Using Redirection Techniques As Behavioral Invention
Say a child is past the appropriate point of copying and is just now repeating everything they hear. They might have a little bit of independent speech, but a lot of communication is a sort of parroting. How do we handle this?
One way is a type of behavioral intervention that employs redirection techniques.
For this type of intervention, I would not pay too much attention to copying as I did when it was a new skill. So while I wouldve celebrated repetition in young children at first, I would stop when we tread into echolalia territory.
Instead, I would pause and wait a moment. I want to draw attention to something else and then come back to the question to teach it differently.
This is a therapeutic method, so I dont expect parents to follow all these steps. However, its crucial to recognize excessive repetition and remedy it through conscious dialogue and attention shifting.
Long Term Strategieswhich Ones Used Depend On The Function Of The Questions
- Introduce an augmentative means of communication that may be more efficient either as a primary or backup system. Options include backup communication boards or card sets.
- Use a scripted format to introduce better conversational strategies practice varying scripts and situations.
- Use a topic notebook to suggest other subjects to discuss with various people.
- Provide visual information that may reduce anxiety .
- If questioning reflects task avoidance, analyze the environment and the person’s schedule and change accordingly.
- Provide positive alternative situations for the person with autism spectrum disorder to use his special knowledge. For someone with extensive knowledge about cars, help him develop a book that could be shown to other people.
Follow Through Immediately On Their Answers
Once they make their choice, complete the dialogue by accommodating their selection. This fulfillment is a language lesson in and of itself and helps them identify objects by name. Repeat the name of the object as often as possible so they can understand.
You can also use special intonations to let them know which options are good and which are dangerous .
You May Like: How Do You Get An Autistic Child To Eat
Reducing Aggressive Behavior In Children With Asd
First and foremost, if you understand the causes of your child with ASDs self-injurious and aggressive behavior, this can help your child learn to manage the behavior.
How can you look at what is triggering the behavior and what your child is getting out of?Well, when accepting that aggressive behavior is sending a message, it is up to the parents to determine what that message is and provide the child with a more appropriate tool to deliver it.One strategy that can be beneficial to the parents is called the ABCs of behavior. The A is the antecedent , the B is the behavior itself, and the C is the consequence .
First, parents need to define the antecedent and look where the behavior occurred, who did it happen with, when did it occur, etc., being specific. For example, James hits his brother at night during the bedtime routine. The parents should closely examine what is happening immediately before the hitting. Is the child watching a favorite TV show he does not want to leave? Is the child scared of the dark? Is there a reason he does not want to go to bed? Then the parents should begin to adjust the antecedent. Such as, add the use of a timer before transitioning. Eliminate the option of watching TV before bedtime routine. Add a night light in the childs room. Provide a highly preferred item to transition with during the bedtime routine. The highly preferred item can be a favorite toy, book, blanket, etc.
Are Repetitive Behaviors A Problem
These types of behaviors aren’t unique to people with autism. Most people engage in some such behaviors. Common forms of perseveration include:
- A strong “need” to watch the same TV shows or sporting events, without fail
- Compulsive cleaning
- Pencil or toe-tapping
For some people with autism, perseveration poses really no problem at all since it arises at the same times as it would for other peopleusually under stressand the behaviors are fairly unobtrusive.
Perseveration can even be a plus for people with autism since it may relate to a passionate interest that can lead to friendships or even careers. Someone with a perseverative interest in computer games, for example, can join gaming clubs and find others with a similar passion, thereby improving their enjoyment of life.
For many people with autism, though, perseveration or repetitive behavior is not only disturbing to others but is also a major roadblock to communication and engagement in the world. For example, a person who compulsively flicks their hands to the exclusion of anything else is clearly unable to attend to the world around them or take part in real-world activities. And while there is nothing intrinsically wrong with talking about the same subject in the same way over and over again, such behavior can cause a variety of social and practical problems.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Know If A Child Has Autism
Stop Autistic Child From Perseverating
Perseveration Station
How can you stop an autistic child from perseverating?
Perseveration becomes a problem when it interferes with normal life activities. Especially it becomes a problem when someone gets caught in a loop, and it involves escalating emotions. The target of the perseveration may be about a past emotional injury such as bullying, teasing, or an injustice, or a fear about the future, What if, or it may be about something the person wants to do or have that is not possible or reasonable to obtain at that particular moment. The person may believe that they must do or have this thing, and emotionally escalate and even become aggressive in the attempt to get or do something they want in order to satisfy their anxiety about getting/not getting.
There are several ways to help someone overcome a perseverative behavior or verbalization.
