Avoid Harmful Labels
Behavior is a form of communication for all children, but it is especially important to understand this concept when interacting with autistic children. Autistic children may have difficulty expressing their feelings and needs verbally, so they may use behaviors such as hitting, biting, or screaming to communicate their emotions or desires. It is crucial to recognize that these behaviors are not necessarily aggressive or malicious, but rather a way for the child to express themselves.
Labeling a child as aggressive without considering the underlying reasons for their behavior can have detrimental effects on the child's self-esteem and relationships. It can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and inappropriate responses from caregivers, teachers, and peers. This can further isolate the child and hinder their social and emotional development.
Instead of labeling a child as aggressive, it is important to take a positive and proactive approach to understanding and addressing their behavior.
This involves
observing and identifying triggers for the behavior (i.e., what comes before and after the behavior),
teaching the child alternative ways to communicate their needs (i.e., provide them with a communication device if the child is nonspeaking),
and providing appropriate support and interventions (i.e., stay calm and offer a child a safe space to express their emotions and needs, even when you don’t understand the behavior) to help the child manage their emotions and behaviors effectively.
By understanding that behavior is a form of communication, we can better support and empower autistic children to express themselves in a healthy and constructive manner, leading to increased opportunities for learning and inclusion in mainstream education.
If you’re struggling to communicate with your child, build a meaningful relationship, or get through everyday routines, you are not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
I work with parents to develop individualized support plans that are tailored to your child, your family, and your daily life. Whether your child is nonspeaking, minimally verbal, or communicates in less obvious ways, I help you better understand what your child is communicating through their behavior and how to respond in ways that strengthen connection rather than increase stress.
If your child already has a behavior or intervention program in place, I can also help you understand it, adapt it, and implement it in a way that actually works at home—not just on paper. My goal is to support clearer communication, reduce frustration for both you and your child, and make daily activities feel more manageable and more connected.
You don’t need a “perfect” plan. You need one that works for your child—and I can help you build it.