Autism is a very intense developmental disorder, with symptoms that usually occur before the third year of age. It seems to appear more and more often, especially among males, and causes a variety of behaviors that can be frustrating and complex to manage for parents, teachers and guardians. Start with Step 1 to find out more about managing some of these challenging behaviors.
Steps
Method 1 of 9: Dealing with poor responsiveness
Step 1. Poor reactivity is a classic symptom of autism
Even the most receptive autistics struggle when it comes to intimacy and empathy. They may not know how to offer social or emotional support to others, and they may show extreme dislike and detachment. Many autistic people prefer solitary activities and fail to notice or care about the needs of others.
This lack of responsiveness is one of the reasons why autistics struggle to keep a job, live independently and take on their daily responsibilities
Step 2. Teach social skills directly
Although many children learn social skills naturally by observing and participating in groups, autistic children often need instruction. Parents and support teachers can and should spend a lot of time teaching these children how to socialize gently (often, at first, following "scripts") and how to recognize the needs and feelings of others.
Step 3. Encourage social interactions
Over time, many autistic children begin to express interest in making friends - especially if they are offered many opportunities. Take some time to organize short meetings to play, even if your child doesn't socialize well, and spend time with other children as well.
Step 4. Make sure your child interacts with "normal" children
Special education is an important part of the life of many autistic children, but your child may develop more reactive and attentive attitudes following interaction with "normal" children.
Certain school programs often offer various levels of "integration," in which children with autism spend time in regular classes. Depending on the severity of your child's autism, this option could help their responsiveness
Step 5. Avoid restraint and punishment
Don't try to force an autistic child to interact with others. In most cases, force doesn't work; moreover, it could have the opposite effect, relegating your child to loneliness. Punishments will hardly solve the problem, and your child may begin to associate social interaction and reactivity with the negative feeling of being reprimanded or punished.
Step 6. Offer lots of positive support
Instead of punishing him, encourage your child when he makes some effort to respond to others or to interact in social situations. Congratulate him, rejoice in his efforts and offer a reward - a golden star, a toy, some treats or any other motivational prize.
Method 2 of 9: Approaching communication and language problems
Step 1. Know that communication problems are typical of autism
About half of all autistic children fail to develop language skills and appropriate language. Others develop oratory skills but follow abnormal communication patterns, including echolalia - the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others, in the same tone and accent, without showing understanding or communicative intent. Additionally, autistics may exhibit some of these language problems:
- Confusing pronouns. They may regularly confuse "me" and "you", for example.
- Abstract language. They may have strange, individual and abstract linguistic patterns, understandable only by those close to them.
- Poor understanding. In addition to struggling with expressive language, autistics sometimes find it difficult or impossible to understand others when they speak.
- Frustration. Difficulties in expression and understanding often lead to intense frustration.
Step 2. Enhance your child's skills
The best approach to these problems depends on your child's abilities and the severity of his autism. If your child can't speak at all, for example, it's best to start with basic cues - even just teaching him to point out what he wants. If, on the other hand, your child expresses himself in words and phrases, you can try teaching him simple phrases.
Step 3. See a speech therapist as soon as possible
Early intervention is essential to help autistic children develop as complete a language as possible. Make sure you offer this service to your child.
Step 4. Talk to your child
Talk, even if, especially at the beginning, it should be a one-way conversation. Experience all kinds of dialogue - short sentences, longer sentences, chats, discussions, debates. Recite poetry and sing songs.
Step 5. Be a storyteller
Tell your child stories every day - especially in the evening, before he falls asleep, when he might be more receptive. Encourage him to tell his own story, whether you understand it or not; it will make him safer and less frustrated.
In general, it's best to avoid embarrassing your child. During these stories, you pretend to appreciate and understand what it is trying to express
Step 6. Use repetition
Repeat the words you want me to learn, several times every day. Label items all the time - “This is your bed. Your bed. Bed. - and reward him if he understands the word or uses it.
Step 7. Develop a visual communication system
If oral communication is very difficult for him, consider developing a visual system. Prepare pictures of the important things your child may want to communicate - for example, food, water, a book, a favorite toy, bed. Your child can then use these images to show you what they want.
Method 3 of 9: Dealing with aggressive and destructive attitudes
Step 1. Find out the cause of destructive attitudes
Children with autism may become aggressive for various reasons. Including:
- Frustration at the lack of communication. If your child cannot express something they would like to express, frustration builds. It can lead to various kinds of scenes.
- Sensory overload. Autistics can feel excessive stimulation when too many things are happening in a room. Bright lights and excessive noises can be unsettling and uncomfortable. If your child is sensitive to these stimuli, be aware that they may react violently when overloaded.
- A desire not to do something. When prompted to do something they don't want to do, your child may react aggressively or destructively.
Step 2. React calmly
If your child hits you, throws something, or behaves in other violent or destructive ways, avoid reacting by raising your voice or showing anger. Instead, calmly tell your child that their behavior is not acceptable.
Step 3. Offer help
Since these behaviors can often be due to frustration or over-stimulation, you may be able to overcome them by offering assistance. If, for example, your child is upset that you insist too much on telling him to make the bed, you could propose that they do it together. This may reduce his anger and frustration.
