Children with autism often have difficulty communicating their wants and needs, which can lead to frustration and challenging behaviors. For example, a child who is unable to ask for a toy may become aggressive in order to get it. They may also become irritable, frustrated, or disengaged when they are unable to communicate effectively with others.
Research has consistently found that children with autism who have more severe communication difficulties are more likely to engage in challenging behaviors. For instance, a study by the National Autism Association found that children with autism who were nonverbal were more likely to engage in challenging behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, and disruptive behaviors.
One reason why children with autism who have communication difficulties may be more likely to engage in challenging behaviors is because they may not be able to express their emotions in a healthy way. For example, a child who is unable to tell their parents that they are angry may instead lash out physically.
Another reason why children with autism who have communication difficulties may be more likely to engage in challenging behaviors is because they may be more likely to experience environmental stressors. For example, a child who is unable to communicate their need for help may be more likely to become overwhelmed and engage in challenging behaviors.
Finally, children with autism who have communication difficulties may also be more likely to engage in challenging behaviors because they may be less likely to receive positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors. For example, a child who is unable to ask for a toy may not be able to receive praise for asking appropriately, which may lead them to engage in more challenging behaviors in order to get attention.
Given the link between communication difficulties and challenging behaviors in children with autism, it is important to provide early intervention services that focus on improving communication skills. This can help to reduce the risk of developing challenging behaviors and improve the overall quality of life for children with autism.