Behaviour that challenges others and aggressive & violent behaviour

‘Challenging Behaviour’ means different things to different people and is frequently misused. The term is often used as a euphemism for aggressive and violent behaviour as well as a term that indicates a range of behaviours and responses that staff and others find difficult e.g. non-compliance with staff demands.
Too often people’s behaviour is judged without the history and context being considered; thus they are labelled as being ‘difficult’ and ‘unmanageable’. There is little understanding that all behaviours are a response to stimuli. People with learning disabilities, like all other people respond to frustration and pain. Oppressive and provocative behaviour demonstrated by others increase tensions.
Many courses covering the subject largely focus on how to tackle ‘difficult’ behaviour; thus reinforcing the notion that people with learning disabilities need to have their behaviour ‘managed’. This course, whilst considering this very complex subject in a ‘real’ and practical way aims to help support workers develop an understanding of the issues that influence behaviour and how to work in a service user focused way. Likewise the course aims to help learners understand how they can work in a way that shapes positive behaviour in an ethical way.

This two day course designed for front line workers has a two module structure:

• Behaviour that challenges others
• Violent and aggressive behaviour

The combined modules cover the section of the Learning Disability Knowledge set of the same name and the elements:

• Describing people now and in the past
• The Law
• Understanding types of behaviour and what they might mean
• Understand the causes of behaviour that challenges other people
• How to support people positively with their behaviour
• Reporting, recording and reviewing
• Getting support for people affected by behaviour that challenges people

The course certificate will provide details of learning for those who wish to undertake accredited awards.
Learning Objectives:

Part A

By the end of this course learners should have understood:

• What is meant by ‘Challenging behaviour’ and ‘Behaviour that challenges others’
• Common behaviours that challenge others
• How the subject was dealt with in the past; including control and punishment within Institutions; ECT, medication; exclusion etc.
• Why we behave as we do, particularly when our behaviour challenges others:
        -Unmet needs
        -Power and control
        -Lack of skills; particularly communication skills
        -Pain and discomfort
        -Fear
        -Frustration
        -Physical and psychological conditions
        -Anger
        -Hunger
        -Under/over stimulation
• How these factors apply to people with learning disabilities
• How the environment can influence behaviour:
        -group living
        -Oppressive environments
        -Lack of space
        -Temperature
        -Noise levels
etc.
• How staff can influence behaviour negatively:
        -Poor role modelling
        -Dysfunctional teams
        -Poor communication
        -Double messages
        -Ad hoc inconsistent support
        -Disrespect
        -Infantalisation
        -neglect
• What is abuse and how abuse may lead to behaviour that challenges others-Safeguarding
• How labelling can impact on the person
• The Law in relation to behaviour that challenges others incl. Health & Safety
• The importance of getting to know the individual, how they respond to different situations and how to work positively  with them
• The need for accurate and non-judgmental assessment
• How Person Centred planning is more likely to meet individual need and thus be preventative
• A range of tools that may be used to support positive behaviour
• How team work and multi-disciplinary work may help meet need more effectively
• How staff’s personal feelings may influence responses
• The need for effective communication

Part B

• General and individual triggers
• The early warning signs
• Diffusing potentially violent situations
• Keeping yourself and others safe
• Calming and de-escalation techniques
• When and how to get help when required
• What to do after the event for all involved
• The need to review and plan for the future
• The importance of accurate and non-judgemental recording
• Support for those affected by the incident

Training methods:

• Tutor presentations
• Individual, pairs, triads and small group work
• Word shower method
• Chalk & talk
• Facilitated discussion
• Questionnaire
• Simulation exercises
• PowerPoint/OHP
• Handouts

CP00/0.0