How To Differentiate Between Defiant Behavior And Autism
If you have a child on the autism spectrum there have probably been times when you’ve tried to decipher if their problem behavior is a result of their diagnosis or a normal stage of development. It is sometimes very difficult to determine the true reason for their behavior due to the complexity of autism and the fact that it affects each child in such different ways. Differentiating between defiant behavior and autism can be challenging, but there are some key differences to consider. Defiant behavior is typically characterized by a child’s refusal to follow rules or comply with authority figures, while autism is a developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. The fact is, problem behavior in your autistic child may be a result of both in any given situation so here are some tips on how to differentiate between defiant behavior and autism.
One way to differentiate between the two is by observing patterns of behavior. Defiant behavior tends to be situational and specific, while autism is a pervasive and consistent pattern of behavior that affects multiple areas of a child’s life. Assess the behavior in its entirety by looking at the setting, antecedents to the behavior, the duration, and what caused the behavior to end. Try to determine the function of the behavior and consider if your child had the ability to achieve that goal in a more appropriate way.
Another key factor to consider is the child’s ability to understand and respond to social cues. Children with autism may struggle to read social cues and understand social norms, while children with defiant behavior may be aware of social norms but choose to ignore them.
It’s also important to consider the child’s age and developmental level. Defiant behavior is more common in toddlers and young children, while autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood and continues throughout life. Interaction with the environment can be more difficult for children with autism and if they are unable to properly communicate their needs or fully understand reasoning, behavior can escalate which would not be considered defiance.
Ultimately, it’s important to seek the guidance of a trained professional, such as a therapist or developmental specialist, to accurately diagnose and treat either defiant behavior.