Behaviours

Understanding Behaviours in Autism

Challenging or unusual behaviours in individuals with autism are often misunderstood. Yet these behaviours are rarely random. They are often a form of communication or a response to sensory, emotional, or cognitive overload. By understanding the reasons behind them, especially in light of the brain’s fight-or-flight (or freeze!) response, we can offer support that is compassionate, effective, and empowering.

Why Behaviours Happen

Autistic individuals often experience the world in heightened or different ways. This includes how they process sensory input, handle social expectations, and manage change or unpredictability. When demands outweigh coping abilities, behaviours may arise to communicate distress, seek regulation, or attempt to regain a sense of control.

Some common reasons for behaviours include:

  • Sensory Overload (light, noise, texture)
  • Communication Difficulties (unable to express needs verbally)
  • Frustration from Unmet Needs
  • Anxiety or Fear of Unpredictable Situations
  • Difficulty Understanding Social Rules
  • Fatigue or Hunger
  • Feeling Ignored, Rushed, or Unheard

Understanding the context of the behaviour is crucial. What happened before? What changed in the environment? What might the child or adult be trying to express?

Typical External Behaviours

While every individual is unique, there are some commonly observed behaviours that may appear across different settings. These include:

  • Meltdowns – intense emotional or physical outbursts, often including screaming, crying, hitting or throwing
  • Shutdowns – withdrawal, refusal to speak or move, avoiding eye contact, going inward
  • Bolting or Running Away – especially from crowded, noisy, or overwhelming situations
  • Aggression – towards others or self, which may stem from fear, pain, or lack of communication
  • Repetitive Movements (Stimming) – such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning, jumping, which can help with self-regulation
  • Vocalisations – including shouting, echolalia (repeating others’ words), or loud sounds to manage internal state
  • Oppositional or Controlling Behaviour – used to create predictability or gain control in a confusing world
  • Avoidance or Refusal – of tasks, social situations, or transitions, which may be perceived as threatening
  • Self-injurious Behaviour – such as head-banging, biting, or skin-picking, often in response to high anxiety or sensory overload

These are not “bad” behaviours but signs that the person is overwhelmed, distressed, or unable to meet the demands being placed on them at that time.

The Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response

Many behaviours in autism are rooted in the autonomic nervous system’s natural defence response to perceived danger. This is often referred to as:

  • Fight – verbal outbursts, hitting, kicking, pushing
  • Flight – running away, hiding, withdrawing
  • Freeze – shutting down, going silent, appearing “not present”

For autistic individuals, what constitutes danger can include:

  • Loud sounds
  • Sudden changes
  • Social demands or eye contact
  • Unfamiliar environments

These are not conscious choices—they are physiological reactions to a system under stress. Once we view behaviours through this lens, our response can shift from control or discipline to understanding and support.

Supporting Through Behaviour

Rather than focusing on “stopping” the behaviour, the goal is to reduce the sensory overload by:

  • Identifying Triggers: Observe patterns and keep a behaviour diary
  • Offering Predictability: Use visuals, routines, and transitions
  • Building Communication Tools: PECS, Makaton, AAC devices, or simple choice boards
  • Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Reduce overload and offer sensory tools
  • Teaching Self-Regulation: Use social stories, breathing exercises, movement breaks
  • Responding Calmly: Model emotional regulation

Positive Behaviour is Communication

Every behaviour tells a story. Behind every outburst, withdrawal or repetitive movement is a person doing their best to cope with a world that can often be overwhelming or confusing. When we tune in, rather than shut down the behaviour, we begin to truly listen.

Behaviour is not the problem. It is the clue.

A Holistic Approach

Using approaches like the Hanen Program, TEACCH, Intensive Interaction, NLP, and Rhythmic Movement Therapy, we can support individuals in personalised, respectful ways. We also integrate energy therapies and mindfulness practices for emotional wellbeing.

Behaviour improves when we improve the environment, communication, and connection.

Let’s work together to make sense of the behaviour—and to meet the need behind it.