Successful Non-Aversive Autism Treatment Strategies

Successful Non-AversiveAutism Treatment StrategiesIhab ShahawiCEO & founder of The SAILS Group

One of the more prevalent debates in the historyof autism has been whether to use aversive or non-

aversive treatment methods.

A non-aversive positive rewardbased approach

Which method has moreeffective and longer

lasting results?

Researchers have overwhelmingly proven that it's a

more effective way to behavioral change.

Popular non-aversive approaches emphasize:

Positive behavior strategies

Extinction contingencies as a consequence to abehavior*

Alteration of the intensity, duration, or magnitudeof a behavior contingent upon the removal orpresentation of an antecedent stimulus*

*Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Some of the top non-aversive techniques in autismtreatment include the following:

Changing an autistic

individual’s environment

to reduce behavioral

episodes can be an

effective method for

reducing stress.

Adapting the Enviornment

such as persons, locations, or situations that

are observed to create tension, anxiety, and

frustration can have a soothing effect.

Removing stimuli

By developing individualized positive behavior

support plans, a caregiver builds pride in

accomplishments and instills a sense of

responsibility in those on the spectrum.

Positive Behavior Supports

This can help reduce the anxiety that often leads to aggressivebehaviors. Some helpful strategies for yielding these type of

behavioral supports include:- positive feedback - validation of emotions- listening & respecting

The goal here is to replace potentiallyinappropriate behaviors with more adaptive

skills, focused on communication, social skills,and self-regulation.

Teach Replacement Skills

These skills can be established in several ways, suchas:

Developing functional communication skills

Using social stories to build social awarenessand skills.

Creating an activity schedule to reduce anxietyand promote independence.

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@IhabShahawi