What is challenging behaviour?
'
Challenging behaviour
Challenging behaviour can be when someone hurts themselves, hits or pinches someone else, or breaks something. Some people might behave like this because they are upset or because people do not understand them.
' sounds like a pretty broad term, and it is. Challenging behaviour describes behaviour that is challenging to parents, carers, teachers and other professionals.
Challenging behaviour can include tantrums, hitting or kicking other people, throwing things or self-harming.
Behaviour is challenging if it is harmful to the person and others around them, and if it stops the person achieving things in their daily life, such as making friends or concentrating at school.
Living with challenging behaviour can be a stressful and exhausting time. Every day activities, such as going to school or to the park, can become more complicated.
Challenging behaviour and learning disability
Challenging behaviour is not a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
, but people with a disability are more likely to show challenging behaviour.
This can be due to people having difficulty communicating and expressing frustrations. Challenging behaviour can also be a sign that something is wrong, like pain or discomfort, that your child cannot express in another way.
Challenging behaviour can also be a sign of wider problems, including with someone's mental health.
What causes challenging behaviour?
There is no single cause for challenging behaviour, but environment,
relationships
Relationships are about the people in your life. You might have different types of relationships like friendships, family relationships, or a boyfriend or girlfriend.
, discomfort and frustration are all common reasons.
People with a disability are more likely to show challenging behaviour in order to express themselves.
What to do if your child is showing challenging behaviour
If you are worried that your child is demonstrating challenging behaviour, it is a good idea to act quickly, to find ways to meet your child's needs and to help them find new ways to communicate.
Speak to your GP, who may be able to refer you to another professional, such as a psychologist.
How to manage challenging behaviour
There are a few things you can do to help manage your child's challenging behaviour:
- Work out common triggers - this could be in the environment, or with
certain
Certain means you are sure about something.
people. - Find ways to help the person express themselves.
- Help the person to feel happy, and spend time doing the things they enjoy.
- Develop simple coping strategies to reduce stress, such as controlled breathing or counting.
- Stay alert and try to anticipate problems.
- Create a strong support network of family, friends and professionals if necessary.
Advice and support
Contact the Learning Disability Helpline for information about challenging behaviour.
You can find also information and support from the Challenging Behaviour Foundation.
More conditions linked with Learning Disability
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