Sarah, a 12-year-old girl with severe autism, was admitted to a psychiatric unit with extreme behavioral issues. However, after a stay at Children’s Hospital Colorado, it was discovered that her behavior was due to a severe jaw infection and hearing loss. Treatment of these underlying medical issues led to a dramatic improvement in Sarah's behavior. This case highlights the importance of investigating possible medical causes behind behavioral changes in individuals with autism, as these issues may be overlooked or misinterpreted.

People with autism may also suffer from mental health problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, or depression. These conditions can further contribute to challenging behaviors. Experts advise parents and healthcare providers to be alert to any changes in behavior and to consider underlying medical or psychiatric causes.

In some cases, a change in behavior can be the only clue that something is wrong, as experienced by the mother of Jadyne, an 18-year-old with severe autism. An unexpected increase in her aggressive behavior was later found to be caused by a urinary tract infection. This highlights the importance of considering all possible factors when addressing behavioral changes in individuals with autism, as proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve their quality of life.

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What Can Cause Severe Behavior in Autism?, Marina Sarris | SPARK: Simons Foundation 

Autistic children sometimes express their emotions through aggressive behavior towards others. Sometimes their aggressive behavior can be directed towards themselves. This is called self-injurious behavior. They might hit, kick, throw objects or hurt themselves – for example, by head-banging.

Autistic children might behave aggressively or hurt themselves because they:

• have trouble understanding what’s happening around them – for example, what other people are saying or communicating non-verbally
• have difficulty communicating their own wants and needs
• are very anxious and stressed
• have sensory sensitivities, like an over-sensitivity to noise or a need for stimulation
• want to escape from stressful situations or activities.

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In the study done in SURREY, ENGLAND/MONTVILLE, N.J. (August 27, 2014) – Drumming can help children with autism spectrum disorders and O.D.D. to stop violent behavior, self-mutilation, and assist with developing cognitive functioning, social skill interaction, and grade point average, according to the research team at the Woodland Grange School in Surrey England, and the non-profit research organization Drums and Disabilities, (D.A.D.) in Montville, NJ.

For people with autism and cognitive disabilities, the synapses in the brain ineffectively communicate with each other. Playing repeated patterns of music can re-train these synapses, and can help these people re-establish the correct synapse pathways. The study was conducted by David Ciauro (EdS, MA, LAC), and Pat Gesualdo, Senior Research Director for D.A.D. Christopher Topple, and Colin Jenkinson, Head Teacher for the Woodland Grange School.

Playing repeated patterns of music rhythms which the researchers called “Drum Therapy,” helped the study participants to re-train the synapses in the brain, and develop physical and cognitive functioning.

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