Behavioural disturbances

Behavioural disturbances are common in people with autism spectrum disorder, and are one of the most common reasons for presenting to a general practitioner. Behavioural disturbances can include meltdowns, self-injury, aggression and other behaviours. Causes may include physical illness (especially conditions causing pain), communication difficulty, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivities and intolerance of change.

Successful management requires exclusion of organic causes of the behavioural disturbance, followed by consideration of the most effective intervention, which may involve multiple health professionals. See Challenging behaviour in people with developmental disability.