Is your child no longer responding to their name or engaging socially like they once did? If you’re noticing a change of behavior or an apparent loss of skills in your child or a child you’re treating, it can be deeply concerning. But we believe that behaviors simply mask what’s really happening beneath the surface.
Many autistic people, children, and adults, experience regression. In this article, we’ll explain what regression is, the signs to look out for, and the practical steps you can take to support a child or teen through regression.
Understanding regressive autism
While there’s no single known cause of autism regression, it’s more common than you may think. Around one-third of autistic children will appear to regress or lose some skills during their early childhood.
Regression can show up in autistic children through a loss of previously reached developmental milestones, including:
- Communication skills
- Social skills
- Emotional regulation
- Motor skills
- Daily functioning
- Sleep regression
It can also show up in affected children through what look like typical autism symptoms:
- Repetitive behaviors or stimming
- Impulsive actions
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty adjusting to new situations
What can cause autistic children to experience regression
Seeing developmental regression as the root cause doesn’t go far enough to address the underlying struggles a child may be facing. Behaviors typically seen in regression are symptoms of deeper issues that need to be approached in a more comprehensive way.
Overstimulation
Sensory overload is a significant challenge for children with autism, often leading to withdrawal or behavioral changes. Environments with too much sensory activity, like noisy classrooms, crowded spaces, or bright lights, can cause stress and anxiety.
This overstimulation can result in the child retreating, becoming agitated, or engaging in behaviors that wouldn’t normally occur in calmer environments.
Environmental changes
Changes in environment or routine can be particularly destabilizing for autistic children. Transitions like moving to a new house, switching schools, or changes in daily routines can cause a lot of stress, leading to regressive behaviors.
It’s important to provide a stable, secure environment during these transitions to help them feel grounded.
Inability to communicate
When a child struggles to communicate their emotions, needs, or discomfort, frustration can build up, leading to behavioral changes associated with regression.
Stay calm, be patient, and try to understand and help them express what they need.
Emotional dysregulation
A child’s learned behavior can often mask an inability to self-regulate when overstimulation, environmental changes, and communication struggles come into play.
Many traditional behavioral approaches, like applied behavior analysis and occupational therapy, focus on teaching compliance rather than emotional self-regulation.
This leaves children without the tools they need to manage stressors like sensory overload or changes in routine, which can result in emotional outbursts, withdrawal, or regression of learned behaviors.
Acknowledging the child’s feelings, deep breathing exercises, and using sensory supports can help them manage their emotions.
Related: How Self-Regulation Leads to Independence
How to support a child through regressive autism
If you’re not sure what steps to take to support your child, see our guidance below. It’s okay to feel uncertain; what matters most is your willingness to understand their needs and find an approach that works for both of you.
Look beyond behavior
Instead of reacting to your child’s behavior, take a moment to try and understand what they’re communicating. This shift in perspective can help you better understand the root causes of the behaviors, whether they stem from frustration, sensory overload, or unmet needs.
Building a strong, trusting relationship with your child creates a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves, even when it’s difficult. Over time, this can reduce the ‘behavioral problems’ associated with regression and help your child feel calmer.
Reduce overstimulation
Identifying potential triggers and making changes to the child’s environment can make a big difference in managing overstimulation. Creating a more manageable space without loud noises or bright lights can help avoid sensory overload.
Giving them time to decompress in peaceful surroundings throughout the day will help them regain focus and emotional balance.
Strengthen communication (beyond words)
As we all know, so much can be said without using words. Using visual aids, alternative communication methods, or nonverbal cues can help the child express their needs and feelings when they’re stuck on what to say.
In addition, encouraging emotional expression through creative outlets like drawing or movement gives them a way to communicate unspoken feelings, helping reduce frustration.
Try Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®)
Relationship Development Intervention isn’t a behavioral therapy. RDI® focuses on empowering autistic children and their families by promoting meaningful growth in social, emotional, and cognitive areas.
RDI® is a big shift from traditional autism treatment plans. Instead of just masking the condition with scripted conversations or rehearsed behaviors, this approach helps create real neuro-cognitive changes over time.
RD®I focuses on dynamic thinking, giving children the skills they need to better handle life’s challenges independently. It opens the door to a better quality of life, one built on true communication, real friendships, confident independent living, lasting relationships, and meaningful work.
Get the support you need with an RDIconnect®
Whether you’re a parent or a professional, we’re here to help. We provide personalized coaching, training, and a community to welcome you with open arms.
Our Parent Coaching Program is specifically designed to help parents guide their children in developing essential social and emotional skills. You’ll work with certified consultants to learn effective, actionable strategies.
Are you a professional looking for proven, research-driven approaches to supporting children with autism? Our RDIconnect® Professional Certification will strengthen your qualifications, deepen your understanding of autism spectrum disorders, and give you practical training in using the RDIconnect® Family Consultation Program.
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