Spitting. Biting. Running away.
If you’re a parent or carer of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), these behaviours might sound all too familiar.
The good news?
They’re not just “bad behaviour” — they’re communication. And once we understand the why, we can guide our children toward healthier ways to express themselves.
At Victor Care, we believe in patience, empathy, and strategy — not shame or punishment. Let’s explore common behavioural challenges, why they happen, and what we can do to help.
🚰 1. Spitting – “I’m Overwhelmed!”
Some children spit on the ground, walls, toys… and sometimes, unfortunately, on people.
💡 Why it happens:
- Sensory seeking: They might enjoy the sound, feel, or look of spit.
- Frustration release: When words won’t come, actions take over.
- Communication: A quick way to say “stop” or “I don’t like this” without speaking.
✅ How to help:
- Offer safe alternatives like blowing bubbles or using a straw in water.
- Use visual prompts (“We spit in the sink, not on people”).
- Teach calming strategies for when they feel overwhelmed.
🦷 2. Biting – “I Need to Chew!”
Biting can be aimed at people, clothing, toys, or even themselves.
💡 Why it happens:
- Oral sensory needs: Chewing is calming.
- Emotional overload: A physical release for anger, fear, or anxiety.
- Attention seeking: It often gets a big reaction from others.
✅ How to help:
- Provide chewelry (safe chewable necklaces).
- Offer crunchy snacks like carrots or pretzels.
- Teach alternative coping skills like squeezing a stress ball.
💇♀️ 3. Hair Pulling – “I’m Trying to Cope”
Some children pull their own hair, while others may pull someone else’s.
💡 Why it happens:
- Self-soothing repetitive motion.
- A response to stress, boredom, or anxiety.
✅ How to help:
- Offer fidget toys or a sensory brush.
- Give breaks during stressful activities.
- Teach gentle touch through role-play and praise.
🪀 4. Property Destruction – “I Can’t Handle This”
Breaking toys, tearing paper, or flipping chairs.
💡 Why it happens:
- Emotional meltdowns.
- Lack of impulse control (common in ADHD).
- Testing cause and effect.
✅ How to help:
- Keep breakable or dangerous items out of reach during high-stress times.
- Offer safe outlets (stress balls, clay, tearing scrap paper).
- Teach calm-down routines before frustration escalates.
🏃♂️ 5. Elopement (Running Away) – “I Need Out!”
Bolting from home, classrooms, or shops.
💡 Why it happens:
- Sensory overload: Trying to escape noise, lights, or crowds.
- Impulsivity: Acting before thinking (common in ADHD).
✅ How to help:
- Use visual boundaries (coloured floor tape, gates).
- Practise “stop and wait” games.
- Consider GPS safety trackers for high-risk situations.
📢 6. Screaming & Loud Vocalisations – “Hear Me!”
Long, loud screeches or repeated high-pitched sounds.
💡 Why it happens:
- Sensory pleasure: Enjoying the sound.
- Expression: Releasing excitement, anger, or frustration.
✅ How to help:
- Offer musical instruments or a designated “loud zone” at home.
- Teach “inside voice” vs “outside voice” through fun games.
🧠 Why Do These Behaviours Develop?
They’re often linked to:
- Communication barriers – Words can be hard to find.
- Sensory differences – The world can feel “too much” or “not enough”.
- Emotional regulation struggles – Impulses take over.
- Learned responses – If it worked before (e.g., got attention), they may repeat it.
💖 Helping Children Replace Challenging Behaviours
At Victor Care, our approach is understand first, guide second:
- 📝 Identify triggers – Keep a simple behaviour diary.
- 🎯 Provide sensory alternatives – Match their need with safe activities.
- 📊 Use visual supports – Pictures, charts, and cue cards.
- 🌬 Teach calming tools – Breathing exercises, squeezing a pillow, or a quiet corner.
- 👏 Reinforce the positives – Catch them doing the right thing and celebrate it!
- 🤝 Work with professionals – Occupational therapists, speech pathologists, behavioural therapists.
🌈 A Compassionate Reminder
These behaviours aren’t “naughty” — they’re messages. Our job is to decode them with empathy. When children feel understood, they feel safe… and when they feel safe, behaviours start to change.
At Victor Care, we offer a complete range of NDIS services to support children and families, including:
- 🧍♂️ One-on-one Support for personalised care and skill-building.
- 🏖 Respite Services to give families time to recharge.
- 🚐 Community Access & Transport Services to build social and independence skills.
- 🏡 Domestic Assistance & Cleaning to help keep your home comfortable and stress-free.
- 💇♀️ Self-Care & Personal Care Services to support daily living needs with dignity.
We work with you, not just for you — helping your child grow, learn, and thrive. 💙(Add links to respective services pages)
📞 Contact Us – Let’s Work Together
If your family is experiencing challenges like spitting, biting, or other behavioural concerns, you don’t have to manage them alone.
Our friendly, experienced support workers are here to help create strategies that work for your child and your family.
📲 Call us today or Contact Us (contact us page link) to discuss how Victor Care can support your child’s unique needs.
📚 Recommended Readings
If you found this article helpful, you might also enjoy:
- Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers: What Every Parent Should Know
- Supporting Children with Autism: Activities That Build Confidence and Communication
- Managing Sensory Overload: Autism-Friendly Strategies for Everyday Life
