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How to Understand Behaviors in Autistic Children

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When it comes to understanding an autistic child, it’s important to understand their behaviors. From a parent’s perspective, this is how to understand behaviors in autistic children.

For our second day of Autism A to Z: B is for Behavior. Specifically as it relates to autism since when someone usually thinks of behavior- you might think of something good or bad.

Where it concerns psychology, there’s also behavior training, negative behavior, positive behavior, etc. I’m also going to talk briefly about ABA (or Applied Behavior Analysis) which is one of the top scientifically proven therapies when it comes to working individuals on the autism spectrum. I’m not a certified ABA therapist, but it has been something that’s brought success for Sweet B. That isn’t to say though that it does have it’s dark side.

If you are considering ABA for your child, then I would also highly encourage you to do your research.

So I’ll clarify and say that this is more about how to understand behaviors in autistic children.

Behavior in autistic children is different. Here's how to understand behaviors in autistic children.

What is behavior?

Behavior, as defined by Miriam Webster, is as follows:

1

a :  the manner of conducting oneself

 

b :  anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation

 

c :  the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment

2
:  the way in which someone behaves; also :  an instance of such behavior
3
:  the way in which something functions or operates

Why is behavior in autistic children misunderstood?

Behavior, as I also know it when it concerns Sweet B, is more of 1B than anything. For example, she flaps her hands, rocks back and forth, makes a certain noise, etc. That’s her reaction, or behavior, in response to any given stimuli in her environment. Sometimes I just call it stimming (because that’s what it is), but it’s really behavior.
 
To others it may look odd or it may seem disruptive. But, for Sweet B, it’s her way of dealing with something and how she reacts.
For many individuals on the autism spectrum, they don’t always understand the rules and boundaries of social behavior. They may act more impulsively or inappropriately, usually as a result of a sensory regulation issue or an executive functioning issue.
Sometimes this will lead to sensory overload which will, more often than not, lead to a sensory meltdown.
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Behavior in autistic individuals is usually an indication of sensory issues. But not always. Here's how to understand the meaning behind those behaviors.

Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism

We also associate behavior with Applied Behavior Analysis. We talked about this briefly in decoding special education terms, but I want to talk about this again today.
 
The most commonly accepted and known form of ABA when it comes to Autism is the Lovaas Method. The Lovaas Model of Applied Behavior Analysis has undergone rigorous research at UCLA under the direction of Dr. Lovaas, proving its effectiveness in treating children with autism.
 
Treatment follows the procedures described by Dr. Ivar Lovaas, published along with long-term outcome data in peer-reviewed journals, and supported by additional long-term outcome research as recently as 2006.
 
The components of the Lovaas Method are as follows:
 

POSTIVE INTERACTIONS are first developed through the use of favorite activities and responding to any attempts to communicate.

MOTIVATION is encouraged through the use of familiar materials and child-specific reinforcers.

SUCCESS is promoted through positive reinforcement of successive approximations and prompting and fading procedures.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT is critical. Parents are empowered through training and collaboration to create an environment in which treatment is provided most of a child’s waking hours, at home, at school, and in the neighborhood.

REQUESTING is developed as early as possible.

Learning to talk and understand vocal LANGUAGE is considered a fundamental part of social development. IMITATION is also crucial, allowing a child to learn by observing other children learn.

And finally, social interactions and cooperative PLAY are integral to treatment. Facilitated play occurs first with siblings and then with peers during play dates and at school.

Is ABA effective with individuals with Autism? It depends on you and your family’s needs. In combination with other therapy methods, ABA has significantly helped Sweet B- both at home and in the classroom setting. Does it work for all individuals with autism? No.

Explore your options and go from there until you find what works best for your family.

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Kori

Digital Product Creator at Kori at Home
Hey there! I'm Kori, a neurodivergent mom and certified Life Coach, here to empower moms raising neurodiverse families. Diagnosed with ADHD and Autism at 37, I've turned my passion for neuronerdery into practical parenting tools. With a stack of coaching certifications and a love for 80s pop culture, Marvel movies, and all things brainy, I'm here to help you and your family thrive in this neurotypical world.

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Raquel
9 years ago

All of these are so important and I agree that ABA and parent involvement are incredibly effective in assisting children and grownups with Autism! Happy World Autism Day!