People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often develop behavioral cues that can be considered maladaptive. Due to their disruptive behavior, these actions sometimes prevent children from participating in social, familial, or community events. It is critical to re-route these mechanisms to more acceptable behaviors.
In this guide to maladaptive behavior and autism, we’ll cover:
- What are maladaptive behaviors?
- Common maladaptive behaviors in children with autism.
- Why do maladaptive behaviors occur?
- How to manage and prevent maladaptive behaviors for children with ASD.
The best way to support your child is proper care that uses a scientific approach. We hope this information helps.
What is Maladaptive Behavior?
Maladaptive behaviors in children with autism often attempt to gain personal agency or call attention to feelings. This is why it is crucial to identify the goals of a maladaptive behavior before simply reinforcing it away, similar to understanding what an extinction burst is.
Additionally, not all children with autism display maladaptive behaviors, and not all challenging behaviors are considered maladaptive. This is why analyzing ABA therapy’s Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence data to track actions can help us clarify what is going on.
Maladaptive behaviors will be displayed differently, as every child is unique, but they are often forms of tantrum-related behaviors.
Examples of Maladaptive Behaviors in Autism
Though every child might have their own unique version of maladaptive behavior, some common patterns are seen in children with autism. Some of the most frequently observed maladaptive behaviors in children with autism include:
- Meltdowns
- Hitting, kicking, biting, or other aggression
- Rocking, head-flapping, or other repetitive behaviors
- Self-harm for example, self scratching, self biting, or head banging
These are just some maladaptive behaviors commonly seen in children with autism, but they are not limited to this list. Always consult your ABA clinic or therapist about ways to identify maladaptive behaviors and their causes.
Read More: Strategies for Children with Restricted Interests
What Causes Maladaptive Behaviors?
While it is often difficult to pinpoint what causes a specific maladaptive behavior in a child with autism, they are often ways of expressing themselves or releasing anxiety. Similarly, maladaptive behaviors can be used to draw attention in certain environments such as school or social settings.
There are five main types of maladaptive behaviors:
1. Stereotypical: Repetitive movements, rocking, etc.
2. Ritualistic: Compulsive and disruptive behaviors towards an environment
3. Self-Injurious: Headbanging, scratching, or any other self-harm
4. Tantrums: Lashing out in response to a common stimulus
5. Aggression: Biting, kicking, or any acts affecting others physically.
Similarly, maladaptive behaviors as communication efforts are often expressions of discomfort or stressors. These behaviors will often give us clues about what is causing a child to engage in them, as maladaptive behaviors are often reactive. Tracking behaviors using ABA principles can be one of the best ways to identify the probable cause of maladaptive behavior in a child with autism.
How to Prevent and Treat Maladaptive Behaviors
Though there are wide ranges of maladaptive behaviors and their root causes, much of the treatment via an ABA approach is similar. Consistency in response is one of the most important tenets of letting your child know these behaviors are not ok, but healthy replacement behaviors need to be offered in their place.
Another point of emphasis in treating and preventing maladaptive behaviors is better communication. While some children with autism struggle to talk about issues, this is often the root cause of maladaptive behaviors themselves. After observing a repeated behavior and documenting it, your ABA therapist should be able to work within your child’s unique framework to employ emotional regulation strategies.
Ultimately, self-management methods, reducing stress, and creating new methods of communication are great starts for treating maladaptive behavioral tendencies. Be sure to consult your ABA clinic and therapist, and include your family and support group in treatment methods to maintain consistency.
Ally Pediatric Therapy can Help Your Family.
At Ally Pediatric Therapy, we know how challenging it can be to respond to maladaptive behaviors readily. We’re committed to a process-oriented, long-term approach to help families create healthier behavioral patterns for children. If you’re looking to enroll in ABA therapy or learn more about how we can help treat maladaptive behaviors, please reach out today. One conversation could make a lifetime of difference.
