Severe Challenging Behavior Roughly one-third of children with autism engage in self-injurious behavior, and about half engage in aggressive acts including biting, kicking, and hitting. These behaviors can be severe, placing individuals with autism and their family members at risk for serious injury. Parents often are unsure where to turn and may struggle to find appropriate therapy providers. That’s where Autism New Jersey comes in. We provide the families’ government-contracted care managers with clinical insights and direct them to behavior analysts and other therapists who can help. Plus, we provide overwhelmed families with compassionate support and guidance.
We also know that parents need clear and easy-to-understand resources for supporting their loved ones who engage in challenging behavior. We are putting the finishing touches on a forthcoming printed publication geared toward families that gives important information on challenging behavior prevention, treatment, crisis management, and family support.
45 CHILDREN WITH EMERGING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR AND THEIR FAMILIES RECEIVED ONGOING IN- DEPTH SUPPORT FROM AUTISM NEW JERSEY STAFF 27 CHILDREN WITH SEVERE CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR AND THEIR CARE MANAGERS BENEFITED FROM AUTISM NEW JERSEY’S EXPERTISE 16 CAREGIVERS LEARNED HOW TO MORE CONFIDENTLY MANAGE CRISES AT HOME
We were also proud to host a program designed to teach caregivers of autistic individuals how to better manage challenging behavior via a restraint-free, trauma-informed approach. Survey feedback from participants both immediately after the training and three months later made it clear that this training was helpful and impactful for their families.
Jenna Glennon, MAT, BCBA, LBA, has more than 23 years of experience coaching teachers, parents, and professionals on how to reduce and manage severe challenging behavior.
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