FAQautism

Sometimes the solution to a problem is right in front of our eyes. For example, if I cannot resist eating chocolate bars as a late night snack, the most logical solution is to keep chocolate bars out of the house. Likewise, if a toddler with autism swallows earrings and paperclips, those objects must be stored out of sight and out of reach. But, in some cases, it is a bit more challenging to stop hurtful or destructive behavior.

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If a youngster with autism drinks shampoo or shreds boxes of kleenex, we can simply make these items inaccessible to him. But, if a pre-schooler endangers life and limb by climbing on furniture, we can’t just move all furniture out of the house. If a teen with autism damages telephones, computers, televisions, and other electronic devices, it is certainly not practical to remove all those items from a house. Every family and home is different, but here are some ideas to consider in these situations.

1. Create free space. Develop a place in your home that allows your youngster with autism to hang out with minimal supervision. If climbing on furniture is a problem, then remove all furniture except beanbag chairs and some collapsible net boxes for storing toys and books. You could hang a mesh swing or net hammock from the ceiling or put a television or CD player on a shelf built in high on the wall. A lockable closet or storage cabinet could be used for storage.

2. Protect electronics. Computers can be kept in a captain-style desk that can be closed and locked when not in use. Or you can make a mini-office by putting a narrow desk or table in a closet, then open the closet door and pull up a chair to use the computer. A cabinet-style, lockable entertainment center can protect televisions, sound systems, and other electronics when the equipment is not under vigilant supervision.

3. Be proactive. Sometimes destructive behavior is a signal for desire for contact with other people, even if the contact is negative. Take a bit of time periodically to connect and interact to avoid encouraging inappropriate attention-getting behaviors. Sometimes our friends are simply bored. We certainly can’t fill every day with extraordinary activities, but we can always be on the outlook for ways to decrease boredom and to give purpose to each day.

4. Don’t don’t. Although it is sometimes necessary to speak sharply to get the attention of a person and to prevent injury or breakage, it is usually best to react calmly when a person approaches an “off-limits” object. Rather than shouting “Don’t touch that television,” you might form a barrier by standing between the person and the television, then crowd your friend with autism into a different part of the room or distract them with a favorite game or toy. Granted, this is easier said than done, but over time, a positive, pro-active response is more productive than shouting “don’t!”

We welcome your ideas about dealing with hurtful or destructive behaviors around the house or the classroom. Just click on the comments button or send a message to talk@FAQautism.com.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

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