Challenging behaviour can be looked at as a way of communication. It tells us that something is not working. Some behaviours are adapted by individuals to manage the situations that are overwhelming to them. Some such adapted behaviours are screaming/ shouting, self-harm, hitting or kicking out. One may see that after the challenging behaviour the individual becomes calm.
The appropriate way to address the challenging behaviour is by identifying the function of the behaviour. Once the function is analysed, a person centred strategy can be devised to manage and redirect such behaviours.
A negative behaviour which is unhelpful / inappropriate can be replaced by adapting more helpful strategies. For e.g. an individual seeking negative attention when bored can be supported to devise a good time-table and given intentional positive attention when s/he is engaged in appropriate way and ignored when behaves inappropriately. Parents/ care givers can approach qualified professionals when they have individuals with challenging behaviours. A thorough functional assessment is helpful to devise a person centred plan for management of such behaviours.
How to manage Challenging Behaviour in a person living with Autism
- Try to find out what is the cause – what triggered the behaviour?
- What is the person trying to tell you?
- Find out what helps the person with Autism to feel better?
- Engage the individual with activities that are meaningful (to them).
- Be consistent in your actions
- Do not react with anger
- Continue to show that you care
- Contact support groups and social services for support and guidance.