Autism and Running Back and Forth
Have you ever noticed that your child with autism runs back and forth for no apparent reason. This can be incredibly frustrating and depressing as a parent.
In this article we are going to explain what is happening when your child with autism runs back and forth and how you can correct this behavior.
Why do children with autism run back and forth
So why do children with autism run back and forth? As every child with autism is different there is no universal answer. However, some of the most common reasons are:
The behavior is enjoyable or calming for your child: Repetitive behaviors like running back and forth can be a way for children with autism to seek sensory input or sensory stimulation, which can be calming for some children. Some children with autism may also find the sense of predictability and routine in repetitive behaviors to be calming.
It helps cope with stress or anxiety: Your child may run back and forth as a way of coping with stress or anxiety. These behaviors can be a way for your child to regulate their emotions and feel more in control in situations that are overwhelming or unfamiliar.
Your child is trying to communicate: Children with autism may have difficulty communicating through more typical means, such as speech or gestures, so they may use alternative methods to get their message across. If they do not think that you are getting their message they can start running due to their frustrations.
Avoiding a task they don’t enjoy: Children with autism may also have difficulty understanding or following directions, or they may have sensory sensitivities that make certain tasks difficult or uncomfortable. In order to avoid the situation they can end up running around.
Protecting your child with autism when they run back and forth
There are several ways you can protect your child with autism when they are engaging in behaviors such as running back and forth:
Create a safe environment: Make sure your child has a safe place to engage in these behaviors, such as a designated room or area that is free of hazards.
Supervise your child: Stay close by to monitor your child and make sure they are safe while they are running back and forth.
Use protective gear: Depending on the specific behavior and the environment, you may want to consider using protective gear such as helmets, elbow and knee pads, or wrist guards to protect your child from injury.
Identify and address triggers: Try to understand what is causing your child to engage in these behaviors, and work with a medical professional or therapist to develop strategies to address the underlying causes.
Use positive reinforcement: When your child engages in these behaviors, try to focus on reinforcing positive behavior and praising your child for their efforts. This can help to encourage more appropriate behavior and build self-esteem.
Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s medical team, ABA therapist, or other supportive resources for help and guidance.
How ABA therapy can help
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that is commonly used to help individuals with autism improve their communication skills and social interactions, as well as reduce challenging behaviors. ABA therapy is based on the idea that behavior is learned, and that reinforcing positive behaviors and teaching new skills can help individuals with autism make progress and reach their full potential.
An ABA therapist can help your child with autism reduce the frequency of behaviors such as running back and forth by using a variety of techniques, including:
Identifying the function of the behavior: It is important to understand what is causing your child to engage in these behaviors. For example, is your child running back and forth to get attention, to escape a task, or to seek sensory input? Once the function of the behavior is understood, the therapist can develop a plan to address the underlying cause.
Teaching alternative behaviors: The therapist can work with your child to teach them more appropriate ways to communicate their needs or cope with stress. For example, your child may be taught to use words or gestures to ask for what they want, or to use deep breathing or other relaxation techniques to manage their emotions.
Using positive reinforcement: The therapist can use rewards and other forms of positive reinforcement to encourage your child to use alternative behaviors and to decrease the frequency of the target behavior.
Implementing a consistent routine: Establishing a consistent routine and setting clear expectations can help to reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviors occurring.
Providing structure and support: The therapist can work with you and your child to develop a structured environment and provide support and guidance to help your child learn new skills and behaviors.
It is important to work closely with your child’s therapist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your child’s individual needs and goals. With the right support and intervention, your child can learn to manage their behaviors and make progress in their development.