Step 4. Use the rewards
It can be very effective to reward your child if they perform a task or solve a complex situation. Maybe your child reacts aggressively to a medical examination but loves building models. Tell him you can build a toy car after the visit. In this way he is enticed by the prize, and it may be enough to moderate the most unpleasant aggressive behaviors.
Method 4 of 9: Preventing self-destructive attitudes
Step 1. Know that it is very common for autistics to try to harm themselves
Many of the same reasons that cause aggressive and destructive attitudes - frustration, over-stimulation and avoidance - can also lead them to harm themselves. This behavior can be very scary for parents, but it is common.
Researchers also believe that biochemical components play a role. During the self-destructive gesture, endorphins are released, which inhibit excessive pain and cause a feeling of euphoria
Step 2. Experiment with food interventions
Although the reasons are not clear, some parents have noticed that a gluten-free diet helps, as does the intake of higher doses of vitamin B6 and calcium.
- Among the most common sources of vitamin B6 we have: sunflower seeds, pistachios, fish, poultry, pork, beef, plums, raisins, bananas, avocados and spinach.
- The best sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, kale, okra, soy, white beans, and calcium-rich juices and grains.
Step 3. Encourage healthy stimuli
Some autistics rub their skin too hard to be stimulated or engage in other potentially harmful behaviors and end up hurting themselves. Take action by offering healthier forms of stimulation. The massage can work, as can scrubbing the skin gently with a brush or other soft object.
Step 4. Manage the sources of frustration
If your child's self-destructive attitude seems to stem from frustration, do what you can to deal with it. It could mean developing new communication methods, avoiding certain activities, or avoiding putting your child in overly stimulating situations.
Step 5. Be consistent
Children with autism need to know that harming themselves is neither acceptable nor permitted, that you will always intervene to stop that type of behavior. Make sure you, your teachers, and any other tutors use the same approach to stop these actions.
Method 5 of 9: Limit repetitive and rigid behaviors
Step 1. Know that repetitive and rigid behaviors are normal for autistics
Many children with autism do not engage in games or participate in conventional social interactions. Rather, they repeat gestures and become attached to specific objects and patterns. These tendencies make them more prone to rigid and repetitive behaviors, which can be frustrating for parents and teachers.
Step 2. Stick to a routine
Many children with autism thrive when they have a regular and predictable routine. Knowing when they will eat, play, study and sleep makes their days less frightening, upsetting and unpredictable, and could help curb their desire to withdraw into themselves and engage in repetitive attitudes.
Developing a new routine can be complex, so be patient. It will take some time to teach your child the routine and make him understand that it will be like this or similar every day. Your persistence will pay off - when the routine feels natural and internalized, your child's behaviors will be more manageable
Step 3. Play with your child
Try to spend more time, if possible, playing with him. Keep a relaxed and child-friendly atmosphere, and let him play however he wants - even if it should be stiff or repetitive. For example, if he likes buttons, give him plenty to play with, and join him if you can. Once the child has been indulged a little, he will be more willing to accept new proposals.
Step 4. Try the music
Some autistic children react very well to music. If you notice a lot of stiff or repetitive attitudes, try playing something sweet and pleasant. That way you could help him relax.
Step 5. Consider massage therapy
Incorporating a short massage into your child's daily routine could help promote relaxation and make them less likely to insist on repetitive and rigid behaviors. The massage doesn't have to be professional - you can do it too!
Step 6. Keep a positive attitude
If your child feels targeted, they will likely try to retreat into a lonely world and start reacting with repetitive attitudes. As a result, it's best to stay calm, kind, and positive, even when frustrated. Try not to show anger or disgust.
Step 7. Make sure your child feels valued
Tell him that he is as important as any other family member, and show him by treating him with love, respect, and generosity. When children feel secure, they are less likely to need rigid and repetitive habits.
Method 6 of 9: Discourage vulgarity and other disruptive attitudes
Step 1. Be aware that autistics sometimes make a scene
The same issues that cause other challenging behaviors - frustration, insecurity and over-stimulation - can also lead an autistic child to behave in socially unacceptable ways. They might say bad words, for example, or scream or make strange sounds.
Step 2. Keep in mind that autistics often miss social cues
They may not understand when they make others uncomfortable, and they don't necessarily recognize facial expressions or body language. It's important to understand that they don't usually bother on purpose.
Step 3. Try to ignore these behaviors
If you suspect that your child adopts these attitudes to attract attention, try to ignore them. By reacting in some way - laughing or getting angry - you give your child the attention they want, and encourage this behavior in the future.
Step 4. Check your attitude
If, for example, you don't want your child to swear, you should make sure you don't do it yourself. The "do as I say, not as I do" does not work very well with children, and for those with autism it is even more problematic.
Step 5. Take consistent action
When your child realizes that specific behavior, such as swearing, is not acceptable, you should take action - for example, you could make him go without a TV one day.
