From Behavior Management to Emotional Regulation: Rethinking Autism

Autistic behaviors are not simply problems to be eliminated but a result of unique neurological differences and intense experiences.

Focusing on making individuals with autism indistinguishable from their peers can be damaging and result in post-traumatic stress.

Behavior management should be replaced with a focus on emotional regulation, teaching individuals with autism new tools and strategies to navigate their days successfully.

Regulation empowers individuals with autism to understand and regulate their strong emotional reactions, maximizing their potential.

It is important to remember that autistic individuals are not defined by their behaviors, but are unique individuals to be supported and empowered.

Why shouldn't we focus on eliminating autistic behaviors?

—Autistic behaviors are not simply problems to be extinguished. They are a result of unique neurological differences and intense experiences. Focusing on eliminating these behaviors can be harmful and ignore the individual's unique needs and strengths.

What is emotional regulation?

—Emotional regulation is a developmental construct that focuses on teaching individuals skills and strategies to navigate their days successfully. It empowers individuals with autism to understand and regulate their strong emotional reactions, maximizing their potential.

What is the difference between behavior management and emotional regulation?

—Behavior management focuses on controlling and eliminating behaviors, often to make individuals with autism fit in with neurotypical peers. Emotional regulation, on the other hand, focuses on teaching individuals new tools and strategies to regulate their emotions and navigate their lives successfully, embracing their unique neurology.

Why is it important to empower and support autistic individuals?

—Empowering and supporting autistic individuals is important to ensure they can lead fulfilling and productive lives. Autistic individuals have unique strengths and perspectives that, when nurtured and supported, can contribute to a more diverse and inclusive society.

How can we shift from behavior management to emotional regulation in educational practice?

—To shift from behavior management to emotional regulation in educational practice, we need to prioritize skill development within the autistic individual. This includes teaching tools and strategies for emotional regulation and focusing on understanding their unique experiences and needs.

00:00Introduction to the topic and personal experience as an occupational therapist working with autistic children.

03:40Realization that focusing on behavior management and extinguishing autistic behaviors may not be the most effective approach.

05:30Exploration of risk factors for dysregulation and the intensity of experiences for individuals with autism.

08:39Insights and experiences shared by autistic individuals, challenging the focus on behavior management.

12:56Proposing a shift from behavior management to emotional regulation, embracing the unique neurology of individuals with autism.

14:36Conclusion and call to action for educational practice to reflect the understanding and empowerment of autistic individuals through emotional regulation.