After the wonderful feedback we received from our short online course Top Ten Tips for Preventing Behaviours That Challenge, we’ve decided to make it available here. If you want to hear our top tips for preventing tantrums and making life easier for both the children you love and support and yourself, view now.
Behaviours that challenge occur when someone is trying to communicate a need they want met. Often, this is the only way they know how. All behaviour happens for a reason, but often the reason may not be clear. We aim to reduce instances of challenging behaviour through creating a Positive Behaviour Support plan.
When children engage in challenging behaviours it can:
- interfere with their daily routines and functional performance,
- impair family/sibling relationships,
- or pose risk of harm to themselves or family members.
Behaviour management strategies and support must be individualized. In other words, they are based on the specific reason(s) for the behaviour.
How does it work?
Firstly, a functional behaviour assessment (FBA) is carried out. This aims to identify the relationship between the behaviour, what caused it and the consequences of the behaviour. The FBA also identifies skills to help the individual to communicate, cope, and/or self-manage their behaviour better.
This assessment typically involves detailed discussion with those that know the child best, observation, and logging instances. This is carried out over a period of time to look for patterns to help explain the behaviour and inform strategies.
The aim is to prevent instances of challenging behaviour by:
- identifying effective strategies that can be implemented by carers,
- teaching behaviours that will replace or reduce the need for challenging behaviour,
- and identifying appropriate ways to respond to the behaviour.
We understand that each child, family, and set of circumstances are different. It is important that the type or form of support meets the needs of each family. Some children benefit from individual sessions with a member of our team, while for others it would be most appropriate to provide consultation and training to caregivers.
Who carries out Positive Behaviour Support?
Families who seek support for behaviours that challenge are encouraged to schedule an initial intake with our Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).
During the intake, to develop your Positive Behaviour Support plan, the BCBA will review your current situation and your desired outcomes. This discussion will be thorough, and involve your active input. This is necessary so that the BCBA can develop and establish the ideal plan of action for your unique situation.
It is always our priority to assist you in understanding your child’s behaviours, and work with you to establish an effective, but realistic support plan.
For more information, please contact us.