The parents of a 22-year-old man who suffers from autism consult with you to discuss their son’s challenging behaviour. He recently started hurting himself by banging his head against the wall. He becomes angry very quickly and starts throwing furniture around. He recently destroyed his room.

Which is the SINGLE MOST appropriate option? 

1. Challenging behaviours should be ignored as they are attention seeking behaviours

2. Challenging behaviours are often the result of poor or inappropriate support

3. Challenging behaviours are a normal part of autism in adults

4. Challenging behaviours are unlikely to be related to pain or anxiety

5. Challenging behaviours are best managed using sedatives

The term “challenging behaviour” is used to describe a constellation of behaviours that frequently occur in people with developmental disorders including autism. These behaviours include:

1. Self-injury

2. Severe levels of habitual behaviours such as rocking or head banging

3. Aggression towards others

4. Destruction of property and verbal aggression

In the past it was considered that challenging behaviours were a “part of autism” by many professionals and that nothing could alter such behaviour. However, it is now clear that challenging behaviours are often the result of poor or inappropriate support. They may also occur as a result of underlying medical issues such as pain and anxiety that have not been recognised and/or appropriately managed

Resources

6. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (NHS Choices)

7. Autistic spectrum disorders (patient.info)

8. Autism and related problems (patient.info)

9. Autism in children (CKS)