As parents and caregivers of autistic children, we are constantly searching for effective treatments to help our loved ones thrive. Behaviour therapies have emerged as a powerful tool in helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn new skills, improve communication and manage challenging behaviours.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the basics of behaviour therapies - what they are, how they work and why they are essential for any comprehensive ASD treatment plan. Whether you're new to the world of autism interventions or looking to expand your knowledge base, read on to discover how behaviour therapies can make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic children and their families.
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex, life-long developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a group of disorders that include autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). ASD affects about 1 in 68 children in the United States. Autism is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls.
There is no single cause for
autism. Research suggests that it is caused by a combination of genetic and
environmental factors. It is important to remember that there is no “cure” for
autism, but there are many effective treatments and interventions available.
With early diagnosis and intervention, most children with ASD can make
significant progress.
Common Behavioural Symptoms of Autism
Some common behavioural symptoms of autism include:
- Repetitive behaviours: Many children with autism engage in repetitive behaviours, such as hand flapping, head banging, or spinning. These behaviours can be self-stimulatory (meaning they provide the individual with sensory input) or a way of coping with anxiety.
- Difficulty with social interaction: Children with autism often have difficulty interacting with others. They may not make eye contact, share interests, or understand personal space. This can make it hard for them to form friendships.
- Difficulty with communication: Children with autism may have difficulty communicating their needs and wants. They may not use words, or they may use words inappropriately. This can lead to frustration and tantrums.
- Sensory processing difficulties: Many children with autism have difficulty processing sensory information. They may be oversensitive to certain sounds, smells, textures, or lights. This can be very overwhelming and lead to meltdowns.
The Role of Behaviour Therapies for Autistic Children
There are a number of different behaviour therapies that can be used to help autistic children. The most common and well-known of these is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). ABA is a comprehensive approach that seeks to change behaviours in order to improve functioning in all areas of life. It is often used as an early intervention for young children with autism, as it has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of autism symptoms and improving cognitive and communication skills.
Other common behaviour therapies include discrete trial training (DTT), pivotal response training (PRT), and behavioural interventions for young children with autism (BIYC). DTT involves breaking down tasks into small, manageable steps and providing rewards for correct responses. PRT focuses on key points in a child's development, such as motivation and self-control, in order to teach new skills. BIYC is an individualized approach that takes into account a child's unique strengths and needs.
The specific behaviour therapy or
therapies that are right for your child will depend on their individual needs
and preferences. It is important to work with a qualified professional who can
help you select the most appropriate treatment plan.
Types of Behaviour Therapies and their Benefits
There are two common types of behaviour therapies used to help autistic children, applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and functional behaviour assessment (FBA). Both approaches aim to change problem behaviours by teaching new skills and providing reinforcement for desired behaviours.
ABA therapy is the most widely-used type of behaviour therapy for autism. It involves breaking down tasks into small, manageable steps and then providing rewards for completing each step. ABA has been shown to be effective in reducing problem behaviours and increasing communication and learning skills in autistic children.
FBA is a more individualised
approach that looks at the function of a child's problem behaviour. This
information is then used to develop a treatment plan that targets the specific reason
for the behaviour. FBA has been shown to be effective in reducing problem
behaviours in autistic children.
Both ABA and FBA can be used in
combination to provide the best results for children with autism. The main
benefit of behavioural therapies is that they help those who use them learn new
skills, replace disruptive behaviours, and become more independent.
Tips for Caregivers to Use Positive Reinforcement
When it comes to raising autistic children, caregivers need to be especially mindful of the type of reinforcement they're using. Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to encourage desired behaviours and discourage undesirable behaviours.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using positive reinforcement with autistic children:
- Choose reinforcers that are motivating for the child. This will vary from child to child, but some common reinforcers include praise, stickers, and small toys.
- Make sure the reinforcement is given immediately after the desired behaviour is displayed. This will help the child make the connection between the behaviour and the reward.
- Be consistent with your use of positive reinforcement. If a behaviour is only reinforced sometimes, it's more likely that the child will become confused and frustrated.
- Avoid using punishment along with positive reinforcement. Punishment can undermine the effectiveness of positive reinforcement and may even lead to an increase in undesirable behaviours.
Challenges With Behaviour Therapies and How to Overcome Them
Behaviour therapies are incredibly helpful for autistic children, but they can also be challenging. Here are some of the challenges you may face and how to overcome them:
- One of the biggest challenges is that behaviour therapies require a lot of time and commitment. You will need to be patient and consistent in order to see results.
- Another challenge is that it can be difficult to find a therapist who is experienced and qualified to work with autistic children. Make sure to do your research and ask for recommendations from other parents.
- Behaviour therapies can be expensive, but there are ways to help offset the costs. Many insurance plans cover at least some of the cost of therapy, and there are often government programs or scholarships available as well.
- Some children may not respond well to behaviour therapies or may become overwhelmed by them. In these cases, it's important to talk to your child's therapist about other options or ways to modify the therapy approach.
Behaviour therapy can give great insight into how to best aid those with autism. It is a vital tool for understanding what works best in helping autistic children transition and integrate more easily into society, while also giving them the support they need to lead their own independent lives. By familiarising yourself with behaviour therapies, you can help your child develop and gain confidence in their abilities as well as understand themselves better. With patience and dedication, understanding behaviour therapies will be an essential step towards aiding your autistic child navigate life's challenges.
