Handling Aggressive Behavior in Children with Autism

Dr. Mary Barbera talks about how to deal with aggression and autism. Handling aggressive behavior in children with autism can be complex but doesn’t have to be impossible.

Aggression in early childhood isn’t uncommon in children with autism. In fact, mental health and aggression can be closely related especially in young children with autism when demands are too high, and reinforcement is too low. Because of this, in today’s video I’m giving some reducing aggression strategies and tips on how to reduce aggression in children with autism. I’m also going to share a couple of stories of how problematic this problem behavior can become, and what steps to take for managing aggressive behavior.

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Dr. Mary Barbera "fell" into the world of autism in 1999 when her firstborn son, Lucas, was diagnosed with autism one day before his third birthday. In the last 2 decades, Mary went from almost nothing about autism to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, writing a bestseller, The Verbal Behavior Approach (now translated into more than 10 languages) and obtaining a PhD. with an in-depth knowledge of some of the best ABA autism strategies. In 2015, Mary began her first online course on autism that has already been purchased from parents and professionals in more than 45 countries and now sells 3 courses online. With more than 2 decades in the world of autism, both as a parent and as a professional, Mary is in a unique position to help you, especially if you live or work with a child with autism who also has delays or language disorders. Its mission is to change things for 2 million children with autism (or signs of autism) by 2020 through online training and advocacy.

[erikajohnson]

This video made me cry. My 5 year old DS has severe Autism. Teacher called today. DS has been aggressive and struggling at school. He is non verbal. I get beat up daily. We get services but seems not helpful. I'm struggling. Not getting any answers. Professionals are amazed at his severity. I'm lost. I'm glad I found you! Thank you.

[kaydonato]

I appreciate the fact that you emphasize looking for medial reasons for aggressive behavior. I have found that, in our family, medical or physical reasons are almost always the cause of aggression or other serious negative behaviors. I plan to share this video with my subscribers.

[justinesmith]

Starting my BCBA coursework now and it is so nice to hear your perspective. I fortunately haven't been hurt by a client either but I like working with kids with aggression because I feel like it I can help reduce it it makes a big difference for the family and their quality of life. But of course yes rule out a medical problem! That is so important for us to not practice beyond our scope. Glad you made this channel because I feel like BCBAs are so busy all the time so this is a great resource.

[AmartyaRay]

Great ideas. For parents and teachers, learning these are an ongoing process. I keep revisiting Mary's videos time and again. I really wish to show these to a large majority of ei professionals who have no clue in dealing with students with autism

[Stalemarshmallow]

I am so grateful for you Mary, I am a newcomer to being an ABA therapist and I am so motivated to learn as much as I

[ejsilk]

Thank you Dr. I have been working with DD/MI community for 10 years in supported employment. I recently began working with younger more acute cases. Thank you for your instruction. I will definitely subscribe. :)

[missbooks]

I am VERY EXCITED!! I just purchased the bundle!!!! Can't wait to start watching all the videos and CEUs. Thank you Dr. Barbera for sharing your expertise.

[yayarwh]

Thank you so much Dr. Barbera for sharing your wealth and knowledge of ABA with the world. I have a nine-year-old non-verbal son with autism and his aggression has spiked during COVID-19. I am on my way to becoming a BCBA as well and my ABA skills have definitely helped a lot. It is a unique time though with this pandemic but his ABA team and myself are doing all we can. Again, I admire and appreciate what you’re doing for the autism community!

[ataveras]

I love how clearly you explain topics. Your videos have given me such a great understanding and sense of relief in dealing with autism.

[marklowe]

This is the first video on the topic i've found that is productive. Phew! No PowerPoint slides just meaningful info. Thank you.

[yvonneroebuckjones]

Thank you. Your videos help me with my son and his 6 year old son who is autistic and non verbal.

[dee]

Thank you Mary, I work with children that have autism. I just subscribed to your YouTube account. Your videos are very informative and are helping me a lot to be a better behavior technician. I work under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Thank you for all you do to help others to understand Autism better!

[phelhadsu]

Thank you ma’am my time didn’t go to waste I appreciated it 🙂

[ellegee]

As a mom of a 4 year old son who is non verbal I can now more than ever see it's about understand them n the fact that he is expressing himself when he bites or acts up he doesn't express himself like other he has a disablity so I need to understand him I not the disabled person I here to take care of him he is my responsibility and my God gift.... Hopefully other can please understand there own children
GOD BLESS N CARE FOR THESE SPECIAL ANGELS N THERE FAMILY'S 💕

[MyPeaceeva]

Dr. Barbera... So, I work with learning and developmentally challenged kids between the ages of 2 to 5. Some have been diagnosed with autism. One child in particular has been acting out aggressively out aggressively for the past month. I have been bit, punched, slapped, kicked, spit on and have had toys thrown up my head. He has also done the same to my coworkers and other classmates. The agency I work for implements a coddling approach in dealing with this behavior. We are prohibited from giving timeouts. The agency also prides themselves themselves on helping these children blossom into adults that lead enviable lives. Yet, his aggression aggression has greatly increased. Today, for example, he acted out more than 10 times. Obviously, the approach that the agency I work for isn't working. If nothing changes, nothing changes. This child in particular is diagnosed with autism. I personally feel that consequences need to be implemented. When this child grows up, if he is aggressive toward another, he's not going to be coddled and redirected... he's either going to jail or, God forbid, physically hurt or killed by the person he assaulted. How do you think I should handle this? Thanks in advance.

[meenahirani]

I worked in a care home.all staff were bitten. Adult Clients had austism and staff had no training or support. Nothing to help them reduce aggression.
Thanks for helping and advising.

Tganks.

[debbiewatts]

My 20 yr old daughter has just started working with a 9 yr old boy. I have sent your link to her.
THANKYOU
Sending love from AUSTRALIA xx

[leticiacarrillo]

Thank you so much for all the information 😊

[Nini]

Just discovered you, my son is 38 you have a lot of information that I do appreciate . I know you say you should get professional help, I think that’s unheard of . When my son was school age I ended up going through the fair hearing process in two counties in California won but got very little help . Adult programs are not capable of understanding autism . Thank you for your information .

[Wisdomisfreedom_]

Thank you so much, I though I was the only one going though this. Again THANK YOU