One is to abruptly interrupt, or redirect, by quickly substituting a safer topic to think about or activity/object as a distraction.
A second would be to gently redirect by joining in and mirroring the perseverative behavior and modify it slightly to make it a socially relevant conversation or game.
You could also try a cognitive-behavioral technique, exploring the logical problem with thinking you must or you have to, reviewing what are the things you really must have to survive, like air and water. Point out the difference between wanting and needing.
If you have more ideas, email them to me and I will add them to this list.
What Is The Outlook For People With Autism
There is no medical cure for autism. However, there are treatments and therapies that can improve symptoms and help people with autism lead full, independent lives.
The outlook for people with autism has improved dramatically in recent years. Thanks to early diagnosis and intervention, many people with autism are now able to live relatively normal lives. In fact, some studies suggest that as many as one in five people with autism will eventually live independently.
Don’t Miss: Fidget Toys For Adults With Adhd
Is Asd Associated With Aggressive Behavior
Anger and aggression are common across all levels of the autism spectrum. Children who struggle with more substantial social and communication issues, and those who engage in more repetitive behaviors, are more likely to have problems with emotional regulation and aggressive actions.
It is crucial to understand that several underlying medical issues can cause or contribute to an individual with autisms aggressive behavior. However, when the medical issues are correctly treated, challenging behaviors may decrease or even disappear altogether, significantly improving your childs quality of life.
As parents, we must grasp that behavior is a form of communication. In other words, our kids are not purposefully hurting themselves or others. At times, many doctors may dismiss behavior as just part of autism. Try to remember our children often use their behavior to communicate that they are in pain or do not feel well.
Therefore, parents must make sure their child receives a complete medical workup by determining any underlying medical issues that cause or contribute to aggression. It is vital for parents of children with autism to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of medical problems that trigger aggression, so they can effectively advocate for their children in medical settings.
Provides Community Education And Technical Assistance To Increase
Determining how to deal with these behaviors in autism is crucial because they can impede learning and restrict social opportunities. Ok< your very question is steeped in lack of awareness of asd. Children with restricted or repetitive behaviors perform repetitive actions and rituals and can become fixated on minute details to the point of distraction. This list can get you started on how to reduce repetitive behaviors in your child. Repetitive behavior in children with autism. Impaired social and then, we summarized pharmacological interventions that used to reduce repetitive behaviors in asd mouse models. Tips to help with autistic behaviours like stimming and meltdowns. How do you prevent someone from trying to stop normal behavior in someone that has autism, by a possibly well meaning other person? Many people may be aware that repetitive behaviors in general are associated with autism but few people without direct experience of autism will be aware of the relationship between autism. Certain medications used in autistic people may be able to reduce stimming behaviors. Parents with concerns should start a conversation with a pediatrician. The phenomenon, which also occurs in people with other disorders and in neurotypical, manifests with repetitive and ritualistic actions. Repetitive behaviors are one of autisms core features and can be motor or sensory based, such as hand flapping, or more cognitive in nature, such as intensely focused interests.
Don’t Miss: How To Know If You Are Autistic
Treatment In Repetitive Behavior
Repetitive behavior such as turning around, turning objects, swinging back and forth, tapping the head and walking on tiptoe are seen in most of the children with autism. Behavioral trainings and treatments, special therapies, and parental attention are important in the treatment of repetitive behaviors.
Repetitive movements, are behavior that disappear in time and with training. These can be signs of distress, joy or pleasure, as well as for trying to attract attention or relaxation. During these behavior that may leave the parents in a difficult situation, it is important to shift the attention of the children to something else they are competent or like. With special autism therapies and parental attention, repetitive behaviors are improved or eliminated both at the treatment centers and at home.
Child Repeats Himself Over And Over
Children under the age of three may be at risk of developing eosinophilia. Children with autism spectrum disorders, such as Asperger syndrome, have a higher rate of this. It may be necessary to give them more time to process the world around them as well as the people they interact with. When they hear or understand sounds or words, they copy or repeat them.
DS, a two-year-old and three-month-old, is growing quickly. He will say whatever he needs until he gets what he wants. This is especially disrespectful, as we frequently say no or wait to be informed. I am unable to stop him. Toddlers want to know that they are respected and cared for. Want a cookie? There isnât much time to prepare cookies right now, but they can be prepared after lunch.
Itâs more satisfying for a toddler to respond to a question like this than to simply say no. Even if he doesnât get the cookie on both sides, he still eats it. Toddlers of this age are unable to wait for a long time and have no sense of time. Why are you looking for a cookie? I havenât had cookies since lunch, but you can eat one after the meal. When compared to a simple no, this is a more satisfying response for a toddler. Even though he wonât get either, he does get the cookie in the end.
