Asperger Syndrome
Children and Tantrums

Helping to Understand Outbursts

Asperger syndrome children and tantrums often go hand-in-hand. This pervasive developmental disorder has a profound effect on the child's sensory system and social development.

You can see how understanding the possible causes of tantrums in children with Aspergers is very important.

Discovering how an outburst functions is a first approach to understanding Asperger syndrome children and tantrums. All behavior consists of communication, including talking, pouting, and acting out. It makes sense that in order to get a grasp of the situation, many parents and therapists seek to find that causes of tantrums in children with Asperger syndrome.

Can you tell me about the ABC Chart?

Parents and professionals working with a child with Aspergers can collect information about tantrum episodes. This needs to be done
on a consistent basis and in an objective manner. The method of choice for many is called an ABC Chart.

ABC stands for antecedent, behavior, and consequence. This approach not only helps determine the cause of the behavior but
also serves to help pinpoint the consequence. Some tantrums in Asperger syndrome seek a specific outcome.

How do you collect data using the ABC Chart?

The ABC Chart is a sound approach that needs to be exercised a number of times before drawing any conclusions. While it might be tempting to make assumptions about a child's outburst, it's more productive to take a systematic approach to determining
the cause for the negative behavior.

1. Record what happens immediately before the tantrum.
2. Observe and record the behavior objectively.
3. Record the immediate consequence following the behavior.

What's the right way to keep this chart consistent?

The ABC Chart should be filled out each and every time the child with Asperger syndrome has a tantrum. It's very important to be consistent and to write in objective, measurable terms. Here's an example of an incorrect entry:

1. The child didn't want to wait for his lunch.
2. The child got angry and had a fit.
3. The child eventually calmed down and ate.

This example does not demonstrate what happened effectively regarding Asperger syndrome children and tantrums.

A person reading the chart should be able to see what happened,
like in the following correct entry:

1. The child was instructed to sit and wait for lunch to be served.
2. The child knocked the dishes and utensils off of the table and proceeded to cry and throw himself on the floor.
3. The child was put in time out for five minutes.

What a difference in recordings!

An Asperger syndrome companion critter can be a welcome addition to your home for the support of your child and the security of your well being ... as well as a loving member of your family.

The information collected on the ABC Chart can be used to determine what might be causing some behaviors. There'll probably be some consistencies like a certain activity or a certain consequence. Asperger syndrome children and tantrums may go hand-in-hand, but thankfully, they can be addressed with the right information.

Return to "About Aspergers Syndrome" from "Asperger Syndrome Children and Tantrums"