Throughout the history of autism, there had been a great debate as to which is the more effective treatment: aversive or non-aversive methods. Research has overwhelmingly pointed to non-aversive treatment methods as measuring more successful. Here, Ihab Shahawi, CEO and founder of the SAILS Group, spotlights three successful strategies that families, caregivers, and support systems can implement into daily routines.

1. Successful Non-Aversive
Autism Treatment Strategies
Ihab Shahawi
CEO & founder of The SAILS Group

2. One of the more prevalent debates in the history
of autism has been whether to use aversive or non-
aversive treatment methods.

3. A non-aversive positive reward
based approach
Which method has more
effective and longer
lasting results?
Researchers have overwhelmingly proven that it's a
more effective way to behavioral change.

4. Popular non-aversive
approaches emphasize:
Positive behavior strategies
Extinction contingencies as a consequence to a
behavior*
Alteration of the intensity, duration, or magnitude
of a behavior contingent upon the removal or
presentation of an antecedent stimulus*
*Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

5. Some of the top non-aversive techniques in autism
treatment include the following:

6. Changing an autistic
individual’s environment
to reduce behavioral
episodes can be an
effective method for
reducing stress.
Adapting the Enviornment

7. such as persons, locations, or situations that
are observed to create tension, anxiety, and
frustration can have a soothing effect.
Removing stimuli

8. By developing individualized positive behavior
support plans, a caregiver builds pride in
accomplishments and instills a sense of
responsibility in those on the spectrum.
Positive Behavior Supports

9. This can help reduce the anxiety that often leads to aggressive
behaviors. Some helpful strategies for yielding these type of
behavioral supports include:
- positive feedback - validation of emotions- listening & respecting

10. The goal here is to replace potentially
inappropriate behaviors with more adaptive
skills, focused on communication, social skills,
and self-regulation.
Teach Replacement Skills

11. These skills can be established in several ways, such
as:
Developing functional communication skills
Using social stories to build social awareness
and skills.
Creating an activity schedule to reduce anxiety
and promote independence.

12. Visit my blog here!
WANT TO
LEARN MORE?
WANT TO
LEARN MORE?
@IhabShahawi