Even though your child might not be able to articulate what they’re feeling, they still need to know that you understand. No matter how angry or frustrated you are, just remember: Your child is going through something and it’s important that they know you support them. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and respond to the situation, rather than react. Tell them, I can see how hard it is for you. I know it hurts right now but we can get through this together.
All children can perform a variety of challenging behaviors. If you’re not prepared to handle these behaviors, raising a child can feel like an uphill battle. Realistic expectations are important here: while your child will likely make progress over time, it’s important to remember that some of these behaviors may never go away entirely. Using ABA therapy can help you and your child determine what reasonable expectations are and how to create an environment that promotes safe learning.
In order to increase a behavior, we want to provide immediate reinforcement to motivate the child to perform that target behavior again. This can be as simple as a “Good job!” or a trip to their favorite ice cream place. People are motivated to perform behaviors that bring about a preferred consequence. Acknowledging progress is one of many things’ parents can do to help support their children.
Consistency is one of the biggest tools parents have to help their kids cope with challenging behaviors. Many children find comfort in knowing what’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen, and how it’s going to happen. For that reason, establishing a consistent routine helps them handle situations such as mealtime and bedtime better than if things were more fluid or random.
While you can’t always predict when and how challenging behaviors will occur, you can do your best to reduce their frequency by engaging with your child. Try scheduling fun outings or engaging with them in a favorite hobby, like arts and crafts or playing a game. This is also a great time to connect one-on-one by asking them about their day or talking about interests they have.
There’s a lot more that goes into supporting your child than just challenging behaviors, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Although these tips may not be an end-all solution, they are a solid way to start dealing with challenging behaviors. Hopefully, these resources will help you find what works best for your family and provide you with tools to better cope as time goes on. We are Mandt Certified to increase relationship building and decrease restraints. To learn more about the Mandt System, click here!
This blog offers practical strategies for maintaining your child's ABA progress while still allowing for the fun and relaxation the holidays bring. We've included tips for maintaining routine and structure during the holiday season; creative ways to incorporate ABA strategies into holiday activities like family games, crafts, and social gatherings; how to reinforce important skills like communication, social interaction, and self-regulation while still allowing for some downtime; and practical advice on preventing regression and ensuring your child’s progress continues during time off from school.
Self-care is often misunderstood as a luxury, but for ASD parents, it is a necessity. Self-care involves taking intentional actions to care for one's physical, emotional, and mental health. By prioritizing self-care, parents can recharge their energy, improve their mood, and enhance their ability to cope with stress. It's important for parents to remember that self-care is not selfish; it is a crucial component of being able to care for their child effectively.
Children with autism may struggle to express their needs or frustrations verbally, leading to tantrums as a form of communication. ABA can help identify the triggers and underlying functions of tantrums, allowing for targeted interventions that replace these behaviors with more appropriate forms of communication.