Understanding why some Autistic children use potentially harmful behaviours

Overview

This practice guide summarises the research evidence about the use of potentially harmful behaviours (PHB) by Autistic children. It also draws on practice wisdom and expertise to highlight examples of situations where Autistic children may use PHB to communicate unmet needs related to common types of neurodevelopmental differences.

This resource covers:

This practice guide has been developed for, and in consultation with, practitioners working in Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS). FMHSS provide early intervention and non-clinical community mental health support for children and young people aged up to 18 years who are showing signs of, or are at risk of, developing mental illness.

Practitioners working in early intervention support services told us that the use of PHB by Autistic children is an area where more information and resources would be useful to help service providers build on the existing supports they provide to children and families.

This practice guide will also be useful to other practitioners working with children and young people, parents and families. The content has been developed specifically for practitioners who have less than 5 years of experience in the child and family services sector, including those who are not trained to work in specialist services supporting Autistic children and families.

Reference

Butler, K., Helprin, H., MacDonald, J. B., & Tamiakis, L. (2025) Understanding why some Autistic children use potentially harmful behaviours. Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.