STEREOTYPICAL BEHAVIOURS AMONG CHILDREN WITH ASD: CAUSES AND INTERVENTION

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may exhibit unusual or stereotypical behaviours (Hodges, et al, 2020; Kirk, et al., 2015). Identification of the reasons for such inflexible or unusual behaviours among these children is essential for useful interventions. This study aimed to explore the causes of stereotypical behaviours among children with ASD in the cultural context of Pakistan, and to made recommendations for relevant stakeholders in order to address the problematic behaviours identified employing descriptive research. Population of the study included all teachers of children with ASD residing in Punjab province. 200 teachers of children with ASD were taken as sample for this study with convenient sampling technique. The causes of stereotypical behaviours among children with ASD as well as interventions to address these behaviours were explored using a self-made questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics according to the intent and the objectives of the study. According to the results of this study, some of the main causes of inflexible or stereotypical behaviours among ASD children in our cultural context are cognitive inflexibility, organizational deficiencies, limited problem-solving ability, love for sameness, complexity of tasks, difficulty breaking down a task, sensory sensitivities and insecurities, inability to express one’s own feelings or understand the feelings of others, impaired communication, obsessions and inflexible interests.  Based on the results of the study, clear expectations, structured activities, thorough elaboration of the rules, advanced notification of upcoming change, provision of alternatives/choices and notifying beginning and ending of an activity to make transition easier and less resistant are among effective strategies to control stereotypical behaviours of children with ASD.