Challenging Behaviours among Children with Autism

Children are very social creatures who need and want contact with others to thrive and grow. They smile, cuddle, laugh, and respond eagerly to games like “peek-a-boo” or hide-and-seek. Occasionally, a child does not interact in this expected manner. Instead, the child seems to exist in his or her own world, a place characterized by repetitive routines, odd and peculiar behaviours, problems in communication, and a total lack of social awareness or interest in others. These are characteristics of a developmental disorder called autism.