Autism Therapy: aggressive behavior

definition of aggressive behavior: Behavior or action that intrudes on others and may be harmful to others. Aggressive behaviors may be physical or verbal.

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Assessment and Treatment of Excessive Straightening and Destructive Behavior in an Adolescent Diagnosed with Autism
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, by Kuhn, DE, Hardesty SL, and Sweeney NM, published in 2009, summarized Jun 3, 2010

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) may be helpful when teaching a child with autism to stop throwing things in the trash can.

Some children with autism spend a great deal of time straightening items and this may get in the way of living a normal life. Stopping or blocking the child from straightening has been shown to help stop the straightening behavior. Sometimes, though, stopping the child from straightening can make him angry and bring out aggressive behavior. This case study describes the use of ABA to help a 16-year-old boy with autism who spent a great deal of time placing items in a straight line and throwing them away. The treatment was able to help stop him from throwing things away, at least in front of staff and parents.


Functional Analysis and Treatment of Inappropriate Vocalizations Using a Speech-Generating Device for a Child with Autism
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, by Franco, JH, Lang RL, O’Reilly MF, Chan JM, Sigafoos J., and Rispoli M., published in 2009, summarized Feb 3, 2010

A speech-generating device may improve behaviors in children with autism who cannot speak.

This case report describes the use of a speech-generating device by a 7-year-old boy with autism. The boy could not speak, but he did make sounds with his voice. Sometimes the sounds were not appropriate. He also had problem behaviors; for example, he would use aggression when he wanted attention or wanted to play with someone. The boy was taught how to use multiple options on the device. He used the device on the playground and during gym. When he used the device, he had problem behaviors 0 to 20% of the total time (for example, while on the playground). Without the device, he had problem behaviors 40 to 80% of the total time. 


Risk Factors for Challenging Behaviors among 157 Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Ireland
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Murphy, O., Healy O., and Leader G., published in 2009, summarized Nov 16, 2009

Self-injury behaviors in children with autism may be more intense in children with severe intellectual disability than in other children with autism.

This study asked whether self injury, aggressive, and stereotypy behaviors were more common in some groups of children with autism than others. The researchers tested age, gender, therapy interventions, and intellectual disabilities. Age and gender were not a factor. Children getting applied behavior analysis therapy (ABA) had aggressive behaviors more often than other children, but the authors think that might be because children with behavioral problems are more likely to get therapy. Children with severe intellectual disabilities had more intense self-injury behaviors than other children with autism.


Effects of Psychosocial Interventions for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Health Problems: A Survey of Systematic Reviews
Research on Social Work Practice, by Gustafsson, C., Ojehagen A., Hansson L., Sandlund M., Nystrom M., Glad J., Cruce G., Jonsson AK, and Fredriksson M., published in 2009, summarized Oct 15, 2009

Behavioral therapies and integrated care may be helpful for adults with autism.

The authors analyzed review articles of psychosocial or behavioral therapies for adults with autism. They found 126 review articles, but only 3 of these articles contained high quality research information, as judged by the authors. The authors said that cognitive-behavioral therapies reduced aggression in these studies, but the effects did not last long. They also said that community support services reduced admissions to state psychiatric hospitals. There were few large studies published, and the authors urged more research of therapies for adults with autism.


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Medical Marijuana as a Therapy for Autism

Nov 23, 2009

A mom believes that her son with autism and aggression has improved behavior since beginning medical marijuana therapy. She tried traditional drug therapy with him, including risperdal, but that seemed to make him heavy, stronger, and still aggressive. The family contacted a medical cannabis doctor who agreed that a "speck" of marijuana given in a piece of fruit might help. His parents report, "It was an amazing experience, I'll never forget it, as we watched what happened, it was like 'He's back!' It was like all this anguish, pent-up rage and aggressiveness went away - it just calmed him down." Another mother with an autistic child who also had eating disorders gives her child a small bit of marijuana-infused oil in tea and cookies. She reported, "For the past year, he'd consistently had 30 to 50 aggressions in a school day, with a one-time high of 300. The charts for June through July, by contrast, showed he was actually having days-sometimes one after another-with zero aggressions." Doctors caution that more research needs to be done on marijuana as treatment for autism and many see drug therapy as a last resort.

