herts.csf specialist advisory service - autism behaviour as communication difficulties in...

Herts.CSF Specialist Advisory Service - Autism

Behaviour as communication

• Difficulties in understanding and expressing their needs and desires.

• Communicate in idiosyncratic ways

• May misunderstand and may be misunderstood - leading to frustration, aggression, destruction and self injury

Herts.CSF Specialist Advisory Service - Autism

Behaviour serves as a function

• Creating order - e.g. ritualistic behaviour.

• Stress relief- e.g. time alone.

• Self stimulating - e.g. rocking, calming

• Pain relief - e.g. hitting, self biting.

• Compensating for sensory issues - e.g. spinning

Herts.CSF Specialist Advisory Service - Autism

Behaviour happens in a context

• Environment is important – where, when how often , who with?

• Sensory environment – e.g. shops, dinner time.

• Structure of the environment

• Social environment

• Language environment

Herts.CSF Specialist Advisory Service - Autism

Behaviour as symptoms

• Difficulties in communication, interaction and flexible thinking

• Sensory issues

• Stress and anxiety

• Boredom

• Illness

Herts.CSF Specialist Advisory Service - Autism

What factors promote positive behaviour?

• Calm, structured environment

• Warnings of change

• Clear rules and expectations

• Clear, simple, unambiguous language

• Visually supported communication

Herts.CSF Specialist Advisory Service - Autism

.

• Awareness of individual sensory sensitivities.

• Activities to meet sensory needs

• Use of individual special interests

• Stress management strategies

• Social stories.

Herts.CSF Specialist Advisory Service - Autism

References• Attwood, T. (1993) Why does Chris do that? Stephen Austin and Sons ltd. Hertford• Clements, J. and Martin, N. (2002) Assessing the

behaviours regarded as problematic for people with developmental disabilities. London: Jessica Kingsley

• Clements, J. and Zarkowska, E. (2001) Behavioural Concerns and Autistic Disorders, London: Jessica Kingsley

Herts.CSF Specialist Advisory Service - Autism

• Dickinson, P. and Hannah L. (2005) It Can Get Better. NAS

• Cumine, V. Leach, J. & Stevenson, G. (1998) Asperger’s Syndrome - a Practical guide for teachers. London: ,David Fulton

• Jordan, R. & Powell, S. (1995) John Wiley & Sons

• Whitaker, P. (2001)Challenging Behaviour and autism. NAS