Challenging behaviour
Challenging behaviour, otherwise known as behaviours of concern, can put people at risk. This applies to the person displaying the behaviour, as well as their carers, friends or family.
There are many examples of challenging behaviour, here are just a few:
- self-injury
- disruption
- destroying property
- aggression
- withdrawn
- unresponsive
- refusal
When these behaviours are displayed, they can limit or deny the person access to ordinary community activities/facilities meaning the person is unable to do things like go to the shops, attend clubs, the gym, swimming or just general socialising.
Why do people act this way?
All behaviour is an attempt to communicate. Challenging behaviour can be seen in people who have health issues or disabilities that affect the brain or the way they interact with the world around them. Others may struggle through stresses particular to them.
A possible inspiring person to watch communicating with people who have difficulty in communicating is a lady called Phoebe Caldwell. Many videos can be found on YouTube.
A person with learning disabilities or dementia may be triggered simply by a coat hanging on the back of the door, experience a memory or need to complete putting the coat on to go somewhere.
What can you do to help?
Remember the person is trying to say something, so you should try to listen, use your sight to look at their body language and remember phrases they use. You might notice they behave in a certain way in certain situations, they may be scared, anxious, bored or even angry. Listening and observing them might mean you’ll be able to spot early warning signs.
Spotting these early warning signs may enable you to distract them. You might be able to distract/remove them from a situation that is effecting them before they have that behavioural outburst, which would be better for them.
If their behaviour puts themselves or someone else at risk, remain calm when you intervene. Record and analyse why this happened, is it the place, a particular person, animal, or thing. Look at the risks and try reducing the risks.