Managing hyperactivity in children with autism can be challenging, but with the right strategies, parents, caretakers, and therapists can support the child’s development and channel their energy in constructive ways. Hyperactivity in children on the autism spectrum can vary depending on age, personality, and other individual factors. While some children are naturally more active and energetic, others may exhibit more reserved behaviors. Additionally, younger children may have shorter attention spans and display more hyperactive tendencies than older children. Olga Sirbu explores six effective strategies for managing hyperactivity in autism, focusing on providing structured, engaging, and calming environments to help them thrive.
1. Create a Structured Environment
A clean, structured environment can significantly impact a child’s behavior, particularly if they are hyperactive. For children on the autism spectrum, minimizing environmental stimulation can help reduce distractions and encourage focus. Here are some key steps for creating a structured space:
- Limit Stimuli: Organize toys and activities in closed cabinets, and avoid overcrowding the room with items that may overwhelm the child. If possible, create a designated play area with minimal decorations or sensory distractions.
- Introduce One Activity at a Time: Allow the child to engage with one toy or activity at a time, which can help them focus without becoming overstimulated by multiple options. Once they have completed or are engaged with the activity, you can introduce the next one.
By maintaining a clean and organized environment, you provide the child with clear boundaries and structure, helping them feel secure and less overwhelmed by excessive choices.
2. Build Engagement Gradually
Building engagement with activities is essential for helping hyperactive children on the spectrum develop focus and attention skills. This strategy involves gradually increasing the child’s ability to complete tasks by slowly introducing more demands over time.
- Start with Easy Demands: When beginning a task, introduce one simple demand that the child can complete with minimal effort. Immediately offer reinforcement, such as praise or a small reward, to acknowledge their effort. Reinforcement at this stage is crucial for encouraging the child’s cooperation.
- Increase Demands Gradually: As the child becomes more comfortable with single tasks, increase the number of demands gradually. Move from one to two tasks before providing reinforcement, and then continue to build up from there. Over time, this incremental approach can enhance the child’s ability to concentrate and complete multiple tasks in a row.
- Use a “Talking Board” for Visual Motivation: For children with autism, visual aids can be especially helpful. A “talking board” is a visual schedule that shows how many tasks the child needs to complete before receiving a reward. This board serves as a visual motivator, allowing the child to track their progress and understand what is expected of them.
By building engagement step-by-step and using visual reinforcements, you provide the child with a sense of accomplishment, helping them gradually increase their attention span.
3. Use Timely Breaks
Breaks play a crucial role in managing hyperactivity and sustaining a child’s interest in activities. However, it’s important to balance the frequency and length of breaks based on the demands placed on the child.
- Be Reasonable with Break Times: If the child completes only a few small tasks, it may be appropriate to offer a short break, such as 30 seconds to a minute. However, after completing a more extended activity, you might consider offering a slightly longer break.
- Match Break Length to Task Difficulty: Break times should correlate with the demands of the activity. For example, after completing a simple task, a very brief break is appropriate, while more challenging activities may merit a longer break.
- Inform the Child of Break Times: Clearly communicate when breaks will be offered so the child understands they will have a chance to rest after working. This structure can prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and help them stay focused when actively engaged.
Regular, structured breaks can prevent burnout and allow the child to manage their energy more effectively. Knowing when a break is coming helps the child feel more secure and motivated to complete their tasks.
4. Incorporate a Visual Schedule
Visual schedules are effective tools for children on the autism spectrum, as they offer a clear overview of daily activities and expectations. Creating a visual schedule with the child at the start of each day can provide structure and help the child feel a sense of control over their activities.
- Co-create the Schedule with the Child: Allowing the child to participate in planning their day gives them a sense of ownership. They’ll feel more accountable for completing each activity when they’ve helped select it.
- Visualize the Order of Activities: Place images or icons representing each activity on the schedule so the child can see what they’ll be doing throughout the day. Using visuals makes it easier for them to process information, especially if they are less responsive to verbal instructions.
- Help the Child Transition Between Activities: The visual schedule can be an anchor for children who struggle with transitions, providing them with a clear indicator of what to expect next.
By involving the child in the scheduling process, you can give them a sense of control and reduce anxiety around changes or transitions, helping them engage in each activity with more focus.
5. Balance Active and Calm Activities
Balancing high-energy and calm activities can be particularly helpful for managing hyperactivity in autistic children. Physical activity not only helps them expend energy but also prepares them for more focused, quiet tasks.
- Alternate Between Active and Settled Activities: Following a calm activity, such as reading or coloring, with a more active game or movement break can help the child release any built-up energy and refocus.
- Use Sensory Tools for Calming: Sensory boxes filled with items like soft fabrics, stress balls, or sand can offer a soothing experience that helps regulate the child’s energy levels. These tools can be especially useful after a high-energy activity.
- Engage in Outdoor Play: Activities like running, jumping, or playing on a trampoline are excellent outlets for physical energy and provide valuable sensory input that can help calm the child’s mind and body.
Integrating active and calming activities into the daily routine can help the child manage their energy levels and improve their ability to stay engaged and regulated throughout the day.
6. Introduce a Timer for Transitions
Using a timer is a highly effective way to manage transitions and help children with autism move smoothly from one activity to the next. It can provide a consistent structure that the child can rely on.
- Set Clear Time Limits for Each Activity: Explain to the child how long each activity will last and use a timer to signal the end. The timer will help them mentally prepare to transition from one task to another.
- Stay Consistent with the Timer Routine: Consistency is crucial in using a timer effectively. If the child knows that the timer always signals the start and end of activities, they will learn to trust it, reducing anxiety around changes.
- Reinforce Positive Transitions: When the child responds well to the timer, acknowledge their effort. Reinforcement of successful transitions encourages the child to comply with the timer in future activities.
A timer helps both the child and caregiver stay organized, adding predictability to the routine. Over time, the child will feel less overwhelmed by transitions, as they’ll learn what to expect.
Conclusion – Manage Hyperactivity in Autism
Managing hyperactivity in children with autism involves a blend of structure, balance, and consistency. Each child on the spectrum has unique needs, and it may take time to find the strategies that work best for them. By creating a clean environment, building engagement, offering reasonable breaks, using visual schedules, balancing activities, and introducing a timer for transitions, caregivers can create a structured routine that helps children feel secure, focused, and calm. These strategies promote independence, improve behavior, and enhance the child’s overall well-being, helping them thrive in their day-to-day lives.
Also read: 4 Common Challenges that Individuals with Autism Face
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.
