What is Challenging Behaviour ?
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What is Challenging behaviour?
Challenging behaviour is complex but in a nut shell it is behaviour of such intensity , frequency or duration that physical safety of the person or others is placed in serious jeopardy or behaviour which is seriously limit or deny access to the use of ordinary community facilities. (Prof. Emerson)
If not managed challenging behaviour can seriously affect a persons health and well being and not just those hurt by the aggression.
We define the word `challenge` - To make a demand
and
`Behaviour` - is a specific response, an action or reaction to specific stimulus, and a manner of conducting oneself.
Analysing the reason for Challenging behaviour?
There could be internal and external reason; a person may be tired, hungry, ill, frightened or excited. There could be an issue for the person in their home environment, community, with those around them or an establishment where they go.
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Are they avoiding someone or something?
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Wanting someone or something?
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Requiring attention?
The type of behaviour and frequency may also tell us information about why the person is presenting the behaviour and may let us know what it is they want. `Functional assessment` is used to identify the purpose of the problem behaviour. it may have many purposes and meanings and therefore requires many approaches and strategies of intervention.
Short term strategies
Make reasonable adjustments to the environment- heat, noise, people.
Give the person a distraction, choices and communicate with them.
Examples; go for a walk, make a drink, listen to some music, play a game and so on.
Always begin your communication with them by saying their name to get their attention and let them know you are communicating with them.
Long Term Strategies.
Having a consistent approach for all involved is the key to successfully supporting the individual.
Our course in challenging behaviour takes you thought the basics of recognising challenging behaviour, functional assessment to writing behaviour management plans for a consistent approach that is needed.
For more information about our Challenging Behaviour Training course, please tick here.
