BEHAVIORAL ISSUES WITH CHILDREN WITH ASDS

Dr. Jay Schwartz

Introduction A member of the American Academy of Pediatricians and a

board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Jay Schwartz has become a noted speaker in the field of pediatric medicine. Since founding Collin County Pediatrics in 2007, Dr. Jay Schwartz provides a variety of educational information through his company's website, including topics on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), such as the ASDs Family Handout--Behavioral Challenges.

According to the ASDs Family Handout--Behavioral Challenges, children with ASDs often exhibit certain behavioral tendencies, such as throwing a fit if their routine changes or being picky eaters. They may find sensory information over-stimulating or not respond at all.

ASDs They often find it challenging to communicate with and

relate to others and therefore communicate through their behavior.

These behaviors, as for any children, result from basic sources: to communicate, to get attention, or to avoid following a request made of them. A behavior may also result from habit, as for example biting their nails.

In order to handle the child's behavior, it works best to remain consistent. By receiving a reward for positive behaviors, even just a word of praise, and having consequences for negative behaviors, such as cleaning up a mess, a child will learn how to behave. What rewards and consequences succeed will vary from child to child.