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    • Common Health and Behavior Challenges

    CIDA / Common Health and Behavior Challenges
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    Behavior Challenges

    People with ASD often have a hard time with behavior, usually because it’s difficult for them to communicate. It’s really important to figure out why they act a certain way. If you see the same behavior happening again and again, try to remember what happened right before and right after. Sharing what you notice with others who take care of the child can help everyone handle the situation better.

    1. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may exhibit aggressive behavior or engage in self-harm for a variety of reasons. Such behaviors often arise when individuals with ASD struggle to comprehend their environment, find it challenging to articulate their needs, or experience feelings of anxiety or stress.

      • How to Manage:
        • Remain calm to prevent adding more stress.
        • Limit talking as it might exacerbate the situation.
        • Make the environment safe by removing hazardous objects.

    2. A meltdown is an intense, uncontrolled emotional or behavioral response to overwhelming situations, marked by symptoms like crying, shouting, or even physical aggression. Unlike tantrums, which are milder and often attention-seeking, meltdowns can occur when someone is alone and are caused by extreme stress. While neither term is clinically defined, tantrums generally subside when ignored, whereas meltdowns end only when the individual calms down or exhausts themselves. Both signal an inability to regulate emotions and cope with stress or sensory overload.

      • How to Manage:
        • If possible, take the child to a quiet and safe place.
        • Avoid touching the child.
        • Dim the lights and make it quiet or use noise-canceling headphones

    3. Stimming or self-stimulatory behavior, involves repetitive movements or noises such as hand-flapping, rocking back and forth, or fixating on spinning objects. Although it often serves as a way to alleviate anxiety, it can become disruptive or even harmful. In such cases, alternative anxiety-reducing methods should be explored.

      • Dealing with Stimming:
        • If the environment is too noisy or chaotic, take the child to a quieter place.
        • If the environment lacks stimuli, play music or offer sensory toys.
        • Encourage other forms of play or activity rather than trying to stop stimming. 

    4. Many children with ASD have specific dietary habits, often influenced by a preference for certain textures or challenges related to underdeveloped oral muscles. While these habits are generally a coping mechanism, they can result in digestive issues and hinder proper growth if too restrictive.

      • How to Improve:
        • Set clear goals. Decide whether you want the child to try a variety of foods or eat more.
        • Make sure to praise the child if they meet the goal.
        • Develop a customized plan based on how your child reacts to different foods or certain textures.
        • At first, the child may refuse to eat. If their behavior is manageable and they’re in a safe situation, it’s okay to leave them alone for a bit. 

    5. Some people with ASD have a tendency to wander or “elope“ impulsively. The reasons can vary, such as wanting to reach a specific destination, escaping an uncomfortable situation, or following something that piques their interest. Many are unaware of the risks involved in leaving their caregivers or home unattended, making it essential to take preventative measures to avoid such incidents.

      • How to Prevent:
        • Secure the home with locks or alarms.
        • Consider using tracking devices like Project Lifesaver or SafetyNet™
        • Create an ID bracelet with essential contact information.
        • Ask neighbors to notify you if they see your child wandering alone. 

    6. The alarming statistic that approximately 44% of teenagers with ASD experience bullying is a serious concern. Bullying can manifest in various ways, from verbal taunts to physical aggression. For teenagers with ASD, the challenge of recognizing that they are being bullied is often exacerbated by their difficulties in social interaction. This makes it especially hard for parents and guardians to identify when their child is a victim and take appropriate action.

      • Signs to Look For: 
        • Physical Changes: If there are unknown cuts or bruises, or if things are broken
        • Behavioral Changes: Not wanting to go to school or being scared to go, and having trouble with schoolwork all of a sudden
        • Emotional Changes: Nightmares, frequent crying, easy irritability or mood swings
        • Others: Changes in eating or sleeping patterns, starting to bully other children

    If you suspect your child is experiencing bullying or harassment, it’s crucial to open a line of communication with them. Ask about their feelings and experiences at school. If they struggle to express themselves verbally, encourage them to draw or write about what they’re going through. Coordination with school officials is also key to resolving the issue. For example, in New York City, the Department of Education has a ‘Respect for All‘ office that offers support for bullying-related concerns, accessible via online reporting, email, and form submission.

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