Supporting positive behaviour in individuals with autism

Unit 5 of the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism explores common behavioural traits of individuals with autism and how positive behaviour can be supported (including coping mechanisms).

It is split into three learning outcomes, each consisting of several assessment criteria.

• 1. Understand behaviour within the context of autism.
  • 1.1. Explain why an individual’s behaviours may need to be considered within the context of autism.
  • 1.2. Explain how these behaviours may influence the way individuals with autism interact with others.
  • 1.3. Explain how the behaviour of others may impact on an individual with autism.
  • 1.4. Explain why individuals with autism may find changes to their routine distressing.
  • 1.5. Outline strategies that can be used to support individuals to cope with changes to routine and structure.
  • 1.6. Outline the approaches that can be used to reduce prompt dependency in individuals with autism.
  • 1.7. Outline strategies to support an individual’s obsessions and special interests.
• 2. Know how to support positive behaviour.
  • 2.1. Outline how behaviour can be interpreted as a form of expression.
  • 2.2. Identify a range of factors that may be associated with behaviour that challenges.
  • 2.3. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of using proactive strategies and reactive strategies to support positive behaviour in individuals with autism.
  • 2.4. Explain the importance of positive reinforcement.
  • 2.5. Outline approaches that could be used to support positive behaviour.
• 3. Understand how to support individuals to develop coping strategies.
  • 3.1. Explain how an individual with autism’s behaviour can have an impact on them and others.
  • 3.2. Give examples of the following strategies that can be used in relation to behaviour that challenges: prevention, de-escalation techniques, coping strategies.
  • 3.3. Describe ways to support an individual who is anxious and struggling to contain their own behaviour.
  • 3.4. Describe how to support individuals to understand their behaviour in terms of: events and feelings leading up to it, their actions, the consequences of their behaviour.
  • 3.5. Describe how family members can be supported to cope with behaviour that challenges.
  • 3.6. Identify sources of support in relation to behaviours that challenge for the individual with autism and their family.