Causes of Severe Behavioral Changes in Autistic Children

Autism spectrum disorder can be difficult for children and the adults in their lives as it affects many parts of how they process information and interact with the world around them. It can also include behavioral changes. Read on to learn more.

Living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a challenge for children as well as their parents and caregivers. While each child is different, one common struggle is significant behavior changes. Helping to identify causes — and ways to deal with them — can help.

Our highly trained staff of qualified psychiatric nurse practitioners at Lewis Family Psychiatry provides state-of-the-art personalized care for mental, emotional, and behavioral issues including autism.

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Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental condition that impacts how a child or adult learns, behaves, engages with others, and communicates. Symptoms typically appear by two years of age though it can be diagnosed at any age. Autism affects 1 in 36 children in the United States, with boys being four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

Causes of behavioral changes

A wide range of reasons from the physical to the social can result in sudden behavior changes in children with autism, including the following:

Health

Feeling unwell or in pain can contribute to children behaving atypically. This could be a simple cold or flu or an underlying medical condition like allergies, a sleep disorder, or a gastrointestinal problem.

Sensory issues

Children with autism often don't process stimuli the same as neurotypical people. Being in a busy, noisy environment can be overwhelming and result in behavioral changes including meltdown or shutdown.

Routine change

Knowing what to expect is important for many children with autism as they do best with routine and predictability. When changes occur, they can become upset and behave differently.

Problems with interactions

Some children with autism may not be able to use or understand language easily, which can cause frustration and acting out. Similar feelings of irritation and exasperation can occur when they fail to understand social cues and forms of nonverbal communication.

Ways to help

It's important for children with autism, parents, and caregivers to have the right tools available to help navigate difficult behavior.

Often mental health professionals can assist with steps like brainstorming ways to create structure, knowing what to look out for when it comes to triggers, and understanding the importance of sensory breaks and providing ideas on ways to implement them.

Sometimes, children with autism need medication to control aggressive behavior or anxiety. If you're caring for a child with autism, we can provide you with needed support and resources. Click our contact button or call us at 561-303-0433 today to make an appointment.

Sometimes, children with autism need medication to control aggressive behavior or anxiety.