-
Common Mealtime Concerns in Individuals with ASD
Feeding problems in children with ASD may include selective eating or “picky eaters,” rapid eating (child takes numerous bites within a short period of time), inappropriate mealtime behaviors (e.g., tantrums), and inadequate intake/food consumption. These behaviors can lead to numerous health...
-
The Effect of Preceding or Antecedent Physiological and Environmental Factors on Challenging Behavior
Challenging behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, and disruption) are prevalent among individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD; Hartley, Sikora, & McCoy, 2008). These behaviors are a common referral concern for treatment because they can cause injury, interfere with...
-
Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior for Adults with ASDs
As individuals with autism age out of the educational system, families are faced with a number of challenges. Maladaptive behavior, in particular, can be a significant stressor for families of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While estimates of the prevalence of problem behavior vary...
-
Addressing Skill Deficits in Students with High Functioning Autism (HFA) as a Proactive Approach to Prevent Behavioral Challenges
Students with high functioning autism (HFA) typically display cognitive abilities in the average to above average range, and some superior range; therefore often participate in general education classes. While these students have many strengths, specific educational approaches are often needed to...
-
A Proven Method to Reduce Challenging Behaviors in Any Environment
The behavior challenges related to autism can feel daunting for family, caregivers, and community service organization professionals alike. But dwelling on challenging behaviors leads to a focus on questions such as, “What will we do when this individual displays this challenging behavior...
-
Understanding Aggressive and Self-Injurious Behavior
When addressing challenging behaviors, specifically when it comes to aggressive behaviors and self-injury, it’s important to understand the reason as to why these behaviors are occurring before determining a solution. The behavior of all living organisms serves specific purposes; and the reason...
-
Tell Me About the Last Time You Were Embarrassed
In 1985, Simon Baron-Cohen published his now-famous study of emotional perspective-taking among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder1. In it, he and his coauthors found that children on the Autism Spectrum were unable to impute beliefs to puppets in pretend play. They saw this a failure of...
-
Remember the Kayak
Carrie Cariello and her husband, Joe, live in New Hampshire. The have five children; four boys and one girl. Their second son, Jack, has autism. (No, their daughter, Rose, is not the youngest. The youngest is Henry, a child born nine months after the urologist canceled Joe’s...
