Behavior challenges

Behavioral issues are very common among children and adults with autism. Understanding behavioral issues and responding in a positive way can help you overcome some of these challenges.

Autism Treatment Network Research on challenging behavior

Researchers with the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN) study challenging behavior in kids and teens with autism. Many children with autism have behavior problems. These can be hard on both the child and the family and caregivers. More than half of kids and teens with autism may be physically aggressive toward caregivers or other kids and grown-ups. This can include hitting, kicking and biting. Other behavior problems can include:

  • being hyperactive, anxious and worried
  • hurting themselves by banging or hitting their heads
  • biting their hands and fingers

Behavior problems happen more often if the child has trouble sleeping. This is more likely if they wake up in the middle of the night. Younger kids are more likely to hurt other people. But older kids and teens are more likely to hurt themselves, especially if they have trouble talking.

Talking, social skills, and daily living skills have all been shown to be better in children and teens who are good sleepers. Daily living skills include getting dressed, brushing teeth and making food. So, talking about sleep problems with a healthcare provider is important. Medicines like Risperidone and Aripiprazole are good at helping kids and teens be less irritable – or easily upset – and aggressive. Some other drugs may also help with behavior problems and have fewer side effects. Medications that help with behavior problems often make kids and teens gain weight. To help kids and teens stay at a healthy weight, health care providers can think about other medicines, too. A second medicine called Metformin may help when taking medicine for aggression. Many moms and dads of children with autism with big behavior problems have a hard time feeling good about being a parent. They also struggle to have friends. Treatments that help with behavior problems include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), counseling, and medications. They can help the whole family feel better.

For the full reference list and more Frequently Asked Questions addressed by ATN research on challenging behavior, visit the Autism Care Network website.

*Disclaimer: This summary is based on research conducted by Autism Treatment Network (ATN) members. It is not a summary of the entire body of research literature available on this subject

Autism and behavior resources

Resources to help prevent and improve difficult behaviors.
Challenging Behaviors Roadmap for Families
Help for parents, extended family and caregivers to help navigate challenges, identify causes and provide guidance in managing behaviors.
Behavioral Health Treatments Cropped Cover
Information about behavioral treatments at home and in a professional setting.
ABA Guide Cropped Cover
An overview of ABA, its effectiveness and how to access it

Parents ask, experts answer: Challenging behaviors

Toilet training help

Many children with autism have difficulty learning to use the toilet. The Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Toilet Training Guide can help. 

In addition, the blogs below from child development experts can help make potty training your child easier for you:

Learn more in the Toilet Training Guide.

Autism Speaks advocacy

Access, affordability and quality of health care services are crucial factors influencing health outcomes for people with autism. Autism Speaks is committed to improving the health of people with autism by advocating for these services. 

Learn more about Autism Speaks health care advocacy efforts.

Need personalized support?

Our Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect people with autism, their families, and caretakers to information, tools, and resources.

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