Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in various ways, impacting their communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behaviour. Among the many challenges faced by those supporting individuals with autism, managing challenging behaviours such as biting, scratching, and self-injury can be particularly demanding.
While there are well-researched and trained behavioural strategies to address these issues, protective measures like BitePRO® Bite Resistant Clothing can serve as an enhancement to existing methods, and seen as an additional layer of safety and peace of mind.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with an understanding of challenging behaviours in autism, their triggers, evidence-based strategies for managing them, and how BitePRO® Bite Resistant Clothing (made from Cut-Tex® PRO fabric) can play a supportive role without compromising professional techniques and care plans.
Understanding Challenging Behaviour in Autism
Challenging behaviours are actions that may cause harm to oneself, others, or property and can often hinder daily activities. These behaviours are not random and frequently serve a specific purpose for the individual, whether that is communication, coping with sensory discomfort, or responding to anxiety.
Common Types of Challenging Behaviour:
- Biting: This can be directed at themselves or others, usually in response to frustration, sensory needs, or difficulties communicating.
- Scratching: This may be self-inflicted or aimed at others during moments of distress.
- Hitting or Kicking: A physical response most likely caused due to overwhelming emotions or environmental stressors.
- Self-Injury: Such as head-banging, hair-pulling, or biting oneself.
- Tantrums: Outbursts of emotions that can involve screaming, crying, or physical aggression.
- Elopement: Running away from safe environments, often due to sensory overload or seeking isolation.
Understanding the triggers and functions of these behaviours is essential. They may be caused by:
- Communication Barriers: Individuals with limited verbal skills may use physical behaviours to express their needs, wants, or frustrations.
- Sensory Overload: Bright lights, loud noises, or specific textures can overwhelm someone with autism, leading to reactive behaviours.
- Emotional Management: Difficulty managing emotions can result in aggressive or self-injurious behaviours as a coping mechanism.
- Physical Discomfort: Pain from medical conditions, hunger, or fatigue may trigger certain behaviours.
- Disruption to routine: Unexpected changes in daily routines can cause distress and result in behavioural responses.
According to research published in Pediatrics (2023), approximately 30% of children with autism exhibit self-injurious behaviours, including biting and scratching, at some stage in their development. Source: Pediatrics, 2023
Evidence-Based Behavioural Strategies
It’s essential to note that BitePRO® Bite Resistant Clothing is not a replacement for behavioural interventions or therapeutic strategies. Instead, it is designed as an enhancement to protect caregivers, educators, and individuals to help manage challenging behaviour in autism.
1. Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
FBA is a structured approach to identifying the cause of challenging behaviours. By understanding the "why" behind a behaviour, caregivers and professionals can create effective interventions.
- Trigger Identification: Identifying events or environmental factors that cause a behaviour.
- Purpose Analysis: Understanding whether the behaviour is a form of communication, avoidance, or sensory regulation.
Example: If a child consistently bites during transitions between activities, the FBA may reveal that transitions cause anxiety, and a structured visual schedule could alleviate this stress.
For a practical tool to conduct Functional Behaviour Assessments, visit the Guided Functional Behaviour Assessment Tool provided by the Autism Hub. This resource offers step-by-step guidance to analyse behaviours and develop tailored strategies.
2. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) remains one of the most evidence-based approaches for managing challenging behaviours in individuals with autism. This method utilises reinforcement, skill-building, and behaviour replacement to promote long-term improvement and reduce harmful behaviours.
Key Techniques in ABA:
- Reinforcement: Encouraging positive or alternative behaviours through rewards.
- Skill Building: Teaching new, functional ways to communicate needs, such as using visual aids or picture cards.
- Behaviour Replacement: Gradually substituting harmful behaviours with safe, appropriate alternatives.
The Impact of ABA on Challenging Behaviour:
Research strongly supports the efficacy of ABA. A longitudinal study conducted by Action Behavior Centers in 2021 observed significant reductions in challenging behaviours among children receiving early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI). Over an average treatment period of 27 months:
- Aggression decreased by 92%.
- Elopement was reduced by 74%.
- Property destruction showed a 97% reduction.
- Self-injurious behaviour (SIB) decreased by 59%.
Moreover, the study found that the most substantial reductions (82%) occurred within the first 12 months of treatment, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
While these reductions represent a powerful argument for ABA’s effectiveness, it’s essential to complement therapeutic strategies with safeguards, especially during episodes of acute behavioural escalation. Products like protective clothing or equipment can help ensure the safety of caregivers and educators while they focus on implementing behavioural strategies.
For example, bite resistant arm guards for special needs teachers can provide invaluable protection in situations involving biting or scratching. These arm guards are designed to minimise injuries, creating a safer environment that enables teachers to dedicate their attention to supporting their students effectively.
Understanding Concerns Around ABA
While ABA remains one of the most evidence-based approaches for managing challenging behaviours, it’s important to acknowledge concerns that have been raised about its application. Critics of ABA often worry that the method can be overly rigid, fail to respect individual autonomy, or place too much emphasis on compliance rather than understanding the needs behind behaviours.
Modern ABA, however, has evolved significantly, with many practitioners focusing on empathy, collaboration, and tailoring interventions to each individual’s needs. For example, one ABA professional shared their experience of redirecting challenging behaviours in a way that fosters positive outcomes without punishment or undue stress:
- Focusing on function and rapport: Building trust and understanding the purpose behind behaviours is key. By mediating through reinforcement, learners are encouraged to engage in behaviours that are alternatives to harmful ones. For instance, teaching a learner to rub instead of scratch or offering safe sensory outlets like stickers or textured boards has proven effective.
- Consistency across environments: The practitioner emphasised the importance of consistency, noting how progress in a classroom setting can sometimes falter at home without a unified approach. This underscores the need for collaborative efforts among caregivers and educators.
- Human connection and sensory tools: While sensory tools such as sensory walls or textured items can support progress, the practitioner highlighted how a personal connection and verbal praise often lead to deeper, more meaningful engagement.
This approach aligns with the ethos of modern ABA, where understanding, empathy, and collaboration take centre stage. By combining these principles with protective measures, such as bite resistant clothing, caregivers and educators can create a safer and more supportive environment for learners.
Jill, a Health Risk Manager from one of Ireland's leading care providers, shares:
"BitePRO products have provided protection from bites and scratches, giving peace of mind to team members to allow them to provide the vital support the individuals require."
Key Takeaways
- Challenging behaviours in autism like biting and scratching often serve a purpose and should be understood rather than simply stopped.
- Evidence-based strategies like ABA, FBA, and communication aids are critical for long-term behaviour management.
- BitePRO® Bite Resistant Clothing serves as an enhancement, providing added safety and peace of mind in high-risk situations.
Every individual with autism is unique, and the approach to managing challenging behaviours must be tailored to their specific needs. By building a comprehensive support plan, combining behavioural interventions, environmental adjustments, and protective measures like bite resistant clothing, we can create safer, more supportive spaces for individuals with autism, their families, and their caregivers.