Echolalia is not as common as identifying a possible function for repetition. In the repeat behavior, he is most likely seeking attention. Once youâve answered a question, rinse and repeat as often as necessary.
You May Like: Is Autism A Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Computer Applications In Repetitive Behavior Therapy
Computer applications based on applied behavior analysis, which are able to attract attention of children for a long time, is highly effective in reducing the lack of education in children with autism. Otsimo educational game platform is an application that produces very positive results in the treatment of children with autism at all ages and educational levels. In fact, after 2 years of uninterrupted usage, it has been effective in acceptance of children with autism to public schools at the rates of up to 90%.
Causes And Risk Factors
All children experience echolalia when they learn a spoken language. Most develop independent thought as they age, but some continue to repeat what they hear. Children with communication disabilities hold on to echoed expressions much longer. Autistic children are particularly susceptible to echolalia.
Some people experience this issue only when they are distressed or anxious. Others experience it all the time, which may eventually cause them to be mute because they cant express themselves.
Adults with severe amnesia or head trauma may experience echolalia as they try to regain their speaking abilities.
There are two main categories of echolalia: functional echolalia, and non-interactive echolalia, where the sounds or words may only be for personal use instead of communication.
You May Like: Is Adhd On Autism Spectrum
A Quick Lesson On Perseveration
Many individuals with autism will repetitively engage in the same behaviors, or think the same thoughts over and over, regardless of other factors in their environment. Sometimes this presents as watching the same cartoon clip over and over again, or it may appear as someone always reverting back to a similar cluster of thoughts. These perseverative behaviors can be reduced to improve focus or social functioning. This can be accomplished through friendly reminders from teachers/parents, or from the use of some type of reminder technology, such as Revibe.
Echolalia In Autism: Why It Happens And How To Help
Autism can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including elisalation. Children on the autism spectrum can communicate with one another in this manner. Speech therapy can help your child learn to speak and communicate effectively. As your child grows older, he or she will stop hearing echolization because they will be able to speak independently and self-sufficiently.
Don’t Miss: Non Addictive Adhd Medication
How Can I Help My Autistic Child With Repetitive Behavior
There are a number of ways that you can help your autistic child with repetitive behavior. One way is to provide them with a structured routine. This can help them to feel more comfortable and secure. Another way is to help them to develop a repertoire of different activities to engage in. This can help to reduce the amount of time they spend engaging in repetitive behavior. Finally, it is important to be patient and understanding with your child. This can help them to feel supported and loved, which can in turn help to reduce the amount of repetitive behavior.
One of the most common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children is repetitive and restrictive behavior. Explanation of the mechanisms behind autistic individualsâ repetitive behaviors has proven to be difficult. Some experts believe that these behaviors are caused by an attention deficit in children with ASD, while others believe that children with autism have an abnormality in their motor system. Repetitive behavior is defined as any repeated pattern of vocal sounds, words, and physical movements. The following common behaviors are displayed by children with autism, which parents can look for if their children exhibit repetitive behaviors. A childâs presence of any of the symptoms listed above should not necessarily constitute a cause for concern. Several core signs of autism in a child include restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests.
Finding The Right Speech Therapy For You
While it may be hard to find an in-person speech therapist for your little one, online classes and video conferencing consultations are great alternatives to getting the help you need.
I can understand the concerns that online therapy may not be as effective as an in-person invention. Still, from my first-hand experience, Ive seen remarkable progress using online learning with my students.
You can also check out my blog to see the full list of benefits of virtual therapy.
While dealing with COVID-19 has been difficult for all of us, dont let that stop you from seeking out speech therapy for your child.
The Walkie Talkie Speech Therapy team loves helping parents navigate early learning, and despite the new normal we are all adapting to, we can grow and heal together.
Lets talk. You can reach out about a consultation with us. Send an email to info@walkietalkie.education
You May Like: Why Is Autism Therapy So Expensive
Dealing With Repetitive Questions
Children with neurotypical development go through stages where they are full of seemingly endless questions. The same often happens for children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, but the same questions may get asked over and over again, which can be frustrating for parents and others they interact with. While repetitive questioning can occur in adults with autism, this fact sheet will focus on strategies for repetitive questioning in children.
The reasons for repetitive questions can vary, and thus the way we respond needs to vary as well. There can be a different reason for the same question as emotions, environments and other variables change. As with any behavior, it helps if the parent plays ‘behavior detective’ and looks for what has prompted the repetitive questioning and respond to the underlying cause.