Screaming behavior in children can be frustrating, overwhelming, and, at times, confusing. If a child screams to express every want or need—whether it’s for food, water, TV, toys, or to go outside—it’s not just a phase. It’s a form of communication that must be understood and reshaped into something more functional.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers a structured, evidence-based approach to understanding why children engage in behaviors like screaming and how to replace that behavior with more appropriate communication. Olga Sirbu will guide you through the core strategies of ABA to reduce screaming behavior, while building more effective communication skills in children.
Understanding the Function Behind Screaming
ABA teaches us that all behavior serves a function. In the case of constant screaming, it’s usually a signal that the child hasn’t yet developed proper communication skills—or worse, that screaming has been unintentionally reinforced in the past.
For example:
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A child screams for water → parent gives water → child learns that screaming works.
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A child screams for TV → parent turns it on to avoid a meltdown → screaming becomes the go-to method.
Over time, this builds a strong association between screaming and getting what they want. Our goal is not just to stop the screaming, but to teach a better, more appropriate way to communicate.
Step 1: Identify the Motivation Behind the Screaming
Before you can replace a behavior, you need to understand why it’s happening. Start by identifying the common triggers or motivations for your child’s screaming.
Ask yourself:
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What does my child usually scream for?
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Is it access to food, toys, screen time, or attention?
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Do they scream when they’re denied something or feel frustrated?
This process helps you know what needs the child is trying to express—whether it’s a basic necessity or a desire for a preferred activity.
Step 2: Introduce an Alternative Communication Method
Once you understand the reason behind the screaming, it’s time to teach your child a new way to express their wants and needs.
For Verbal Children
Teach them simple words or short phrases that are easy to use and understand:
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“Water”
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“TV, please”
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“I want toy”
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“No” or “Yes”
For Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children
Use nonverbal communication tools:
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Sign Language: Teach basic signs such as “help,” “more,” “all done,” or “open.”
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Gestures: Use pointing or hand-over-hand prompting to develop basic gestures.
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PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System): Let the child hand you a picture of what they want.
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AAC Devices: Use voice-output communication aids when appropriate.
Matching the method to the child’s current communication level is key. Even a simple point or gesture can be a great start.
Step 3: Model and Prompt Before the Scream Happens
Timing is everything.
If you know your child usually screams for something—like water or a snack—intervene before they have a chance to scream.
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Hold up a picture of water or say the word “water.”
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If they make an attempt to repeat the word, use a gesture, or hand over the picture—reward them immediately.
This proactive step helps the child associate the new behavior with success and fulfillment of their need, not the scream.
Step 4: Reinforce the New Communication Behavior
The key to behavior change in ABA is reinforcement. When your child uses the new communication method—even imperfectly—reinforce it immediately.
✅ If your child says “toy” or hands you a picture of a toy → give them the toy right away.
❌ If your child screams → do not respond to the scream, even if you know exactly what they want. Instead, wait for a brief pause in screaming. Once they’re calm:
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Prompt the alternative communication method.
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Reinforce it with the item they were asking for.
Over time, this teaches the child that screaming no longer works—but using words, signs, or pictures does.
Step 5: Use Visual Supports
Many children, especially those with developmental delays or autism, benefit from visual structure in their daily lives.
Visual supports can include:
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Picture Schedules: Show what activities come next in the day to reduce anxiety and confusion.
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First-Then Boards: For example, “First clean up, then trampoline.”
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Choice Boards: Present 2–4 images (TV, snack, toys, outside) so the child can point instead of scream.
These tools provide a sense of control and help reduce the chaos that can lead to outbursts.
Step 6: Use Preventative Strategies
Sometimes, children scream not because they’re manipulative or misbehaving, but because they’re genuinely hungry, tired, overstimulated, or confused.
Try these prevention strategies:
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Stick to a schedule: If your child screams when hungry, make meal and snack times consistent.
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Prepare them for transitions: Use timers or countdowns to ease the shift from one activity to another.
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Limit overstimulation: Reduce background noise or visual clutter if it seems to trigger distress.
Being proactive prevents many meltdowns before they start.
Step 7: Teach the Skill of Waiting
Instant gratification is powerful, especially for young children. But learning to wait—even for just 30 seconds—can significantly reduce problem behaviors.
How to teach waiting:
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Use a visual timer or an app.
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Say, “Wait” and point to the timer.
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Start with very short wait times (10–15 seconds) and gradually increase.
Once the child waits successfully, give them the desired item with praise. Over time, this builds patience and reduces impulsive screaming.
Stay Consistent and Patient
One of the most important messages to remember: it will likely get worse before it gets better.
This is called an extinction burst—a temporary spike in unwanted behavior when a previously reinforced behavior (like screaming) stops working.
You may notice:
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Louder or more frequent screaming
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Additional behaviors like throwing, hitting, or crying
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Testing limits repeatedly
This is normal. The child is learning that their old method no longer works. Stay calm. Stay consistent. And always reinforce the new communication method.
How to Use ABA to Reduce Screaming Behavior – Final Thoughts
Screaming is not just noise—it’s a child’s attempt to communicate. When you use ABA strategies to reduce screaming behavior, you aren’t just correcting a problem. You’re giving a child a powerful tool to express themselves in a more meaningful way.
By identifying the motivation behind the behavior, introducing an appropriate alternative, reinforcing it consistently, and using visual and preventative strategies, you help your child move from chaos to communication.
Above all, be patient and persistent. Your efforts today will shape how your child expresses themselves tomorrow.
Also read: How to Potty Train a Child with Autism
About Olga Sirbu
My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.
I share evidence-based practices to help you better understand and support individuals with autism. Learn practical strategies to help individuals with autism reach their full potential, as well as gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism.
Thank you for considering Autism Advance as a resource for your autism journey.
