Behaviour & Meltdowns
Learning new skills and understanding the reasons behind behaviour.
What is it?
Behavioural therapies help children learn new skills and reduce behaviours that cause harm or get in the way of learning. The best-known is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Newer, play-based approaches — such as the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) — teach skills during natural play and daily routines.
How it helps
- Understanding why a behaviour happens (needing something, escaping, sensory, attention)
- Teaching safer ways to communicate needs
- Building skills like waiting, sharing and following routines
- Reducing self-injury or aggression
- Giving parents consistent strategies to use at home
What a session looks like
A therapist observes your child, identifies goals with you, and teaches skills in small steps with lots of praise and rewards your child genuinely enjoys. Good programmes are fun, flexible and focused on your child’s happiness.
Video lessons
Step-by-step videos from our Life with Autism Urdu YouTube channel (videos are in Urdu).
Quick tips (Shorts)
Meltdown or tantrum? Know the difference
Don’t say “calm down” — a meltdown tip
Using the calm corner during a meltdown
How to set up a calm corner at home
Practise the calm corner when your child is happy
The calm corner is not a punishment: 3 mistakes
Calm corner: an easy plan for this week
Try this at home
- Notice the “ABC”: what happened Before, the Behaviour, and what happened after
- Praise specifically: “Great job putting your shoes on!”
- Teach a replacement: show your child a way to say “break” or “help”
- Keep rules and routines the same across all family members
- Stay calm — big reactions can accidentally reinforce behaviour
Tip: Some autistic adults have criticised older, rigid forms of ABA. Look for programmes that are play-based, respectful and child-led, do not try to stop harmless stimming, respect your child’s “no”, and involve you fully. You should always be welcome to watch sessions.
Finding the right therapist
- Look for a qualified, licensed professional with experience with autistic children
- Ask how they will involve you and what goals they will set
- Choose someone your child is happy and comfortable with
- Expect regular progress updates you can understand
Please note: The information on this website is for general education and support. It is not medical advice. Every child is different — please work with a qualified doctor, developmental paediatrician or licensed therapist for assessment and treatment.