Managing Challenging Behavior in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The term “challenging behavior” describes a wide range of behaviors that may be harmful to an individual and that pose significant risks related to health, emotional distress, or exclusion from community settings. Challenging behaviors occur at high rates among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some forms of challenging behavior include: aggression, self-injurious behavior (SIB), stereotypical behavior, pica, and vomiting/rumination. Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is the process of gathering and interpreting data related to the underlying function of a behavior. Interventions that target the function of a behavior are more effective and efficient. Behavioral treatment methods for challenging behavior are based on operant principles of reinforcement and punishment. Several common treatment methods are described. Suggestions for the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviors are outlined.