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Challenging Behaviors and Task Transitions in Autism: Translating Clinical Phenomenology and Basic Behavioral Process

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Autism Service Delivery

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

In addition to the core symptoms of autism (restricted/repetitive behaviors, language deficits, and social deficits), behavior problems such as tantrums, self-injurious behaviors, and aggression are common and present a great challenge to caregivers, increase social isolation, and lead to placement in restrictive educational and living settings. Transitions between activities seem to present challenges to people with autism-triggering problem behaviors, and methods for managing transitions are widely included in treatment programs. There is little objective research on the causes of transition problems in this population. The primary hypothesis is that for individuals with autism, environmental uncertainty is aversive, and transitions between activities are a common source of uncertainty given the social and communication deficits in autism. This chapter describes the literature on behavior problems related to transitions and presents some areas of basic behavioral research that may direct the understanding and treatment of transition difficulties in autism.

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  1. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Dean Williams

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    Florence D. DiGennaro Reed

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    Derek D. Reed

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Williams, D. (2015). Challenging Behaviors and Task Transitions in Autism: Translating Clinical Phenomenology and Basic Behavioral Process. In: DiGennaro Reed, F., Reed, D. (eds) Autism Service Delivery. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2656-5_4

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