I was working with one of my 1:1 clients last week and he is going through a bit of a phase of running away.
Many ASD children I’ve met or worked with before also do this, and it can be really challenging to deal with and even dangerous depending on where it happens.
Some children with autism run when they’ve seen something interesting and they run quickly in the direction of it. Some run for the sensory sensation. Some just to let off steam. And some because they enjoy open spaces…
I have worked with a few children who run with no real purpose or place they want to get to, they just keep running regardless of their surroundings e.g. roads, people, cars ect.
Thing type of running needs immediate intervention as it can be very dangerous. Usually children who run like this have no real understanding of safety and it’s essential they are taught this.
But, the boy I was working with last week does not run for any of these reasons…
He runs for avoidance.
That’s right, he runs away because he simple doesn’t want to follow instructions.
100% non compliant behaviour. Some call it ‘cheeky’ or ‘naughty’ (personally I do not like these words)…
But, nevertheless his behaviour is nothing more, nothing less, nothing autism related. He just doesn’t want to do as he is asked.
And how do you deal with an autistic child who behaves like this?…
*drum roll please!*
….
Exactly the same as you would with any other child!
Because autism aside, this is pure behaviour…
You know like…how any other child acts when they don’t want to do something!
So like I said, you treat them… like any other child!
Oh and if you’re worried how they’ll react or whether they’ll understand you…
Believe me, if they’re running away deliberately to avoid something they don’t want to do, they for sure are showing that they understand what’s going on here!
When a child who has autism needs to be disciplined for non compliant behaviour it needs to be done calmly, briefly and done using clear straight to the point language.
Don’t be afraid to do this when you need to. Just be clear on HOW you do it.
Calm… Brief… Clear …Straight to the point.
For more tips and advice on how to manage your child’s behaviour and step by step video training on how to do this, join ‘The Unlimited Autism Success Inner Circle’…
Just click below to join and for more information
Click here
Speak with you soon until then,
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today
Emma Ottaway
