Behaviours of Concern and Autism

Interventions

There are numerous interventions which are used to prevent or reduce behaviours of concern in some autistic people.  For example, 

• Behavioural techniques (such as changing the layout of the room, changing the order in which things happen, or rewarding the person when they do what you want) may be used to encourage the person to use alternative, more appropriate behaviours
• Augmentative and alternative communication (such as the Picture Exchange Communication System, sign language and voice output communication aids) may be used to provide the person with a more effective means to communicate
• Assistive and augmentative technology (such as computer apps and visual schedules) may be used to provide information about what the person is expected to do and when
• Medications (such as antipsychotics  and anticonvulsants ) may be used to change the chemical balance in the person’s body in order to reduce irritability
• Medical interventions may help to treat specific physical disorders (such as stomach ache)
• Psychotherapeutic interventions (such as cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness training) may be used to treat specific mental health problems (such as anxiety and depression)
• Protective equipment (such as mittens and splints) may be used to restrain and protect the person and those around them
• Physical interventions (such as physical takedowns) may be used to restrain and protect the person and those around them
• Other interventions (such as physical exercise) may also be used in order to prevent or reduce challenging behaviours.

If the behaviour appears to be directly related to anxiety and stress in specific situations, then you can change the situation in which the behaviour occurs. Sometimes, relatively simple changes can have a significant impact (for example removing noise or clutter in the room or allowing a child to stay in the school library during play times if he or she finds play times stressful). 

Updated

21 Sep 2022