A phenomenological study of the behavioural management of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Subject
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to recommend behavioural and emotional regulation management strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that are gleaned from the participants’ professional and personal experiences with ASD. The participant group consisted of four professionals who work with children with ASD and two adults who have ASD. The participants were recruited through a purposive sampling method. Data was collected through in-person and online semi-structured interviews that were 45 minutes to 1 hour in length. Data was analysed using content analysis and inductive coding methods. As a result, the behavioural management strategies were clustered into the themes “getting to know the child”, “using strategies to help build cognitive flexibility”, “using behavioural management tools” and “adjusting the adult’s attitude”. This study revealed that it is crucial to know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in managing behaviours of children with ASD as each child is unique. Thus, effective behavioural management requires taking the child’s individual needs and expectations into consideration, which involves tailoring the selected tools and techniques specific to each case.