Ten Ways To Address Challenging Behaviours In Children With Autism Toronto
Do you have a child that sits on the sidewalk and refuses to walk when asked? How about a toddler that topples into a tumultuous tantrum at the mere suggestion that they can’t have all the treats while grocery shopping? Kids can be a handful when worked up. Neurodivergent children are no exception. It requires patience, understanding, and a customized approach to address challenging behaviours in children with autism. These actions can stem from a wide array of reasons, including sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, or social challenges. With a little knowhow, you can better navigate these mood swings and fits of rage before they rear their angry little heads.
Here are ten useful strategies to help reduce and manage challenging behaviours in children with autism Toronto.
- Using Positive Reinforcement
A treat, a hug, a high-five, or an encouraging word after a job well done can go a long way. Rewarding desired behaviours to encourage their repetition is the crux of what positive reinforcement is all about. Rewards can be verbal, like praise or acknowledgement, or physical, like stickers or toys. It can also be as simple as extra playtime or other motivators that are meaningful to the child. This technique allows children to understand which behaviours are acceptable and sets the stage for repetition of their positive actions.
- Teaching Communication Skills
How many times have you gotten angry simply because you cannot accurately articulate your feelings at that given moment? Children with autism face the same obstacle. Communication difficulties and the frustration they stem from are the root of many challenging behaviours in children. Teaching children alternative communication methods, such as picture exchange communication systems (PECS), sign language, or making use of augmentative communication devices can help. These act to significantly reduce undesirable behaviours by providing children with effective ways to express their needs and desires.
- Understanding The Behaviour
It’s important to look at everything that happened immediately before an outburst began and use that for future planning. In fact, it’s crucial to understand the root cause of an action before addressing any behaviour. Is the child trying to avoid an unpleasant situation? Are they trying to communicate a need or desire? Or are they seeking sensory input? Knowing how to address the behaviour effectively comes from identifying and searching for valuable insights behind the underlying reason. Monarch House Behaviour Analysts are experts in understanding the functions of behaviour
- Creating A Structured Environment
Knowing what is going to happen, and when, is a big deal to a neurodivergent child. Children with autism often thrive in structured environments where a sense of security comes from the predictability of routines. You can help children understand what to expect throughout the day by making use of visual schedules and establishing consistent daily routines. A consistent, repeatable flow can reduce anxiety and mitigate the likelihood of challenging behaviours.
- Developing Social Skills
Feeling left out can sting. Being the centre of attention can be panic-inducing. It’s not easy being around other people for many adults, let alone children without the skills to handle the pressure. Children with autism often struggle with social interactions. The unspoken subtleties and complex nuances of human sociology can sometimes lead to frustration, and from there, challenging behaviours. Direct teaching of social norms through social stories and role-play can help children understand and navigate these social situations. Improved social skills can reduce anxiety and the behaviours associated with it.
- Providing Sensory Breaks
A seatbelt can chafe. Oncoming headlights can be blinding. A car ride can be torture for some kids. Many children with autism become overwhelmed by their environment because of sensory processing issues. Offer regular sensory breaks with activities that match their sensory needs. This can help to regulate the behaviour. Some ideas might include access to sensory toys, quiet time, or activities that are soothing (and distracting), like eye-spy, or reading.
- Implementing Visual Supports
A clear, concrete idea of what to expect and how to behave can speak a thousand words. You can help children understand expectations and transitions through visual supports, such as pictographs, charts, picture schedules, and visual timers. These visual tools provide clear and simple information. This helps to reduce uncertainty and mitigate the challenging behaviours that come with uncertainty.
- Using Clear and Simple Instructions
Keep it simple, sugar. Avoid using long, complex sentences. Save those five-dollar words for work. Ensure that your communication is straightforward and easy to understand. Children with autism typically respond better to clear, concise instructions. This clarity can help to reduce frustration, prevent misunderstandings and keep temperatures chill.
- Teaching Self-Regulation Techniques
Teach your child to count to ten when they are getting worked up. Or simply to ‘walk it off.’ Self-regulation techniques can empower children to manage their own behaviours. Empowering children with methods such as using a stress ball, deep breathing, or retreating to a quiet space when they feel overwhelmed can help them regain control and remain calm.
- Seeking Professional Support
Monarch House is here to help. When it comes to challenging behaviour, professional support from our occupational therapists, behaviour analysts, and other specialists can provide valuable strategies and tailored interventions. We can offer new insights and approaches that are specifically tailored to address your child’s unique needs.
Knowing what to look for—and what to do when the pattern starts emerging—can help you manage challenging behaviours in your child. Implementing these strategies requires consistency, patience, and a deep understanding of their distinct needs. This insight is where Monarch House can really help. Not only that, by creating a structured and supportive environment we can provide a base to teach effective communication and self-regulation skills. With plenty of professional support readily at hand, we can help you manage and reduce challenging behaviours in your child. Tailoring these approaches to your child’s specific needs will yield the best results, creating a more supportive and peaceful environment for everyone involved.
If a lot of this rings a bell, but you’re unsure whether your child is neurodivergent or not, consider seeking an autism assessment in Toronto at a Monarch House.
