In fact, aggression is among the most common challenges reported by parents of children and adolescents with autism. What can help? I suggest working with your child's physician and therapists on a four-stage approach to tackling this and other problem behaviors.
A study of children and teenagers with autism found that 68 percent had been aggressive to a caregiver, and 49 percent had been aggressive to someone else, at some point.
Now a new study reveals that aggression is extremely common in children on the autism spectrum but is not associated with the factors that are usually linked to aggression in typical children.
Children with autism may exhibit aggressive behaviors if they feel anxious about something they can't or don't know how to communicate. Social interactions at home or in school can potentially trigger aggression and tantrums.
Why am I getting into so many arguments and conflicts with my autistic child? Many autistic children love to argue and need to have the last word. Autistic children often find it distressing to not be 'right'; this is due in part to the need to look 'perfect' to protect their self-esteem.
While some people with autism merely yell or stamp, many really do become overwhelmed by their own emotions. 3 Bolting, hitting, self-abuse, crying, and screaming are all possibilities. These can be particularly frightening—and even dangerous—when the autistic individual is physically large.
Autism and Anger Management
Adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger's and autism, are prone to anger outbursts. An 'on-off' quality during which individuals may be calm one second and then have an autism outburst in the next is common.
Hitting can range from an open-handed slap to a closed-fisted punch, and some outbursts may even injure themselves or others. Many things can trigger aggressive behaviors like hitting, scratching, and biting, but these are some of the most common in children with autism: Feeling very anxious or stressed.
Find sensory tools that can comfort a child at times of stress. These may include squeezy toys, weighted blankets, a calming video or book, a swing set, or even a pet. If a meltdown occurs, allow your child the time and space to calm themselves down and learn to self-regulate.
Every autistic person is different, but sensory differences, changes in routine, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers.
One in four youth with autism who had been admitted to a hospital for psychiatric care had a history of being abused, according to a recent study. Almost 100 of the 350 people studied had previously experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse, as reported by a parent or caregiver.
Challenging behaviors can be disruptive to daily life for individuals with autism. These include, but are not limited to, self-injury, aggression, property destruction, tantrums, disruptiveness, noncompliance, and repetitive behavior/stereotypy.
They can include: Repetitive body movements (e.g. rocking, flapping, spinning, running back and forth) Repetitive motions with objects (e.g. spinning wheels, shaking sticks, flipping levers) Staring at lights or spinning objects.
Yelling at children with autism can cause depression and negatively impact the emotional wellbeing of the child.
Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.
Aggression in autism can involve severe tantrums, anger, hostility, sudden-onset violent outbursts including self-harm and rage 'episodes'. Up to 20% of individuals with autism exhibit such violent behaviours.
Autism symptoms do not necessarily get worse at puberty, but the challenges that come with this period of development can exacerbate existing symptoms.
The Triad of Impairments:
People with significant difficulties in all 3 areas (social interaction, communication and imagination) may have ASD.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships or not “fitting in” with peers.
Mood stabilizing autism medication
Lithium, Lamictal, Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, and Keppra are options to explore with your child's pediatrician.
Intensely disliking loud noises and crowds. Insisting on having things and/or events occur in a certain way. Having trouble playing and socializing well with peers or avoiding socializing altogether. They prefer to be alone because others do not do things exactly as they do.
For students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), temper tantrums may be triggered for a variety of reasons. Because many children with autism have difficulties communicating in socially acceptable ways, they may act out when they are confused, afraid, anxious, or stressed about something.