10 Prevention Strategies for Challenging Behaviour autism

These are 10 simple ways to prevent challenging behaviour escalation by making small changes to your interactions. In our PBS training, these are called active interventions. In reality, there are thousands of these, the better you know the child the more adept you will become at identifying the most effective strategies in your teacher’s toolkit of behaviour de-escalation techniques. I would love to hear the behaviour prevention strategies that have worked for you. Please add your ideas about supporting challenging behaviour to the comments below! If you are struggling to work out the functions of the behaviour you can use our free functions of behaviour tool.

10 Strategies to prevent behaviour escalation.

1. Visual supports at all times – Social stories, wait cards, timers.
2. Demonstrate that access to gardens or open space is available.
3. Ask for help with a job.
4. Identifying early “warning signs” and acting positively before escalation occurs – Not using “No” or “Stop”.
5. Non-verbal direction – i.e show a favoured object rather than make a verbal request.
6. Engaging in less structured games and simple activities during choice & break times (even just parallel play).
7. Allowing only 1 adult to speak/direct a student.
8. Change of face – Don’t be afraid to back down you are an adult – We call this strategic capitulation.
9. Use of non-contingent rewards when you identify a potential issue.
10. Allowing space and time (as much as the student needs).

Avoiding Distress for Staff and Pupils

Using these interventions I have managed to avoid situations that would have resulted in distress and disruption to the children I work with. Next time you think a child needs some support give these a go. Behaviour escalation is not pre-determined. We as trained professionals have a responsibility to ensure our actions don’t negatively influence the outcome of stressful situations. There are times when things don’t go to plan. I have found that having a post-incident reflection or debriefing can really help, especially if this feeds into developing a behaviour support plan.

Understanding Behavioral Prevention in Autism

Challenging behaviours often serve as communication. Preventive approaches focus on understanding triggers and providing appropriate support before situations escalate. I have expanded on the prevention strategies that you can apply in your class.

1. Implement Visual Supports Consistently

• Use social stories to explain situations and expectations
• Incorporate wait cards to teach patience
• Utilise visual timers for transitions
• Create visual schedules for daily activities
• Display emotion cards for communication

2. Provide Access to Calming Spaces

• Ensure easy access to outdoor areas or gardens
• Create designated quiet zones
• Design sensory-friendly environments
• Maintain consistent break areas
• Allow freedom of movement when needed

3. Engage Through Meaningful Tasks

• Assign helper roles
• Create structured job responsibilities
• Develop routine-based tasks
• Independence through simple classroom jobs
• Build confidence through accomplishment

4. Recognize Early Warning Signs

• Document typical escalation patterns
• Avoid negative phrases like “no” or “stop”
• Use positive redirection techniques
• Monitor environmental triggers
• Track successful de-escalation methods

5. Non-verbal Direction

• Show preferred items instead of verbal requests
• Use gesture-based communication
• Implement picture exchange systems
• Demonstrate desired behaviors
• Maintain clear body language

6. Structure Break Times Appropriately

• Enable less structured play opportunities
• Encourage parallel play activities
• Provide simple activity choices
• Allow for sensory breaks
• Support individual preferences

7. Maintain Clear Communication Channels

• Designate one adult for direction
• Avoid multiple instructions
• Ensure consistent messaging
• Maintain routine-based communication
• Reduce overwhelming input

8. Practice Strategic Capitulation

• Know when to step back
• Understand the importance of flexibility
• Recognise power struggle triggers
• Implement face-saving strategies
• Focus on relationship preservation

9. Implement Non-contingent Rewards

• Offer unprompted positive reinforcement
• Provide random acts of praise
• Create surprise positive moments
• Build trust through consistency
• Maintain positive interactions

10. Respect Personal Space and Time

• Allow processing time
• Honour personal boundaries
• Provide adequate transition periods
• Respect individual pacing
• Support self-regulation needs

Implementing These Strategies

Success in preventing challenging behaviours requires:

• Consistent application
• Staff training and coordination
• Regular strategy evaluation
• Flexibility in approach
• Ongoing communication with all stakeholders

Conclusion

Preventing challenging behaviours in autism requires a comprehensive, proactive approach. By implementing these strategies consistently and maintaining flexibility, caregivers can create supportive environments that promote positive behaviour and reduce the likelihood of escalation.

Keywords: autism behaviour prevention, challenging behaviour strategies, autism support, behavioural intervention, autism management, positive behaviour support, autism care strategies