Some Aspergers kids are more likely to have temper tantrums than other kids. Causes that contribute to a youngster's tendency to have temper tantrums include fatigue, the youngster's age and stage of development, temperament, stress in the youngster's environment, and whether underlying behavioural, developmental, or health conditions are present such as ADHD or Aspergers. Also, a youngster may be more likely to have temper tantrums if moms & dads react too strongly to difficult behaviour or give in to the youngster's demands. Temper tantrums are normal behaviour for most kids and there is no reason why kids with Aspergers should refrain from this stage of development.
Temper tantrums are one of the most common problems in young kids with Aspergers. They may appear to go into a state of rage, panic, anxiety or fear for no reason at all. This might involve screaming, crying, resisting contact with others, or pushing others away. Unfortunately for individuals with Aspergers and their families, ‘temper tantrums’ and destructive behaviours are especially common, among kids. The problem seems to be that it is more difficult for moms & dads to prevent ‘temper tantrums’ in kids with Aspergers, the youngster seems inconsolable during the ‘temper tantrum’, the episode might last a long time, and consist of more aggressive behaviour, such as hitting, biting, and pinching. Most often the satisfaction that typically accompanies the end of the ‘temper tantrum’ rarely occurs. Similar episodes of panic, anxiety, rage or even aggression might be seen all through childhood, adolescence and even adulthood.
Ignoring the temper tantrum behaviour and helping a youngster learn how to handle and express anger and frustration are usually effective ways to deal with the behaviour. Also, paying attention to what triggers temper tantrums can help you act before a youngster's emotions escalate beyond the point where he or she can control them. This is supposed to identify the cause of the behaviour and prevent ‘blaming’ the individual. This is very important in Aspergers, as it is doubtful that any behaviour which may cause difficulties for families is intended maliciously or menacing. There is almost always some other, unidentified, trigger that brings on challenging behaviour.
It is important to intervene as early as possible so that behaviours are not constant and so that other means of expression and communication are open to kids with Aspergers.
Causes for challenging behaviours--
What causes this? As with such behaviour in all kids there may be any number of causes. There might be underlying reasons (such as feeling upset, anxious or angry) and immediate triggers (such as being told to do something). In Aspergers however there is also a specific pattern of behaviour, social interaction and understanding the temper tantrums are directed by frustration, can help explain some ‘challenging’ behaviours.
People with Aspergers often rely on ritual and structure. Structure is a method that helps define the world in terms of set rules and explanations in turn helps the person function most effectively. Most kids with Aspergers find their own methods of imposing structure and maintaining consistency. They need this structure because the world is confusing. Other people are complex and almost impossible to understand. The information they receive through their senses might be overwhelming and hard to bring together into a strong whole, and there is likely to be an additional learning disability that makes it hard to apply cognitive skills to all these areas at once.
When some form of structure or routine is disrupted the world becomes confusing and overwhelming again. It might be like losing a comforting toy when feeling alone or homesick. This disruption of structure might be obvious (having a collection of objects disturbed, being made to go a different way to school, getting up at an unusual hour) or it might be hidden (subtle changes in the environment which the youngster is used to for example). Some of these triggers might be out of the control of the individual or his or her family members. Some might be avoidable. Others might be necessary events, which can be slowly introduced so as to limit overt reactions.
Generally one of the most significant causes of ‘challenging behaviour’ is a communicative need. For people with profound difficulties in understanding others and in communicating with them it is hardly surprising for frustration, anger and anxiety to build up. It is also quite likely that ‘challenging behaviours’ will directly serve as a form of communication. Natural ‘temper tantrums’, for example in response to changes in routine or requests to do something the individual does not want to do may well become usual reactions to those involved.
Frequent Temper tantrums--
If your youngster continues to have frequent temper tantrums after age 3, you may need to use time-outs. A time-out removes the youngster from the situation, allows him or her time to calm down, and teaches the youngster that having a temper tantrum is not acceptable behaviour. Time-out works best for kids who understand why it is being used.
Most kids gradually learn healthy ways to handle the strong emotions that can lead to temper tantrums. They also usually improve their ability to communicate, become increasingly independent, and recognize the benefits of having these skills. Kids who continue to have temper tantrums after the age of 4 usually need outside help learning to deal with anger. Temper tantrums that continue or start during the school years may be a sign of other issues, including problems with learning or getting along with other kids.
Talk with a health professional if:
• Difficult behaviour that frequently lasts longer than 15 minutes, occurs more than 3 times a day, or is more aggressive may indicate that a youngster has an underlying medical, emotional, or social problem that needs attention. These are not considered typical temper tantrums. Difficult behaviours may include: kicking, hitting, biting, scratching, hair pulling, or pinching other people, throwing or breaking things, head-banging or inflicting self-injury.
• The youngster hurts him/her self, other people, or objects during a temper tantrum.
• The youngster's behaviour does not improve after 4 years of age.
• The youngster's temper tantrums frequently last longer than 15 minutes or occur more than 3 times a day.
• You have concerns about your youngster's temper tantrums.
• You have problems handling your youngster's behaviour, especially if you are concerned that you might hurt your youngster.
• You have problems handling your youngster's behaviour, especially if you are concerned that you might hurt your youngster.
• You want help with learning to cope with your feelings during your youngster's temper tantrums.
• Your youngster older than 4 years continues to have frequent temper tantrums.
• Your youngster's temper tantrums escalate into violent behaviour that endangers others or results in self-inflicted injuries.
Medical treatment for temper tantrums may be recommended for kids who:
• Causing self-injury or becomes violent.
• Have long-lasting and frequent temper tantrums.
• Regularly have temper tantrums after 4 years of age.
This is where support is needed both in the form of direct interventions related to the behaviours, and in advising and helping moms & dads manage episodes in ways which can be applied at home.
These difficulties can be improved slowly through education and other interventions, but particular differences must be respected. Moms & dads can help by making an effort to manage the environment so that the individual is more comfortable (allowing some structure, avoiding distracting information when engaging in tasks, allowing personal space where necessary). The second major area is where ‘challenging behaviour’ serves a communicative conduct. In this case the cause for the behaviour must first be identified before teaching and developing other means of communicating.
My Aspergers Child
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