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Disability and Society: Research and Practice Challenging Behavior as an Expressive Language Issue 5, 2025, Pages 9-32        Download article (Hebrew)

 

Abstract

Background: In contemporary discourse on autism, there is a growing understanding that challenging behavior can serve as a language. This study examines how acquiring the ability to communicate through typing, using Yael Cohen’s Self- Expression Through Typing method, influences how others interpret behavior, how individuals cope with distress, and the subjective experiences of non-speaking autistic individuals and their parents.
Method: The study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology and a participatory research approach. The research tool included an open-ended questionnaire that sought to examine the motivations behind the respondent’s behavior perceived by others as challenging, with reference to two points in time: before and after participants began using typing as a mode of expression. Ten non-speaking autistic adults (ages 18-32) who regularly use Yael Cohen’s Self-Expression Through Typing method were interviewed. In addition, parents were asked to complete a brief questionnaire containing two questions. The first question related to changes that they observed in their child’s life as a result of using Self-Expression Through Typing. The second sought to examine whether typing changed how they responded to their child’s challenging behaviors. The development of the research tool and interpretation of the findings were guided by a consultation group of autistic researchers.
Findings: A thematic analysis of participants’ responses revealed six central themes: recognition by others of my competence; typing as a channel for self-expression; typing as a means of expressing needs; typing as a way to explain my behavior retrospectively; experience of loneliness; a call to expand access to typing for others in my situation. Four main themes arose from the parents’ responses: discovery of their child’s intellectual and emotional abilities; positive change in others’ attitudes following recognition of competence; the impact of communication through typing on handling of challenging situations; improved emotional well-being among parents. The study’s findings reinforce the view that challenging behavior serves as a communicative channel through which needs, emotions or distress are expressed. Consequently, the results emphasize the importance of creating a “space for discussion” both during and after incidents, including retrospective dialogue. The researchers recommend shifting the focus from behavioral control to empathetic dialogue that reduces distress and fosters participation. Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended to expose autistic individuals from a young age to diverse forms of expression and communication, and to later develop literacy skills so as to promote personal development and emotional well-being.

Keywords: autism; challenging behavior; augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); self-expression through typing; participatory research

Cite this article
Hozmi, B., Gleitman, M., Cohen, Y., & the Participatory Research Group of Makom Le’Haba’ah (2025). The power of a word: Challenging behavior as language among non-speaking autistic individuals who express themselves through typing. Disability and Society: Research and Practice, 5, 9-32.

 

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