At Bethelxafe Autism Foundation, we often remind families that behaviour is communication. When an autistic child struggles, it is rarely about disobedience. It is usually about unmet needs, sensory overload, or unclear expectations.
In Nigeria, discipline is often emphasized, but positive behaviour support focuses on prevention and skill building rather than punishment.
Understanding Behaviour as Communication
Instead of asking, “Why is my child misbehaving?” ask:
- What is my child trying to communicate?
- What happened before this behaviour?
- What need is not being met?
This shift changes how you respond.
Practical Prevention Strategies
- Identify triggers and patterns
- Teach replacement behaviours
- Use clear, simple expectations
- Reinforce desired behaviours consistently
- Provide structured routines
Why Prevention Works
When environments are predictable and skills are taught proactively, challenging moments reduce naturally.