Common Problem Behaviors in Children With Autism

August 22, 2023

When you’re raising your child, you’re aware of the many problematic behaviors they may exhibit from time to time. However, pinpointing what triggers challenging behaviors in children with autism can be difficult. This is because they may have difficulty explaining their emotions and understanding the consequences of their problematic actions.

With understanding and patience, you and your family can help teach your child better ways to cope and communicate their feelings. Keep reading to discover common challenging behaviors in children with autism and how you can help.

Tackling Challenging Behaviors

you can help your child work through these behaviors with compassion and help them develop more healthy ways to cope and express themselves. While every child is different, the most common concerning behaviors in children with autism are the following:

  • Yelling or screaming
  • Aggression toward others
  • Wandering
  • Self-harm
  • Tantrums
  • Destruction

How Can I Support My Child?

To employ effective behavioral strategies, you must evaluate your child’s current behavior and identify what causes these undesired behaviors to appear. This will give you a sense of what’s going on within their personal and academic life. With patience, understanding, and effort, you can help shape a brighter future for your child.

Identify What Triggers These Behaviors

It will take some time to identify what triggers these challenging behaviors. However, it’s vital that you keep track of these behaviors. Over time, you will see a pattern of what could possibly trigger them to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or upset. Many scenarios can trigger problematic behaviors, like:

  • Sensory overload
  • Change in routine
  • Tiredness
  • Discomfort
  • Social situations
  • Communication issues
  • Boredom
  • Pressure from peers, teachers, parents, or caregivers
  • Coordination issues
  • Other conditions like mood disorder, ADHD, or epilepsy

Create an Intervention Plan With Professionals

Once you and your child’s team have identified what triggers these undesired behaviors, it’s time to create an effective plan to minimize them. It’s important to remember that it takes patience and time for your child to grasp these newer mechanisms. Being compassionate and understanding with your child will make this process smoother.

You can help at home by creating a steady routine for your child. Adding a routine schedule and other visuals around the house will help them know what’s expected daily. Preparing your child for any changes and slowly introducing them to more unfamiliar environments will also help curb problematic behaviors.

Strive for Success With HANDS Center for Autism

We believe in investing in our children’s future and giving them adequate support. Enrolling your child in an ABA treatment plan at HANDS Center for Autism will help them achieve an independent and fulfilled life. Our team of autism service providers works hard to create the appropriate curriculum to exceed individualized goals. Please get in touch with us if you’re interested in how ABA therapy works and how our team can help.

June 23, 2026
Searching for the right ABA therapy practice can often be overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available in Charlotte. Knowing the right questions to ask can ensure that your family finds the best fit for your child. ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach that utilizes positive reinforcement to develop social-emotional, regulation, and daily living skills in individuals with autism. If you are searching for an ABA therapy practice in Charlotte, the following guidelines can help make the process easier for your family. Does this Practice Fall Within Your Family's Needs? One of the first things to consider when searching for an ABA provider is whether they can service your child and meet your family's needs. There are a few logistical factors that play a major role in determining whether a practice is a practical fit. Some key factors to consider include: Insurance coverage and accepted plans Age range serviced Proximity to your home Scheduling options and service availability Starting with this information will help narrow your search to practices that fit within the scope of your family's needs. Clinical Approach and Standards An ethical ABA practice will focus on individualized, compassionate, and client-centered care. Beware of one-size-fits-all or cookie-cutter programs with mandatory hours. All treatment plans and clinical hours should be determined through the assessment completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). When considering a practice's clinical approach, look for: Assent-based care that focuses on the child's autonomy Positive reinforcement strategies, not punishment Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and play-based approach Neurodiversity-affirming values Credentialed and Experienced Staff A reputable ABA center will maintain qualified and credentialed staff with robust training and supervision. Look for a practice that has: Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) who are master's-level clinicians that administer the assessments, create the treatment plan, and supervise therapy sessions Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) who provide 1:1 therapy under the supervision of the BCBA Comprehensive training with ongoing skill development opportunities for staff Supervision and clinical support from on-site BCBAs At HANDS, our technicians complete extensive onboarding training prior to working one-to-one with clients. In addition to the standard training, our team provides HANDS-specific training to all staff members to ensure consistent, quality care. We also maintain 100% clinical support from on-site BCBAs.
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