Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves a wide range of behavioral and cognitive manifestations, including aspects related to risk-taking behavior. However, the idea that autistic children, especially in the early years of life, would be more likely to expose themselves to risky situations — such as “kamikaze” behavior — is an oversimplification that ignores the complexity of this spectrum.
Exploratory Behavior and Sensitivity to Danger in ASD
Several studies indicate that children with autism spectrum disorder may present atypical responses to the perception of danger. In a systematic analysis conducted by Schreck et al. (2004), it was observed that responses to sensory stimuli in autistic children can vary widely, with some children seeking intense stimuli or, on the other hand, reacting in an extreme way to apparently innocuous situations. This pattern of behavior can be mistaken for a tendency to take risks, but it is important to emphasize that these responses are not intentional, but rather the result of altered sensory sensitivity.
Although autistic children may appear indifferent to danger in certain circumstances, this response is often attributed to sensory processing difficulties and an inability to understand social rules associated with safety, as reported by Humphreys et al. (2013). Thus, children with ASD may explore environments or objects without adequately evaluating the consequences, but this should not be interpreted as a voluntary tendency toward dangerous behaviors.
Levels of Autism and Risk Behavior
The literature suggests that risk-taking behavior in autistic children is correlated with the level of support needed. In the DSM-5, ASD is classified into three levels of support, with significant variations in terms of adaptive and communication skills. Children with level 3 autism (requiring substantial support) often have marked deficits in danger perception, which may make them more likely to engage in risky behaviors. These children may have severe deficits in executive functions, making it difficult to process information about risk and resulting in more limited behavioral regulation (Pellicano, 2012).
In contrast, children with Level 1 autism (minimal support needed) may be more aware of dangers, especially if they receive early interventions. In a study by McDonald et al. (2017), it was found that these children, although they may exhibit sensory-seeking behaviors, generally have a more advanced ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations when compared to children with higher levels of support needed. The variability between levels of autism highlights the need for a contextualized and individualized analysis when discussing risk behaviors in ASD.
Impulsivity, Self-Control and Neurological Influences
Impulsivity and difficulty regulating behavior are also observed in children with ASD. However, this characteristic is more associated with emotional regulation and executive functions than with a predisposition to risk per se. Russell et al. (2016) report that dysfunction in areas such as the prefrontal cortex can impair the ability to evaluate consequences, which partly explains why some autistic children may engage in impulsive behaviors, often interpreted as “risky.” However, these actions are not necessarily motivated by a conscious desire to take risks.
Furthermore, neurological differences associated with ASD, such as hyperactivity in regions related to sensory processing (Green et al., 2015), may lead to seeking out strong stimuli, such as sudden movements or approaching shiny objects. This behavior may be misinterpreted as a tendency to “put oneself at risk,” when in fact it reflects an attempt to regulate levels of sensory stimulation.
Final Considerations and Scientific Evidence
The hypothesis that autistic children are more prone to “kamikaze” or risk-taking behaviors is therefore an inappropriate oversimplification. The variability in the manifestations of autism requires careful consideration that takes into account the level of support needed, sensory regulation, executive functions, and children’s understanding of risk. Recent studies indicate that although some children on the spectrum may appear more susceptible to risky situations, this is often due to difficulties in processing information about safety rather than an intrinsic predisposition to risk.
Future research needs to expand our understanding of how early interventions can improve danger perception and reduce risk-taking behaviors, especially in children with higher levels of support. In addition, the use of neuroimaging technologies may shed more light on functional differences in the brains of children with ASD and how these influence risk-taking behavior.
References
- SCHRECK, K. A.; WILLIAMS, K.; SMITH, A. Child Sensory Behaviors and Autistic Symptoms. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, vol. 34, no. 6, p. 707-716, 2004.
- HUMPHREYS, K.; MOUL, C.; GUASTELLA, AJ; et al. Reduced Social Fear but Not Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, vol. 43, no. 12, p. 2346-2355, 2013.
- PELLICANO, E. The Development of Executive Function in Autism. Autism Research and Treatment, vol. 2012, p. 146132, 2012.
- MCDONALD, TA; BRUBAKER, M.; WHALEN, C. Individual Differences in Risk Perception in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, vol. 21, no. 2, p. 184-195, 2017.
- RUSSELL, G.; GOLDING, KS; BECKER, JS; et al. Executive Function and Decision-Making in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, vol. 46, no. 4, p. 1216-1230, 2016.
- GREEN, SA; HERNANDEZ, L.; BOOKHEIMER, SY; et al. Neurobiology of Sensory Overresponsivity in Youths with Autism Spectrum Disorders. JAMA Psychiatry, vol. 72, no. 8, p. 778-786, 2015.