The most important aspect of this technique is consistency. If your child suspects you may not react, they tend not to stop behaving that way. Take the same steps every time, so as not to leave any doubt about your seriousness
Method 7 of 9: Handle unusual movements
Step 1. Be aware of the normality of unusual movements by autistic people
Many autistic children make unusual gestures - jumping, twirling, twisting their fingers, waving their arms, walking on toes and making strange faces. As with self-destructive behaviors, these gestures can be self-stimuli.
Step 2. Avoid scolding or teasing your child
Grooming, punishing, or teasing your child for these behaviors will only make the problem worse. Understand their potential inability to control themselves.
Step 3. Provide as much attention as possible
If you spend a lot of time interacting playfully with your child, they may have less need for self-stimulation. Teach him new games, and try to teach him to play with his imagination.
Step 4. Encourage social interactions
If your child has the opportunity to play with other children, he or she should be less inclined to bizarre movements.
Step 5. Try to distract him
If your child is waving their arms or twisting their fingers, try giving them a toy or doll. This may cause you to stop moving and distract her attention.
Step 6. Act only in case of self-destructive attitudes
React strongly only when your child is in danger of getting hurt.
Method 8 of 9: Managing food sensitivities
Step 1. Let's be realistic
Autistic individuals often have food sensitivities. They can be very picky. You need to make sure he gets the nutrition he needs, but also avoid arguing at every meal. Keep expectations reasonable.
Step 2. Distinguish between allergies and sensitivities
If your child gets sick after eating a certain food, there may be a good reason. Many autistic children suffer from gastrointestinal problems and allergies to common foods such as milk and gluten. Check with your doctor to figure out which foods to avoid altogether.
Step 3. Pay attention to your child's sensitivities
Where possible, try to identify why your child doesn't like something. Is it the consistency? The taste? Color? You may be able to give them the same ingredients in a different way, making everyone happy.
Note that children with autism may struggle, in particular, with mixed foods such as stews and stews. He often likes to touch and taste individual ingredients before deciding whether to eat them, and these dishes make it more difficult
Step 4. Be patient and persistent
Usually, children may need to try a food many times before finding it acceptable. Autistic children may need even more time. Stay calm, but keep offering these foods to your child.
Step 5. Allow your child to "play" with food
Children with autism may need to touch, smell, lick, or play with food before eating it. Don't oppose these trends by appealing to good manners. These particularities could lead your child to eat a lot of different foods.
Step 6. Involve your child in food preparation
Preparing meals can be fun, and your child may be more willing to eat what they prepare.
For example, try making pizza with your child. You can have fun kneading, making faces with the vegetables and tasting the ingredients. Eliminate certain flavors or textures as you go - if your child hates chopped tomatoes, blend them
Step 7. Offer choices
Explain to your child that it is normal not to like certain foods. Instead of placing the broccoli directly on his plate, offer a choice - broccoli, spinach or asparagus? By giving him some control, mealtime can feel less like a battle, and more like a game.
Method 9 of 9: Incorporate nutrition therapy
Step 1. Keep in mind that diet can play a role in your child's behavior
The causes of autism are not completely clear, but studies suggest, at least, that nutritional deficiencies may play a role in the disorder and its way of manifesting itself. Changing your child's diet could help you fight the most demanding attitudes related to autism.
Step 2. Increase your intake of fatty acids
Omega-3s and omega-6s are extremely important for brain development and neurological function - in fact, 20% of a newborn's brain is made up of these acids. Insufficient levels of these elements can cause many psychological problems and worsen autism.
try to incorporate small fish, meats, fish oil and cod liver oil into your child's diet. You can also add red meat to your diet, as it contains carnitine, which aids in the digestion of fatty acids
Step 3. Avoid sugar
High blood sugar levels lead to hyperactivity, and too much blood sugar risks increasing aggressive or out-of-control attitudes. Limit products that are too sugary, such as candies, ice cream, cakes …
It is especially important to avoid sugar at night, when it risks disturbing your child's sleep. The same goes for caffeine - don't give him anything that will keep him awake
Step 4. Switch to organic foods
Some studies indicate that organic fruits and vegetables are more suitable for autistic children because they contain fewer pesticides.
Step 5. Offer fresh fruit juices
They contain essential vitamins and minerals, and are a much healthier alternative to fizzy drinks and other "juices". For best results, offer juices with fruit pulp - or whole fruit directly.
Step 6. Supplement with Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
B6 is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters, and magnesium can prevent hyperactivity. Give your child a vitamin that includes 100% of the recommended daily allowance of those 2 elements.
Step 7. Use iodized salt
Low iodine levels can make your child helpless and lethargic, so include iodized salt in your daily diet.
Advice
- Consistency is very important, no matter what behaviors you are dealing with. Keep the habits, rules and consequences.
- Don't stop when you see improvements. If a particular technique seems to lead to a new acceptable behavior, don't stop! For lasting and long-term effects, I need to pursue your strategies.
- Learn about applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Therapists specializing in ABA, which is based on positive rewards for behavioral corrections, can help in managing challenging behaviors related to autism.
- Recognize the uniqueness of your child. Certain techniques that work for other children may not be effective with your child, so pay attention and focus on their strengths, weaknesses and characteristics.
