Challenging behaviour can occur in any professional setting and can be described as a type of behaviour that has the potential to be damaging to other people or the environment and/or stops a person from doing things they need to do. It can include aggression, self-injury or extreme withdrawn behaviours.
What is also important to know is that all challenging behaviours are communication behaviours – they let us know that there is something wrong and may be the individual’s only way of expressing themselves. If you want to prevent challenging behaviour it is a good idea to work out common triggers – this could be in the environment or with certain people. It is also helpful to establish a strong support network and learn simple coping strategies such as controlled breathing or counting. To learn more about attending a Challenging behaviour course, visit https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/
People with learning disabilities are at greater risk of displaying behaviour that challenges, but the exact reasons why are not fully understood. Poor communication skills are a factor and that this may be particularly true for some people with more pronounced disabilities. The presence of sensory impairments is also often linked to behaviour that challenges, especially in the case of self-injury.
In the past, when someone with a learning disability displayed behaviour that challenged them, they were usually referred to their local CLDT through GPs or their local authority (Local Care and Support Teams). The CLDT team will usually have psychologists working alongside other professionals such as occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and behavioural support workers.