Challenging Behaviour

Children with autism can often demonstrate challenging behaviour. 

Challenging behaviour can commonly take the form of aggression, tantrums, self-injury or property destruction. 

These behaviours can happen for a number of different reasons and may appear not to make any sense.  However, these behaviours usually serve a function (make sense) for the person exhibiting them.

Some self-stimulatory or ritualistic behaviour can also be perceived as ‘challenging’ if it clashes with people’s expectations of what is ‘appropriate’ social behaviour.

Lack of play and leisure time skills can also play a part in increasing the amount of challenging behaviour in children with autism.

Sometimes it is hard to know where to start, so it is hoped that the guidance and ideas in this section will be helpful.

Real life examples are included from members of the Talk about Autism online community.  We are grateful to this group for sharing their experiences.  You can visit the Talk about Autism discussion forums to join in the discussions on this topic.

Step 1: Decide where to begin
Step 2: Identify the reasons for the challenging behaviour
Step 3: Identify when and where the challenging behaviour takes place
Step 4: Find something more appropriate for your child to do instead

More advice from parents

Where to get help

Useful organistions

Further reading

TreeHouse offer a range of courses and events for parents.