We here try to help with all kinds of parental situations, todays article is about an autistic child and controlling their behaviour.

Life can be tough for our autistic kids.

Growing up in a world that can be confusing and even distressing to them.

How the child copes with their surroundings will vary from one to another but often it can lead to disruptive behaviour.

This leaves parents in a tricky spot as we want to support and comfort our kids, but without their behaviour being out of control.

What do we mean by controlling an autistic childs behaviour?

When the words controlling behaviour are used for many it stirs images of adult abusive relationships.

Categorically that is not what we are getting at here.

It is that we all want to straddle that middle ground of allowing our children to express themselves but without being disruptive or otherwise challenging.

Here therefore are some tips which may help you control your autistic childs behaviour in a supportive manner.

Identify triggers

Half the battle will be to identify what leads to your childs behaviour deteriorating.

What sights, sounds, smells, or touches seem to overwhelm or upset them?

Once you know the triggers, you can try to avoid them or create strategies to help them cope.

It may not be just sensory factors which can lead to breakdowns in behaviour. It could be that they struggle with transitions or taking direction in general.

Whatever the triggers for your child you should try to really understand them. From there you can create a plan to manage going forward.

Provide relief

One thing you can try to do is have a way in which you can calm your autistic child if their behaviour is deteriorating.

Naturally these tactics will vary from one child to the next but one option is to provide sensory breaks.

This involves giving them regular opportunities to escape overwhelming stimuli and engage in calming activities.

Another tactic would be to have a ‘break glass incase of emergency’ stash of distractions.

These would be easy to carry toys which capture your childs attention and can be whipped out at times of needs.

Parents often disclose all kinds of different tools ranging from slinkies to fidget toys to putty to marbles.

Whatever it may be, carrying something which can help control your autistic childs behaviour may be of use.

Consider diet

Food and drink can be a difficult subject for parents of autistic children.

Our kids being either picky or having a limited diet is one of the most common traits associated with the condition.

So with that caveat aside in that we know how tough it can be, we should all be aware of the impact diet can have on autistic children.

As a personal example, my daughter doesn’t drink anywhere near enough fluids as she should. It is a constant battle trying to get her to drink water or anything for that matter.

But what we have noticed is that if she hasn’t had a drink in an extended period of time her behaviour nosedives.

This is possibly down to dehydration and even associated headaches but it serves as a regular reminder for us to keep pushing the fluids.

Sugar intake is another factor which may impact your child’s behaviour. The jury is still out in terms of if it is a proven link to poor behaviour but carbohydrate crashes are a real thing.

This Stanford article documents the impact of a sugar crash on mood.

Preparation and routine

As we often say on this site, routines can be incredibly important to autistic children.

With that being the case having predictable schedules and expectations can help reduce anxiety and meltdowns.

Consider using visuals like calendars, schedules, or picture boards to help them understand what’s coming next.

If there will be a change in routine, explain it to them well in advance and offer choices when possible.

Work on communication

Communication is probably at the top of parents priorities already.

But what is quite often missed is the positive impact it can have in controlling an autistic childs behaviour.

Try to use simple language, avoid sarcasm, and make sure your instructions are specific.

If your child is non verbal, watch them like a hawk and note their nonverbal cues and try to understand what they’re trying to communicate.

You can also consider alternative communication methods to help in this area.

Tools like picture cards, assistive technology, or other aids can help them express themselves.

Look for support

Depending on availability and budget you could consult with a therapist, occupational therapist, or other qualified professional who works with autism.

They can provide you with bespoke guidance and strategies.

Another area of support can be forums and social media. Connecting with other families who understand what you’re going through can be invaluable.

Share experiences, resources, and encouragement.

Summary – Autistic child and controlling behaviour

Supporting autistic children with challenging behaviour requires understanding, not so much control.

Focus on clear communication, sensory management, predictable routines, positive reinforcement, and seeking professional support.

By addressing their underlying needs and celebrating their progress, you can help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and thrive.

Any tips or ideas?

We would love to hear from you if you have got any techniques or ideas for our readers to try.

Be sure to leave a comment if any of the above has helped or if you have any ideas we can add to this article.

Also be sure to search for any other articles you might find helpful.

Try for example searching below for topics like ‘meltdown’ or ‘communication’.