Common Behavioral Problems   

·    A persistent preoccupation with objects or narrowly focused topics of interest – they may develop an obsession with something like trains, for instance.  They will spend endless hours learning everything there is to know about trains, and then they will want to spend a lot of your time telling you what they know about trains.

·    The above applies to interpersonal relationships as well.  Because they can feel their emotions so deeply, they may go overboard in how much they like another person.  They may not comprehend social limits on behaviors such as calling or texting another person.  Break ups can be devastating.

·    Unusual repetitive behaviors – sometimes referred to as stimming, can include hand flapping, twisting fingers, picking at skin, making faces, humming or muttering, or needing constantly to have objects to fiddle or twirl.  These may increase under stress.

·    Rigid adherence to rules – The world can be very confusing to the autistic.  They may try to negotiate it by relying on routines. Unexpected changes to the normal day can cause high anxiety.  They have a need for sameness.  Transitions are difficult.

·    Sensory dysfunction – Students may be hyper or hypo- sensitive to their environment. Sensory stimulation may be exaggerated and even become painful.  This may result in a break in concentration or a need to get up and move or escape. 

·    To reduce sensory overload, some students will engage in stimming.  Others will want to escape to a safe place where they can calm themselves by using objects like heavy blankets or sofa cushions that place pressure on the body.