Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of engaging in challenging behaviors such as self-injury, aggression and destructive behavior. Unfortunately, appropriate and effective treatments and services are lagging.

In response to this, in December 2020 the Autism Speaks Thought Leadership Summit on Challenging Behaviors brought together leaders in autism care and research across North America to assess the landscape of services and supports for people with autism who experience challenging behaviors and act as a catalyst for innovations in programs and policies to improve systems of care for this population. A comprehensive and diverse multi-disciplinary and representative group of participants, including individuals with autism and family members, were present to be sure all voices in the community contributed to this important discussion.

This roadmap is one product of that summit and is intended to help parents, extended family, caregivers and others supervising or in charge of care for an autistic loved one. It's goal is to help them navigate challenges, help identify causes and provide guidance in managing behaviors.

In this you will find:

• An overview of challenging behaviors
• Getting help and treatment for those with autism experiencing challenging behaviors
• Home supports for those experiencing challenging behavior
• Prevention strategies
• Crisis management and hospitalization.

Workgroups from the summit also developed the following for clinical use by licensed professionals: The Clinician Guide: Program Development and Best Practices for Treating Severe Behaviors in Autism. Feel free to share it with your autistic loved one's healthcare provider team.