A Guide for Parents and Teachers

 © 2004 Barbara T. Doyle and Emily Doyle Iland

Authors of Autism Spectrum Disorders From A To Z

Barbara and Emily are available to present a workshop on this topic in your community

Behavior can be defined as a skill, something a person does, or can do. Mastering the Eleven Behaviors described here can contribute to success and independence.  Lack of these skills may limit or put a person at risk by undermining other skills, interactions, or opportunities.

No matter what the age of the individual who has a disability, it is not too early or too late to address these skills. 

1. 1.Eliminate all dangerous behavior.  This can include self-injurious, threatening, and harmful behaviors, such as lashing out at others or running into the street.
    
   

2. 2.Eliminate potentially dangerous behavior. Recognize and change behaviors that do not seem harmful now, but could be if the person was larger, older, or independent in the community. Example: a child opening someone’s purse, "just to look".
    
   

3. 3.Learn complete care of his or her own body to the maximum extent possible. This increases independence and minimizes risk of abuse.
    
   

4. 4.Know who he or she can access, touch, continue to talk to, or follow.  Teach about relationships and what is appropriate to do and say to various people.  Teach who to avoid etc.
    
   

5. 5.Know how to access, the property of others.   This includes knowing the difference between “Mine” and “Not Mine,” and knowing how to ask to touch or use the property of others.
    
   

6. 6.Be able to take “No” for an answer.  Having a different response for “yes” and “no,” and handling “no” when it is not the desired response.
    
   

7. 7.Know to ask for help.  Recognizing that you need help, knowing who to ask, when and how.
    
   

8. 8.Identify and express internal states.  Self-awareness and safe expression of feelings prevents frustration, undesired behaviors and conflict.
    
   

9. 9.Learn empathy for the feelings of others.   This helps the person respond appropriately to others, whether it is offering sympathy or avoiding danger.
    
   

10. 10.Give negative feedback appropriately. Recognize when negative feelings are building up and use language that does not escalate a conflict.
     
    

11. 11.Make Plan B - Repair Strategies.  It is important to learn, teach, and practice alternative plans in order to avoid panic or a crisis when things do not go as expected.