Internalizing Behaviors of Children With Autism

In May 2013, the DSM-V made major changes to the diagnosis of autism. The four disparate diagnoses along the autistic spectrum were combined into a single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The umbrella diagnosis includes kids with widely varying symptoms and levels of severity, and no two children experience the condition in exactly the same ways. In general, however, kids with autism tend to display inappropriate behaviors towards others and themselves.

  1. Internalizing or Externalizing

    • Externalizing behaviors are easy to recognize. They include any negative behaviors that are focused on the outside world. Tantrums, aggression and property damage are among the most common externalizing behaviors, according to MetroKids.com. Internalizing behaviors are potentially more damaging because they turn the negative feelings inward. Dr. James Coplan notes on his website that internalizing behaviors, such as anxiety and cognitive rigidity, often go unrecognized until the pain grows great enough that the child begins to externalize. He points out that internalizing behaviors require a behavior management plan to limit the damage to the child.

    Anxiety and Fear

    • Anxiety and fear are common internalizing behaviors in children with autism. Published in the November 2011 issue of ̶0;Autism,̶1; a Dutch study of 11-year-olds showed that those with autistic disorders were more prone to worry and rumination than neuro-typical children. Kids who internalize these feelings tend to overthink situations, dwelling and obsessing on negative thoughts and becoming stuck in thought loops that prevent problem solving.

    Cognitive Rigidity and Perfectionism

    • Many autistic children struggle with perfectionism. They are unable to accept even minor failures or changes to routine. This goes hand-in-hand with an overall cognitive rigidity, in which they tend to be literal, rules-oriented and unable to adapt on the fly to changing circumstances. Help your child turn this rigidity into an asset by presenting her with a rule book for life, suggests Autism Today. Write out rules for social interactions, coping with stress and managing changes. Role play situations, and help her see how she can apply broad rules to common life scenarios. Knowing that she has an answer key can help your autistic child feel more confident in dealing with whatever life throws her way.

    Depression

    • Depression is a common side effect of ruminating, points out Margarita Tartakovsky on PsychCentral.com. As your child gets stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts, he begins to feel more and more hopeless. In addition, kids with autism are often acutely aware of their differences. Struggling to understand the social world and feeling out of step can lead to isolation and sadness, which can in turn become depression. Work with your child̵7;s therapist to develop methods for leading him out of negative thoughts and into a more positive outlook. Social skills training can help by providing the necessary tools for your child to get along better with peers, increasing his self-esteem and decreasing his isolation.

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