Autism Toolbox for parents and carers

Autistic children and young people can exhibit different behaviours toward others. There is always a reason for challenging behaviour. It may not be easy to see at first. It is the child’s or adult’s best attempt at telling you something.

Ambitious about Autism has an overview of autistic behaviours you may come across and links to organisations that can help you.

Challenging Behaviour Foundation guide provides tips and strategies to help you and your family member during a period of new or increased challenging behaviour.

If you need help, speak to your health visitor or school nurse. You can also ask your child's nursery, school or college for support.

If your child also has a learning disability:

• you can ask your GP or paediatrician to refer you to the community nurses team for children with a learning disability.

The CAMHS Intellectual Disabilities team can help with:

• challenging behaviour
• problems with anxiety
• trauma and grief reactions
• depression
• complex sleep disorders

You can make a referral yourself by using the referral form on the CAMHS website.

Within education settings, your child may get support from the Specialist Teachers.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) has been found to be helpful in managing some of these behaviours in people with a learning disability.

However, any approach will need to be discussed and agreed with you/your child and those working with them.

You can also use our directory to find local independent services that can help with autism behaviour. You may need to pay for these services.