’s mood.[8]- A deficiency of this vitamin is responsible for depression, irritability, and nervousness. Similarly magnesium is essential for effective functioning of the brain.
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11Consider medication. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotic medications and mood stabilizers can be partially effective in helping children who are easily upset. However, like with any medication, there are side effects, so you must take the time to really decide if medication is the best option.[9]- There is enough research data to show that a medication by name Risperidone is quite effective for the short-term treatment of aggressive and self-injurious behaviors in children with autism. Speak with a doctor or therapist about the pros and cons of this medication.
EditMethod 2 of 4: Using the ABC’s of Aggression
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1Stay “Ahead” of the problem. Keep a record (preferably in a writing journal) of when the meltdown regularly occurs e.g. before an outing, before a bath, at bed time etc. Write down the A-B-C (antecedents, behaviours, consequences) of the problem. Doing this will allow you to figure out your child’s behaviour and what it is that you can do to help prevent and address problems as they occur.[10]- Antecedents: What were the factors leading up to the meltdown (time, date, place, and incident)? How did these factors influence the problem? Were you doing anything that was painful or upsetting to the child?
- Behaviours: What were the specific behaviours exhibited by the child?
- Consequences: What were the consequences of the child’s actions for the mentioned behaviours? What did you do as a result? What happened to the child?
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2Use the A-B-C journal to identify ‘triggers’ for your child. Then use this knowledge to teach your child the “if – then”. For example, if the child is upset that another person has broken their toy, then it is a good time to ask for help.[11] -
3Seek professional help when you have collected your ABC information. Show a therapist your A-B-C journal so they can have a good picture of your child’s behaviour in specific scenarios.
EditMethod 3 of 4: Helping Your Child Communicate to Reduce Meltdowns
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1Help your child to express themselves. By helping your child to become more communicative, you are teaching your child to better handle frustration. There are a number of ways to achieve this[12]:- Gradually work with your child to find words, signs, symbols or pictures to allow them to express what they want. If necessary, teach them a picture system or other assistive telecommunication that you both can implement so your child can express themselves to you.
- Similarly, teach your child to try to identify their own emotions and behaviors. Many autistic children have trouble understanding their feelings, and it may be helpful for them to point to pictures or learn the physical symptoms that accompany feelings. Explain that telling people how they feel (such as "The grocery store makes me scared") allows people to help fix problems (such as "You can wait outside with your big sister while I shop").
- Make it clear that if they communicate, you will listen to them. This eliminates the need for a meltdown.
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2Assume that your child wants to behave well. This is called "assuming competence" and it greatly improves autistic people's social skills. Autistic people are much more likely to open up if they feel that they will be respected.
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3Make steps easier for your child. For example if your child does not like to get dressed, break up the complex process into basic ‘one-at-a-time’ steps. This will help you understand where some of the difficulties are with your child undertaking a particular activity. As such, without even speaking, your child is communicating with you about a concern they have.[13] -
4Seek the help of a therapist. A therapist can help your child improve in their communication as well. Be sure to find one that works with children who experience autism spectrum disorder. Your doctor or many of the good autism spectrum disorder support groups will be able to help find a recommended therapist.[14]
EditMethod 4 of 4: Understanding Your Child’s Unhappiness
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1Understand that your child’s meltdown is most likely caused by something that is frustrating him or her. Autistic children don't melt down because they want to be difficult, but because of another issue they are experiencing frustration with. They may be trying to say that they cannot cope with a situation, stimulus, or routine change. They may melt down out of frustration or as a last resort if other communication attempts fail.- Meltdowns can take many forms. They may involve screaming, crying, covering ears, self-injurious behavior, or occasionally aggression.
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2Know that your actions can affect your child’s meltdowns. For example, if you continue doing something that upsets your child (such as exposing them to painful sensory stimuli or holding them down), they may lash out. Children melt down more frequently if they believe that it's the only way to make parents acknowledge their feelings and desires. It is best to acknowledge attempts at communication (even if to explain that yes, you understand that they don't like the carseat, but it's the only way to keep them safe, so they must get in). -
3Know that meltdowns will always be a part of life, but by treating your child with patience and respect, you can make meltdowns easier and less frequent.[15]Ad
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EditTips
- Stay patient. While your patience may wear thin at times, it is important to appear calm and collected so that your child will also remain calm.
- Remember that autistic people don't enjoy meltdowns. After a meltdown, your child probably feels embarrassed, ashamed, and apologetic for losing control.[16]
- Involve your child in figuring out coping strategies. This will help the child feel ownership and control over their treatment.
- Sometimes meltdowns are caused by sensory overload, which is when an autistic person experiences an overwhelming amount of sensory input. This type of meltdown is beyond the autistic person's control. It is best treated by sensory integration therapy, which decreases sensory sensitivity and allows autistic people to handle input better.
EditWarnings
- Speak with a doctor or therapist before trying any major changes to your child’s lifestyle.
EditSources and Citations
- ↑ Antai-Otong, D. (2003). Psychiatric Nursing: Biological and Behavioural Concepts. Thomson: Dallas.
- ↑ Barlow, D.H. & Durand, V.M. (2009) Abnormal Psychology: An integrative approach (5th edn). Wadsworth: CA
- ↑ http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/section_1.pdf
- ↑ Rapin, I. & Tuchman RF. (2008) Autism: definition, neurobiology, screening, diagnosis. Pediatric Clinician North America 55(5):1129–46
- ↑ O'Leary, K. D & Wilson T. (1975) Behavior Therapy: Application and Outcome, Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.
- ↑ http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa013171#t=articleTop
- ↑ http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/autism-in-real-life/201201/students-traumatized-in-special-education-across-america-seclusion-r
- ↑ http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/autism.htm
- ↑ Horner, R., Carr, E., Strain, P., Todd, A., & Reed, H. (2002). Problem behavior interventions for young children. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32(5), 423–446.
- ↑ O'Leary, K. D & Wilson T. (1975) Behavior Therapy: Application and Outcome, Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.
- ↑ Frea, W.D., Arnold, C.L., Vittimberga, G.L. (2001). A demonstration of the effects of augmentative communication on the extremely aggressive behaviour of a child with autism within an integrative preschool setting. Journal of Positive Behaviour Interventions. 3:4 194-8.
- ↑ O'Leary, K. D & Wilson T. (1975) Behavior Therapy: Application and Outcome, Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.
- ↑ Buchannan, S.M. & Weiss, M.J. (2006). Applied Behaviour Analysis and Autism: An Introduction. Autism: NJ
- ↑ http://www.everydayhealth.com/autism/managing-aggression-in-kids.aspx
- ↑ http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa013171#t=articleTop
- ↑ http://emmashopebook.com/2014/10/01/raging-screams-and-shame/
