Embedded Files
Positive Parenting: Managing Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism
Positive Parenting: Managing Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism
As a parent of a child with autism, you've likely encountered more than your fair share of challenging behaviors - tantrums, aggression, self-injury and more. These outward expressions often stem from underlying struggles like communication deficits, sensory issues, or difficulties with change. A positive parenting approach using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help get to the root of these challenges.
As a parent of a child with autism, you've likely encountered more than your fair share of challenging behaviors - tantrums, aggression, self-injury and more. These outward expressions often stem from underlying struggles like communication deficits, sensory issues, or difficulties with change. A positive parenting approach using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help get to the root of these challenges.
The Pitfalls of Punishment
The Pitfalls of Punishment
Many traditionally use punishment (yelling, time-outs, taking away privileges) to stop unwanted behaviors. While this may work briefly, it fails to teach children the appropriate alternative skills they actually need. It also damages the parent-child relationship and can reinforce the very behaviors you're trying to reduce.
Many traditionally use punishment (yelling, time-outs, taking away privileges) to stop unwanted behaviors. While this may work briefly, it fails to teach children the appropriate alternative skills they actually need. It also damages the parent-child relationship and can reinforce the very behaviors you're trying to reduce.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
In contrast, ABA emphasizes maximizing positive reinforcement - adding favorable consequences to increase helpful behaviors. This builds motivation for children to keep displaying the skills you want to see more of. Reinforcers can be anything the child finds rewarding, like praise, a preferred activity/toy, an edible treat, etc.
In contrast, ABA emphasizes maximizing positive reinforcement - adding favorable consequences to increase helpful behaviors. This builds motivation for children to keep displaying the skills you want to see more of. Reinforcers can be anything the child finds rewarding, like praise, a preferred activity/toy, an edible treat, etc.
Preventing Problems with Antecedent Strategies
Preventing Problems with Antecedent Strategies
Beyond consequences, ABA looks at the antecedents triggering behaviors by conducting a functional assessment. With better understanding of the purpose of a behavior (e.g. escape demands, access attention/tangibles), proactive preventative measures can be put in place. Common antecedent adjustments include:
Beyond consequences, ABA looks at the antecedents triggering behaviors by conducting a functional assessment. With better understanding of the purpose of a behavior (e.g. escape demands, access attention/tangibles), proactive preventative measures can be put in place. Common antecedent adjustments include:
- Environmental modifications (lighting, noise levels, seating)
- Environmental modifications (lighting, noise levels, seating)
- Schedule changes and activity schedules
- Schedule changes and activity schedules
- Choice offerings and transition warnings
- Choice offerings and transition warnings
- Visual supports and social narratives
- Visual supports and social narratives
Teaching Alternative Behaviors
Teaching Alternative Behaviors
You can't just take problematic behaviors away - children need to learn functionally equivalent replacement behaviors first. If tantrums stem from communication deficits, teach requesting wants and needs appropriately through AAC. If self-injury is from sensory-seeking, provide appropriate outlets like a chewy necklace.
You can't just take problematic behaviors away - children need to learn functionally equivalent replacement behaviors first. If tantrums stem from communication deficits, teach requesting wants and needs appropriately through AAC. If self-injury is from sensory-seeking, provide appropriate outlets like a chewy necklace.
Resources:
Resources:
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network's Positive Parenting Tips
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network's Positive Parenting Tips
- Incredible Years Autism Parenting Programs
- Incredible Years Autism Parenting Programs
- Michigan Autism Resources Parent Skills Training
- Michigan Autism Resources Parent Skills Training
With creativity, consistency and compassion, challenging behaviors can be replaced through preventative supports and teaching alternative skills proactively. Positive parenting provides children the tools and motivation for long-term success.
With creativity, consistency and compassion, challenging behaviors can be replaced through preventative supports and teaching alternative skills proactively. Positive parenting provides children the tools and motivation for long-term success.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse