FAQ from Autism Source: Challenging Behavior

January 10, 2013
By Autism Society

Patterns of challenging behavior have long been associated with the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. You may have observed problems with sleep, excessive activity levels, intense tantrums, self-stimulatory or stereotypic movements (e.g., rocking, hand flapping), and more serious behaviors such as aggression towards others (e.g., hitting, kicking), destruction of materials and the physical environment, and self-injury (e.g., hand biting, head hitting and banging). One approach for problem behaviors is through behavioral intervention. Read more in the Autism Advocate article, Outcomes-Based Intervention Approaches.

A behavioral analyst may be able to help. To search for one, you may want to search “Related Services” and “Consultants” in your area in Autism Source,™ the Autism Society's on-line referral database located on the web at www.autismsource.org

You may want to add the keyword "behavior" and include a zip code for better results.

The Autism Source™ database is free, searchable by location or service type, and provides resource listings throughout the United States. Listings include: Autism Society affiliates, government agencies, physicians, medical and diagnostic centers, day schools, information and support groups, early intervention, community services for adults, service providers, legal and advocacy services, consultants, camps, research centers, and more.

Also, if you scroll to the bottom of the search page in Autism Source™, there is a box that says, "Try these specialized search sites." There is a link to the BCBA. To find an ABA professional near you, visit the BACB website and click "Certificant Registry."

Keep in mind that behavioral issues may also be linked to underlying medical issues. You may consider looking into the many biomedical treatments that are available today.  Read more in this Autism Advocate article, Integrating Behavioral and Biomedical Approaches.

You may also want to search “Physicians” in the AutismSource™ resource database to find doctors with knowledge of these bio-medical treatments.