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Palmtop Helps Non-Verbal Kids Communicate

Apr 14, 2008

A portable computer weighing about a pound fits into Kayle Coutie's palm and allows the non-verbal child with autism the chance to communicate. Kayle, a student at Bloorview Kids Rehab in Canada, received a Palmtop his anger and aggression lessened. Pre-programmed with phrases and sentences, the Palmtop enables Kayle to let his family know his needs. There are several useful features: a word prediction function that offers words once Kayle has typed the first three letters; and settings that contain pictures and words. For example, "if he clicks 'school' and 'is it time for' it will speak that whole question." Therapists caution that each non-verbal child's specific needs should be assessed before selecting a single solution.

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Please comment on this autism topic.

Responding to Thorazine (chlorpromazine)

Aug 13, 2010 by PWSMom

In 2006 the FDA approved risperidone for the specific treatment of aggression and irritability in people (inc children) with autism, yet you have posted an expert opinion also from 2006 that anti-psychotics are not useful in treating autism. Please review your information. Risperidone is an anti-psychotic and has been found to be effective in treating patients with autism who are easily agitated and frequently aggressive. While I can not speak specifically to Thorazine, the professional opinion used to back up the information is outdated and no longer correct. 


Comment added from Healing Thresholds: Note that rarely is scientific consensus achieved in one year. Moreover, scientific consensus rarely occurs as the result of a regulatory decision (FDA approval). At Healing Thresholds we summarize medical research as it occurs and we provide the date of the medical research/medical opinion. We inlude both mainstream and alternative views as long as those studies/opinons have been subjected to the scientific peer review process. We encourage all readers to consider the date of the research/opinion (and the source of the research/opinion) when evaluating how the results relate to their own child's therapy program.


Aggressive Behaviors

Apr 25, 2009 by Anonymous

I am a provider of Home and Community Habilitation to developmentally challenged individuals. Recently we began working with the brother of a long term client,both are autistic. While the one brother has come quite a long way, in the time that we have had him,the other is much more severely affected. The newer client has behaviors that I'm not sure how to address. When his parents are present the behaviors are less or do not happen at all. He spits towards me ,throws items at me and is starting to grab and try to twist my arm. This happens when I'm only in the same room with him and not requiring anything of him. If anyone has ever dealt with this type of aggression I would appreciate any input.


"Understanding Autism through Rapid Prompting Method"-Soma Mukhopadhyay

Dec 7, 2008 by Anonymous

Just wanted to pass along that Soma Mukhopadhyay's long awaited Manual on RPM is available.

News/Articles

Soma Mukhopadhyay's New Book Released

 

People can buy a copy either through her website Halo-Soma.org or they can go to Amazon.com. It really is an amazing read. She addresses a LOT of issues we as parents as well as professionals face when engaging our loved ones on the spectrum. Soma talks about autism and the brain ,behaviors,cognition,how learning takes place through the senses, different types of learners etc. Good gift ideas for teachers,para-professionals,family members.Full of solid information for everyone.

On a personal note,I have written here before about RPM and how our lives have changed because of it. RPM is for ANY learner ,whether your child or loved one is on the autism spectrum(Aspergers,classic"kanners Autism" )verbal ,limited-verbal or non-verbal. Autism,down syndrome,Angelman or other related conditions. For ages 5-99 ,there's no missed "window" of opportunity. Individuals with aggressive behaviors ? Soma has been successful working with them all.

Go to Halo-Soma.org to learn more. Visit Amazon.com and read the reviews as well.

This truly is a MUST READ.


Tara

Jul 14, 2008 by Anonymous

Hi,

I am a coordinator for a sensory integration room in Nanaimo, BC. I have been doing behavioural intervention with children with ASD for the past 10 years and developed a sensory Snoezelen room. I have been charting the progress of my clients in the room and have seen a huge reduction in stimming behaviours and aggression. Has anyone else seen these results are well?

Thanks,

Tara


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Please comment on aggressive behavior or other autism therapy topics.

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    • Synonyms for aggressive behavior include: aggression, aggressions, aggressive, aggressive behaviors, aggressive behaviour, aggressive behaviours
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