Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired social functioning and communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities and/or interests. Often, along with core symptoms of the disorder laid down by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), people with ASD display maladaptive behaviors that hamper their daily functioning such as aggressive or unusual behavior.
Autism Anger Issues
Did you know that 50 to 70% of children and adolescents with ASD display aggressive behavior at some point during their developmental journey. Aggressive behavior or anger issues for people with autism often manifests in forms such as hitting, biting, kicking, screaming, pushing people or property destruction.
Autistic anger or aggression can be an expression or mode of communication and often arise from a difficulty from being able to clearly express their feelings, thoughts, wants or needs which can lead to frustration and consequent aggressive behavior.
Further, sensory sensitivities or sensory processing difficulties can also contribute to a heightened sense of discomfort leading to aggression. Social skills deficit can also often lead to situations wherein navigating social interaction or situations can be difficult leading to misunderstandings and consequent anger outbursts or aggressive behavior.
According to research, aggression and self-injury would often be observed in Autistic individuals and behavioral interventions and applied behavior analysis (ABA) should be used to address such issues.
Autism Anger Management
Psychotropics or psychiatric medication is often utilized in anger management of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) depending on the severity of symptoms, injury to self and harm to others and other co-occurring factors.
It is often observed in children with autism that they do not realize the gravity of causing harm to self and others, such that they do not realizing the consequences of actions that may be aggressive in nature and their impact on another person. In such a situation, psychiatric medication is usually recommended with a combination of other treatment methods.
When it comes to managing or treating anger in individuals with ASD, depending on factors such as where they lie on the autistic spectrum, their functionality level, needs and challenges in their daily environment, a tailored approach needs to be undertaken. High functioning autism anger issues also manifest similarly but due to a rigidity, difficulty with change, social and executive deficits, their treatment approach requires teaching coping strategies, support and sensory accommodation. Let’s look at a strategic approach and some tips towards anger management for this population.
Autism Anger Management Techniques or Strategies
Here are some techniques for anger management for children and adults with ASD:
- Teaching individuals with ASD alternative (for e.g., non-verbal or pictorial) ways to communicate their needs, frustrations and emotions, often involving the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
- Identifying triggers that directly and indirectly lead to anger, frustration or aggressive behavior to keep a track of triggers and patterns of behavior.
- Teaching coping strategies to manage anger and frustration in constructive ways such as breathing and meditative exercises, alternative or healthy channels to release frustration, self-regulation exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Sensory skills training so that individuals with ASD are able to understand, process and navigate social situations more effectively including perspective taking, recognizing social cues, problem solving skills to resolve any issues or concerns.
- Sensory strategies include sensory breaks, creating a sensory friendly environment or use sensory tools such as fidget toys or weighted blankets to help regulate sensory input and reduce sensory difficulties that may contribute to anger or frustration.
- Visual support can include visual timers, emotion face cards, to help autistic people better understand social and emotional expectations, cues and responses and further be able to respond to them appropriately.
- Positive reinforcement is extremely important after every step of the ay in the strategies mentioned above, as reinforcement of any positive behavior in part or wholly can help them develop these skills faster and also use healthier ways of coping in place of aggressive or emotional outbursts.
- Problem-Solving Skills and Impulse Control skills are two extremely important skills that should be developed using fun activities and games to help them identify problem situations and be able to respond to them in time after thinking and appropriately.
- Professional support and environment that is conducive to or accommodating of needs of individuals with ASD as well as professionals such as special educators, behavioral therapists, occupational and speech therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists and allied professionals work together that perform assessment, intervention, support and treatment according to the needs of the individual is crucial.
It’s essential to approach anger management for individuals with ASD with patience, empathy, and flexibility. Each person with ASD is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. By understanding them, their environment, their unique strengths, a professional can develop effective strategies and treatment plan that best supports them in managing their anger and promoting positive behaviors.
Further, a collaborative approach is the one factor that can make all the difference. Special educators, psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, social workers who specialize in working with autistic individuals can provide invaluable guidance in interventions for anger issues and overcoming them that are effective and ensure that the individual is not causing harm to themselves or those around him or her.
With North American Behavioral Health Services, you can get a collaborative support to help you deal better with such problems. Reach out today to know more!
