Avoidance behaviour is a sophisticated coping mechanism driven by the brain’s anxiety response. When a child perceives a task—be it social interaction at a play area in Al Qasba or a challenging math worksheet—as “threatening,” the brain prompts them to flee or avoid it to find immediate relief. Behavioural therapy uses Graduated Exposure and Positive Reinforcement to desensitize the child to these triggers, proving to the nervous system that the “threat” is manageable.
By systematically breaking down the avoided task into micro-steps, we help the child build self-efficacy. Clinically, we monitor the “extinction burst”—a temporary increase in the behaviour before it drops off—to ensure parents don’t give up right before the breakthrough. This is essential for children in the UAE who may be avoiding specific sensory environments or social demands common in our multicultural community.
The “Ladder of Brave” Win
Create a “Brave Ladder” for a task your child avoids (e.g., trying a new food or entering a loud birthday party). The bottom rung is just looking at the situation; the top rung is full participation. Reward each “step” up the ladder with specific praise. This visualizes progress and gives the child a sense of control over their fear.
Specialist FAQ
- Why does my child just “shut down” and refuse to move?
This is often the “Freeze” response. It’s an involuntary neurological state, and behavioral therapy helps “thaw” this response through gentle exposure.
- Should I force them to do what they are avoiding?
Forcing often backfires and increases trauma. We use “supported challenges” that push the boundary without breaking the child’s trust.
- Is avoidance common in children with ASD?
Yes, very. Often, it’s a logical response to sensory or social overwhelm.
Break the cycle of avoidance today. Visit Neurobloom Rehabilitation Centre, Al Nahda 2, Dubai, or call 0507548629 to learn more about our approach.
