Autistic Teens and Aggressive Language

Aggressive Behaviors

• Being aggressive doesn̵7;t always involve physical acts. Although aggressive language often occurs when a teen with an ASD feels frustrated, loses self-control and acts impulsively out of anger, verbal aggression can be just as intimidating and hurtful to others. Whether verbal or physical in nature, any behavior that threatens another person in some way is usually seen as being aggressive. While verbal, nonverbal and physical aggression can be a problem for some teens with ASDs, it is possible to help your teen learn to control his aggressive behaviors.

Role of Emotions

• Although some teens demonstrate fewer autistic behaviors as they mature, for others the teen years bring on worse problem behaviors, points out the Mayo Clinic. Autistic teens who continue to have problems with social skills or in communicating with others are particularly at risk. Just as common in girls as in boys, a teen may use aggressive language or demonstrate other aggressive behaviors when she is feeling confused, frustrated, unhappy or anxious.

Communication/Social Deficits

• Teens with ASD who lack the communication and social skills necessary to deal with a difficult situation in a socially acceptable manner may show more aggressive behavior. Autism Speaks makes the point that behavior is a form of communication. Sometimes when a teen with ASD has social skills deficits and trouble being assertive, he may become aggressive instead. In fact, recent research on the rate of aggression in autistic individuals suggests that those who are socially awkward or extremely resistant to any changes in their normal routines are more likely to be aggressive.

What Helps

• Creating more predictability in your autistic teen̵7;s life can help him feel less confused and anxious, says Autism Speaks. If anxiety is what sets off your teen, cognitive behavior management may be helpful in reducing his aggressive behavior. Seek help from a licensed therapist who specializes in treating teens with ASDs. Keep in mind, too, that while ASD symptoms and their severity vary among individuals and over time, so can successful treatment approaches. Unfortunately, there has been little research to date documenting the effectiveness of specific interventions in helping adolescents with ASDs transition from adolescence to adulthood, according to a report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Likewise, few studies have specifically focused on the long-term outcomes of using medications to manage irritability and aggressiveness in teens with ASDs.