Behaviour: a 1 minute guide about autism

A guide for parents of children and young people with autism

Children with autism can demonstrate behaviours which can be challenging, such as:

• controlling behaviour
• refusing or ignoring requests
• socially inappropriate behaviour
• sensory behaviours
• agression
• self-injurious behaviour
• routines and rituals

These behaviours are generally due to the following reasons:

• anxiety
• misinterpreting others
• reduced understanding of social rules
• difficulties identifying and expressing emotions
• difficulty predicting situations
• sensory differences

Use behaviour diaries to identify patterns and causes. Always address the cause of the
behaviour, rather than the behaviour itself.

For more information

National Autistic Society – www.autism.org
Calmer Lives – At Your Side (calmerlives.co.uk)