Tuesday Tip – Communication Breakdowns The communication-behavior link in autism. . . Communication difficulties can be a primary reason for many behavior problems.  It is critical to remember that communication is more than just speech. These students can experience significant difficulty effectively expressing themselves.  Whether they are verbal or non-verbal, the strategies these students use to get their wants and needs met and to interact socially with others may not work efficiently.  Inappropriate behaviors may actually work more effectively for a student than other forms of communication. Understanding why communication problems exist and where communication breakdowns contribute to behavior difficulties is a significant step toward developing successful solutions.