Successful Non-AversiveAutism Treatment StrategiesIhab ShahawiCEO & founder of The SAILS Group
One of the more prevalent debates in the historyof autism has been whether to use aversive or non-
aversive treatment methods.
A non-aversive positive rewardbased approach
Which method has moreeffective and longer
lasting results?
Researchers have overwhelmingly proven that it's a
more effective way to behavioral change.
Popular non-aversive approaches emphasize:
Positive behavior strategies
Extinction contingencies as a consequence to abehavior*
Alteration of the intensity, duration, or magnitudeof a behavior contingent upon the removal orpresentation of an antecedent stimulus*
*Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Some of the top non-aversive techniques in autismtreatment include the following:
Changing an autistic
individual’s environment
to reduce behavioral
episodes can be an
effective method for
reducing stress.
Adapting the Enviornment
such as persons, locations, or situations that
are observed to create tension, anxiety, and
frustration can have a soothing effect.
Removing stimuli
By developing individualized positive behavior
support plans, a caregiver builds pride in
accomplishments and instills a sense of
responsibility in those on the spectrum.
Positive Behavior Supports
This can help reduce the anxiety that often leads to aggressivebehaviors. Some helpful strategies for yielding these type of
behavioral supports include:- positive feedback - validation of emotions- listening & respecting
The goal here is to replace potentiallyinappropriate behaviors with more adaptive
skills, focused on communication, social skills,and self-regulation.
Teach Replacement Skills
These skills can be established in several ways, suchas:
Developing functional communication skills
Using social stories to build social awarenessand skills.
Creating an activity schedule to reduce anxietyand promote independence.
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@IhabShahawi