Health Canada (Commonwealth Union) – University of Montreal (UdeM) researchers have indicated numerous news reports that have highlighted instances of physical or even sexual assaults perpetrated by children with autism or intellectual disabilities, with some victims enduring severe head injuries. Simultaneously, parents of children with intellectual disabilities have shared their feelings of distress and helplessness during their child’s meltdowns.
While aggressive behavior is not exclusive to “neurotypical” children, it appears to be more frequent and intense among young people with neurodevelopmental disorders according to the researchers.
The questions arise: What triggers this aggression? Is there a genuine increase in aggressive behavior among children with autism? What preventive measures can be taken?
Experts in autism from UdeM provide insights into these questions and propose potential solutions.
Dr. Alexis Beauchamp-Châtel, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction at the Université de Montréal and a psychiatrist at the affiliated Centre de recherche de l’IUSMM indicated that every behavior, be it appropriate or potentially risky, is an attempt by a child to communicate a genuine need to the best of their ability.
He further indicated that for children with autism, meltdowns and aggressive behavior always serve a purpose. They are conveying something meaningful, whether it’s a desire, a refusal, a challenge in comprehension, a plea for assistance, sensory overload, or an emotional expression.
“‘Challenging’ behaviours are mostly a means of communication: they occur when the child has no other way to get what they want or avoid what they don’t want,” said Marc Lanovaz, who is a professor at UdeM’s School of Psychoeducation. “We avoid calling it violence, which has a very negative connotation.”
The professors emphasized that outbursts serve as visible indicators of a deeper issue: they signify the child’s distress in conveying their needs, understanding others, or making themselves understood.
When faced with such challenges, initiating a functional assessment is a recommended starting point, as it aids in identifying the underlying purpose behind the challenging behavior. Examining the events leading up to an episode, evaluating the response to the behavior, and analyzing numerous occurrences contribute to formulating a hypothesis about the root cause. Once the triggers are identified, appropriate solutions can be devised, according to the researchers of the study.
Dr. Beauchamp-Châtel provided an example when observing disruptive behavior in your child when navigating a noisy hallway to reach class, noise-cancelling headphones might offer a solution. For a non-verbal child experiencing communication difficulties, employing sign language, pictograms, assistive apps, or other communication aids can be beneficial.
Both Lanovaz and Beauchamp-Châtel underscored the significance of early intervention to prevent the escalation of aggressive behaviors. Managing a 3 or 4-year-old exhibiting aggressive tendencies is more manageable than addressing the same behaviors in a 15-year-old.
Beauchamp-Châtel indicated that behaviors tend to become more deeply ingrained as the child ages, further indicating that establishing a framework at an early age is crucial.
No upsurge in recent years, was noticed by the researchers of the study.
Researchers of the study pointed out that reports from the media, covering incidents in both regular and special education schools, might create the impression of a recent surge in aggressive behavior among young individuals with autism. However, Lanovaz staunchly refutes this notion, asserting that the prevalence is no higher now than when he initially entered the field over two decades ago. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that excessively long waiting lists, hindering children from receiving specialized assistance promptly and at an early stage, can contribute to exacerbating the issue.
“Consistency is another key to successful treatment. But schools are facing high turnover and a shortage of specialized staff. People are doing their best given the circumstances, but problems that could have been solved with a few months of systematic intervention persist.”
