Functions of behaviors include: - Endless Potential



Why Does My Child Behave This Way?

There are many factors to consider when trying to explain a child’s behavior. The following describes some of the most common reasons children misbehave, what to do and resources that will help you get started!

Communication:

Children often use various behaviors such as pointing, pulling, screaming, hitting, crying and biting as ways of communication. It is important to establish communication with your child, in order to decrease inappropriate behaviors intended to communicate specific needs. For example, a child may want a cookie from the kitchen. He/she may pull on his/her mother’s sleeve and the mother may try to find the item that the child desires. When the mother is unsuccessful, the child may scream and cry in disgust. The mother, again, tries to find the desired item; however, is unsuccessful. Next, the child throws himself to the floor and tantrums until the mother can find the desired item. These situations often occur, again and again, over the course of the day and are frustrating not only to the child but to the caregiver!

What do I do?

It is important to open all avenues of communication including alternative communication methods. Model ways of nonverbal communication, such as pointing, and other motor responses needed to communicate without verbal language. Allow communication with object, photos, computers, written words, sign language etc. It is important to familiarize yourself with all alternative communication methods and devices, in order to appropriately assist your child. Communication systems should always be available to the child at all times.

A. Augmentative Communication

Augmentative communication involves communicating without the use of verbal language. Augmentative communication may involve pointing, simplified forms of sign language, communication boards, picture symbols, and synthesized speech devices.

Simplified Forms of Sign Language – Often children do not have the motor skills or coordination for complex sign language. In many cases, it is easiest to teach simplified signs and gestures to the child, in order to communication wants and needs. More formal sign language can be taught, in the future, after the child has acquired general imitation skills.

Communication Boards – Often pictures or symbols are made into laminated communication boards in which the child points to a wanted item. For example, if the child desires a cookie he/she would point or touch the representation of the cookie on the board.

Picture Symbols – Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) are common means of communication in nonverbal children. The child gives a picture of a desired item which, in return, is given to the child. This system is commonly implemented in public school systems.

Synthesized Speech Devices – These devices utilize recordings of verbal language, in order to communicate. For example, if the child needed to go to the bathroom, he/she could push a specific button and a recorded voice would say “I need to go to the bathroom.”

It is important to obtain appropriate training before introducing augmentative communication systems and devices. The following provide training and supplies:

Resources

|Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. |Augmentative & Alternative Communication Centers |

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|Attainment Company |Cognitive Concepts |

|attainment- | |

|Speechville Express |Enabling Devices |

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B. Facilitated Communication (FC)

Facilitated Communication (FC) is a type of communication that utilizes a “facilitator” and a “communicator” to communicate. The therapist works as the facilitator and assists the communicator, or child, in typing on a typewriter and computer or using stencils and alphabet boards. This type of communication is highly controversial because of its misuse in the past; however, many nonverbal individuals and their families find this to be a meaningful way of communication.

It is important to get the appropriate training from professionals experienced in FC. The following are facilitated communication training organizations, services providers and products:

Resources

|Facilitated Communication Institute |Facilitated Communication Coalition of Indiana |

| |bloomington.in.us |

|Mayer Shevin Ph.D. |Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) |

| |educ.uidaho.edu |

|Buddy Speak |DakotaLink |

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|GTS Designs |Ashley’s Mom |

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|Ablenet |Adam Lab |

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|Augmentative & Alternative Communication Centers |Attainment Company, Inc. |

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C. Sign Language

Sign Language involves using movements of the hands and facial expressions to communicate. Although first developed as a means of communication between hearing-impaired individuals, sign language is commonly used to teach children, diagnosed with developmental delays, to communicate.

Resource books and dictionaries are available at any book store.

Resources

|Hand Speak |American Sign Language Browser |

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|Your Dictionary |My Baby Can Talk |

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|Kinder Sign | |

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Sensory Issues/Environment:

Many children diagnosed with Autism are often hypersensitive or overly sensitive to sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, crowded auditoriums, loud smells, texture of food and the feeling of certain clothing materials. Often child that are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli attempt to escape the environment where the stimuli is present by covering their eyes or ears, showing repetitive movements, making continuous vocalizations, tantrums or showing discomfort trough muscle tension of the face or body. Some children are hyposensitive to sensory input and seem to have no regard for the way things sound, feel, smell, taste or look.

What do I do?

Because the way we perceive and integrate sensory input effects how we respond and relate to our environment, it is important to understand ways of helping the child integrate sensory input more efficiently and effectively.

A. Sensory Integration Therapy (SI)

The therapy is provided by occupational therapists and involves providing different types of sensory information. The sensory information helps organize the central nervous system and assists the child in modulation of the information and organizing a meaningful and appropriate response. SI may involve brushing therapy, deep pressure therapy, oral-motor stimulation, and vestibular stimulation.

Sensory Integration Therapy is very commonly used with children diagnosed with Autism. Contact your local Occupational Therapy Provider. Internet resources are as follows:

Resources

|Sensory Integration International |Henry |

| |Occupational Therapy Services, Inc. |

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|Rehab Toys |Bright Start Therapeutics |

| |bright- |

|Pocket Full Of Therapy | |

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B. Auditory Integration Training

Auditory Integration Training (AIT) was, originally, developed to treat auditory system dysfunctions; however, it has been used, recently, to treat hypersensitivity to sounds in children with Autism and related disorders.

Resources

|Auditory Integration Training Services |AIT Institute for Berard Auditory Integration Training |

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C. Irlen Lenses

Irlen Lenses involve wearing glasses that are used as color fillers and, in turn, eliminate sensory overload.

Resources

|Irlen | |

|index_autism.html | |

Medical Problems/Physiological:

Existing medical issues will have an extreme effect on the child’s behavior! The most common medical problems associated with autism include, gastrointestinal issues, food allergies, seizures, obsessive compulsive disorder, accidental injuries, dental problems, infections (ear) and general malnutrition. It is important to remember that all children, diagnosed with Autism, do not exhibit these medical issues and having a diagnosis of Autism does not imply that they will have these medical issues in the future.

What do I do?

It is important to choose the best equipped professionals to treat children diagnosed with Autism. In order to treat the medical issues described above, it is important to have a Pediatrician, Neurologist, Dentist and Nutritionist. Choose professionals that have had extensive experience or specialize in

treating children diagnosed with Autism. In some cases, local Autism organizations will have a list of professionals that treat children diagnosed with Autism.

Often children diagnosed with Autism are nonverbal which further complicates exams. Even the best of professionals have to examine children without their cooperation; however, it is important that the professional take a complete history of the child and try to reduce the child’s anxiety level by using that information. Choose professionals that are open to various treatment options including behavioral, biomedical and alternative. It is important to have a relationship that allows you to discuss treatments you are pursuing for your child and the progress you are seeing.

Currently, there is no medical treatment that cures Autism; however, there are medical treatments that help control symptoms of Autism. Typically, medications used to treat autistic symptoms have been developed, initially, to treat some other medical condition. For example, antidepressants are commonly

used to treat anxiety and behavioral issues associated with autism; however, they were, initially, developed to treat depression.

As a parent, you have to right to request testing for all associated medical issues that often coexist with Autism; however, many tests such as an EEG are very costly and time consuming. It is important to consult with your Pediatrician and devise an appropriate plan of action.

Resources

|Fighting Autism |Autism Treatment Network |

|doctors/index.php | |

|Autism Research Institute – Defeat Autism Now! (DAN) |Defeat Autism Now! |

|ari/dan/dan/dan.htm | |

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