When parents ask, “Why do children with autism use behavior to communicate?” they’re often thinking about moments when their child has a meltdown, hits, screams or shuts down. From an ABA perspective, these moments are rarely random. Instead, they often reflect something a child is trying to communicate when verbal language or other tools aren’t available.
Behavior is often a child’s first form of communication
“All behavior is a form of communication,” says Reena Naami-Dier, BCBA, LBA, owner of Spark Center for Autism in Farmington. “When our children are engaging in what we consider to be problem behavior, generally speaking, they’re communicating in a way that they know how and they believe will get their needs met most effectively.”
For children who struggle with vocal or verbal communication, using behavior can simply be easier than using words, signs or devices.
Naami-Dier also cautions against labeling behavior as “bad” or “defiant.”
“If we do this, we can miss opportunities to connect, to support and to teach,” she says. Importantly, she notes that a child’s intent is rarely to harm others — the goal is to get a need met.
The first step, Naami-Dier explains, is understanding the purpose behind the behavior.
“Identifying the function of behaviors is often that first step — determining what your child is trying to express or achieve.” From there, families can focus on teaching replacement skills such as functional communication, emotional regulation and coping strategies.
“At Spark, we often work on teaching flexibility by providing more communication training, social skills and group instruction,” Naami-Dier says.
Want to learn more? Read our related stories on why transitions can be so frustrating for kids with autism and how routines help children with autism:
This content is sponsored by Spark Center for Autism.
