Sherry Miller, MHSA, BSc.
Dr. E. H. MacKenzie, Speech Language Pathologist.
Problem solving around behaviors for children with
Autistic Spectrum Disorders can be a time consuming
and frustrating process if you let it. This task
is much less daunting if you take a systematic approach
to analyzing what may be happening internally and
externally for both the child, as well as yourself,
as parent or professional. The attached chart can
help you walk through the steps of determining what
may be at the root of the child's behavior.
It's important to remember that if you are automatically
jumping to any of steps 5 through 8, without thinking
through steps 1 to 4 you are likely jumping to conclusions
and projecting the problem onto something or somebody
else. You will not be actively problem solving to
effectively develop proactive strategies to avoid
behaviors in the future.
This will also be apparent in your ABC (antecedent,
behavior and consequence) tracking sheet as not
enough emphasis or thought will be placed on looking
at all the triggers or individual and environmental
factors. It will simply reflect tracking and recording
behavior. If you use this systematic process and
carefully record all antecedent information, you'll
likely solve the problem in no time and also know
what not to do, or to do, in the future. If not,
then data on the ABC sheet itself becomes a valuable
problem solving tool to use in brainstorming with
school staff and other professionals.
It's also important to always bear in mind that
children are not mis-behaving for no reason. It
may not be apparent to you but the child is frustrated
and attempting to communicate something to you.
It's your role to be the "detective"
and to not take behaviors personal. Remember you're
the adult. The one with the advanced problem solving
and communication skills.
See accompanying chart here.
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