Sometimes the difficulties of autism can lead to behaviors that are quite challenging to understand and address. Most individuals with autism will display challenging behaviors of some sort at some point in their lives. Autism Speaks offers the following resources to help.

Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit

Everyone with autism and his/her family should feel safe and supported, able to live a healthy life filled with purpose, dignity, choices, and happiness. With this in mind, positive approaches and suggestions are highlighted in this kit. Read More and view videos about how to address challenging behaviors

Autism dilemma: Why is teen chewing on clothes, swallowing objects?

An occupational therapist in the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) makes recommendations to a family whose child has a dangerous tendency. These include ruling out medical issues, tracking behavior, aiding communication, and addressing sensory needs. Read More

Help! Our 4-year old has autism and won't stop pinching

Photo courtesy the Marcus Autism Center

A behavioral therapist in the ATN offers tips to parents that include exploring possible reasons for the behavior, communication strategies, prevention and rewards, and how to respond in the moment. Read More

Five tips that helped improve my child's behavior

Chrissy Kelly, a mom of two boys with autism and a blogger, shares "a short list of techniques that we use daily to help reduce tantrums, increase understanding, direction following and happiness (theirs and mine)." Read More

Kevin & Avonte's Law

49% of children with autism have wandered away from safety. Kevin & Avonte's Law (H.R. 4221) is proposed legislation to help safeguard children with autism and other developmental disabilities who may wander away from caregivers. Ask your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to co-sponsor this legislation: Take Action