Understanding Behavior in Persons with Autism

The Basics of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Training Series

Regional Autism Advisory Council of

Southwest Ohio (RAAC-SWO)

Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Task Force

Adult Training Series Modules

Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence and Primary Characteristics

Module Two: Physical Characteristics of Autism

Module Three: Cognition and Learning in Autism

Module Four: Autism and Sensory Differences

Module Five: Communication and Autism

Adult Training Series Modules

Module Six: Behavior Challenges and Autism

Module Seven: Understanding Behavior Module Seven: Understanding Behavior in Persons with Autismin Persons with Autism

Module Eight: Functional Behavior Assessment

Module Nine: Autism and Leisure Skills to Teach

Module Ten: Special Issues of Adolescence and Adulthood

Module Eleven: Safety and Autism

Big Idea

We must first understand why a

behavior occurs before we are able to change

it.

Steps to Understanding

Reasons for Behavior

Step One: Describe What Was Happening Before the Behavior

Started

Who, What, When, Where, and then Why?

Where does the behavior happen?

When does the behavior happen?

Who is there when the behavior occurs?

What was happening right before the behavior started?

Step Two: Describe the Behavior

Describe the behavior exactly.

What did it look like (as if you had a video camera)?

Who was involved?

How long did it last?

What was being said?

Step Three: What Happened Immediately Following the Behavior?

What happened to end the behavior?

What did the person do?

Was someone else involved in ending the behavior?

Did the person get what he wanted?

What was it?

Big Idea

All behavior happens for a reason and it is motivated by something.

Some Reasons Behind Behavior

Behaviors are a way of coping with what is happening around us.

Behaviors are learned through trial and error.

Behaviors that are reinforced are likely to continue.

If a behavior continues to occur or it is increasing, it is being reinforced in some way.

To change the person’s behavior, we must change what we are doing.

Reinforcement Reinforcement is something that follows

a behavior that either makes it occur more often or less often. Examples:

a baby says “mama” for the first time and mommy smiles, claps, and yells her excitement. (Positive)

loud buzz in some cars when ignition is turned on in order for driver to put on seat belt to

eliminate irritating buzz. (Negative)

I receive a paycheck every 2 weeks. (Positive)

Reinforcement is Important

We all reinforce ourselves throughout the day.

(i.e. an ice cream cone, a break, a favorite television show, praise)

Persons with ASD tend to need a lot of reinforcement throughout their day.

- It increases motivation to participate.

- Participation can help in learning new things.

- Once the behavior is learned, the reinforcement can usually be lessened.

Big Idea

Everyone’s reinforcers are different. We have to find out what works for each

person.