Sometimes a person with autism demonstrates inappropriate behaviors because of sensory difficulties, and at other times it is due to poor communication skills.
However, in certain instances when a functional behavior analysis has been conducted over a period of time ( a week or longer), a pattern of inappropriate social interactions may be revealed. We must never forget that kids with autism also demonstrate deficits in the area of social interactions.
This program was developed for one particular student in one particular setting. It works for him. Even though his behaviors are inappropriate, he does have a desire to interqact with other people. This strategy will not work with every student in every situation, just remember that.
As with any other behavior changing program, it will take three weeks or so before you really start seeing any improvements in behavior.
****
Inappropriate/Undesirable Behaviors
for average 9 year old male :
Sit and does nothing as refusal “turns to jello”
Throws or mouths small objects such as blocks or puzzle pieces
Closes eyes tightly to not look at adult or activity
Stands up and walks in a circle around the room
Grabs at tangible rewards without performing task
Turns over large objects (boxes, baskets, desk drawers)
as he walks past them
Stands in chair seat
Stands on Table Top
Bangs walls loudly with hands, fists
Grabs towel bar in bathroom and pulls on it
Jerks arm and lunges - “push me - pull you”
Jumps on “bouncy” furniture - couch, chair, bed
Walks along back of furniture like a tightrope acrobat
Walks along porch railing like a tightrope acrobat
Runs around room and does all of the above in “fast motion”
Sits/lays on ground or floor and refuses to budge
Removes clothing - pulls pants down to ankles
Runs away - escape type behavior
Climbs on very high places such as top of swingset
Throws heavy objects
Becomes Physically aggressive -
Stand up on furniture and “pounce” on your head or back
Pulls your hair and bites your scalp
Climb on your back, neck, shoulders
Choke you from behind
Step/stomp on you with his shoes
Self-Injurious behaviors
Slaps face, cheeks
Pulls heavy furniture on himself
Pica - may eat something poisonous
Throws himself down stairs
****
Appropriate/ Replacement Behaviors
for average 9 year old male
Rest and Recreation at Home
Play indoors safely/appropriately
Watch T.V. - Barney, Lion King, and other preferred videos
Sit with bottom in full contact of chair
Play table top activities such as puzzles and simple turn-taking games
Jump only on trampoline
Rest, calm self down when agitated “renewal” space
Play in play yard safely/appropriately
Swing on swing set
Climb on logs, balance beam
Play with Bouncing Ball
Play with Toy Cars
Play T-Ball with friend
Ride in Wagon
Learn Communication & Flexibility
(every person - not just Student)
Use appropriate methods to communicate wants, needs, and desires (ASL,
picture symbol, gesture, etc.)
Use Social Stories to explain and clarify expectations
Keep everything very consistent among service providers
Student Initiates A
Request for
Social Interaction
Is Request Made
Appropriately?
YES or NO
YES
Appropriate Behavior
ASL, Picture Symbol,
Gesture, etc.
Reinforcement of Appropriate Social Interaction Increases Likelihood that Appropriate Interaction will Occur Again.
Adult honors Student’s Appropriate
Request for Social Interaction
by playing game, watching, T.V., etc.
****
Student Initiates A
Request for
Social Interaction
Is Request Made
Appropriately?
YES or NO
NO
Inappropriate Behavior
Climb on furniture
or other types of
“naughty” behavior
On-Going Vicious Cycle of Inappropriate Social Interaction
1. Adult provides attention
by fussing at behavior
“Don’t do that!
Stop! Get down!”
2. Student smiles and continues
inappropriate behavior
or performs a
new inappropriate behavior
3. Adult seeks to “control”
Student’s behavior and
Continues to fuss, chase Student
4. Student smiles, laughs
Perceives Inappropriate
Social Interaction
as FUN !!
5. Adult catches Student.
Attempts to “control”
Student’s behavior
with physical methods
6. If Adult becomes physical,
Student becomes physical.
Student enjoys
wrestling with adult and
he likes to “win.”
7. Return to step 1.
NOTE: Various medications have been
tried with Student, but medication only
slows down the inappropriate behaviors
that he chooses
and does not change or eliminate them.
****
Implementation of “Planned Ignoring” Strategy to Extinguish Inappropriate/Undesirable Behaviors
Student Initiates A
Request for
Social Interaction
Is Request Made
Appropriately?
YES or NO
NO
Inappropriate Behavior
Climb on furniture
or other types of
“naughty” behavior
1. Adult IGNORES
Student’s inappropriate
behavior
2. Student pouts, frowns.
He escalates level of
inappropriate behavior.
He smiles and waits
for adult reaction.
3. Adult gives NO attention
and continues to IGNORE
inappropriate behavior
as much as possible.
4. Student pouts, frowns.
runs around room,
bangs the walls, etc.
He smiles and waits
for adult reaction.
5. Adult does NOT chase,
fuss, or touch Student.
Offers Student an appropriate
behavior such as “Let’s play a puzzle.”
(See list of replacement behaviors)
Physical gestures
such as an extended hand
may also be used.
6. Student has to make his
own choice now
by engaging in
appropriate behavior
or inappropriate behavior.
7. Student frowns, pouts
continues using repetoir of
inappropriate behavior
to engage adult
in social interaction.
8. Adult sits in chair
at a table with materials
and verbally prompts Student
“I am waiting” again.
9. (Repeat as many times as needed)
10. Student chooses to engage
adult by using
appropriate behavior.
11. Student sits at the table and
engages adult in
appropriate social interaction.
YES !!!
12. Appropriate Behavior
ASL, Picture Symbol,
Gesture, etc.
13. Adult honors Student’s Appropriate
Request for Social Interaction
by playing game, watching, T.V., etc
Reinforcement of Appropriate Social Interaction Increases Likelihood that Appropriate Interaction will Occur Again.
Web Page Author: Janet Lawrence Updated: 7/25/99 © Copyright Information
*** Return to Home Page ***
*** Taming Temper Tantrums ***
