Various factors, including medical conditions, developmental delays, or environmental circumstances, may cause challenging behaviour behaviours. It is crucial to approach challenging behaviours with a compassionate and understanding attitude and to work with the individual and their support team to develop strategies for managing and reducing the frequency and intensity of the behaviours.
Challenging Behaviour and Learning Disability?
Challenging behaviour cannot be called a learning disability. Although individuals with learning difficulties tend to have challenging behaviour, they sometimes exhibit these characteristics because of their communication or emotional expression challenges.
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Causes of Challenging Behaviour in Learning Disability
Several factors cause challenging behaviour in learning disabilities. These factors include:
- Psychological factors like challenges to socialise
- Familial factors like sad situations and experiences of family members
- Biophysical causes like medical conditions
- Behavioural factors like learned behaviours
- Instructor factors like lecture structures
- Environmental characteristics like noise and overcrowding
- Cultural conditions
- Social factors like bullying or discrimination
Dealing With Challenging Behaviour in Learning Disability
Handling the Condition as a Relative or Friend
As a relative or friend, it’s crucial to understand a person’s behaviour. If you can identify signs early enough, you can support them later with the treatment plan. This is why awareness is vital.
To effectively contribute to the support, you can apply the following guidelines:
- Connect with other caregivers for support, advice, and assistance.
- Communicate with support groups in your locality to relate your caring experiences.
- Keep regular communication with your family and loved ones. They can be instrumental in offering support.
Professional Intervention
Sometimes, as a family member or friend, you may be unable to support enough person’s behaviour. Therefore professional support should be requested. A general practitioner will refer you to an appropriate medical professional. The professional will detect the signs that cause the behaviour and suggest treatments or medications. The general practitioner will inform you of the side effects of the medications.
