Again, the methods used to help an individual return to a calm state after an incident of challenging behaviour will be person-centred.

For some of my clients, simply leaving them alone to calm down themselves works well. For others, it may mean talking to them and giving them lots of attention – especially if the reason for the incident was because they felt they were being ignored. Some clients may need to get into bed and have a nap to return to a calm state and others may need to listen to soothing music.

Following an incident of challenging behaviour, I am required to fill out an incident report and an ABC chart. These should be filled in objectively, sticking to the facts and be free from my own views and opinions about the incident.

The incident report is an objective and detailed account of what happened and the ABC chart is an overview of what happened before, during and after an incident. A copy of our Incident Reporting Policy and Procedure is attached to this document as evidence.

Maintaining the dignity and respect of an individual is of the utmost importance when responding to incidents of challenging behaviour. Physical interventions should never be used unless there are serious risks to the individual or others and even then, the minimal restrictive force necessary should be used.

The response required for incidents of challenging behaviour are person-centred and so will vary from individual to individual, as outlined in their support plans. For example, one individual I work with will cease their challenging behaviour if they are ignored, whilst another may need to be distracted with music.

As well as knowing and understanding the individual, there are some responses that are universal when responding to challenging behaviour including those outlined in best practice and in my company’s Challenging Behaviour Policy & Procedure, which is attached to this document.

It is also necessary to write and maintain reports of all incidents of challenging behavior and contact other professionals if necessary including the police, GP, psychologist or social worker.

Types of challenging behaviour include:

• Self-injury (e.g. headbutting a wall, biting own arm)
• Aggressive behaviour (e.g. hitting, screaming, verbal abuse, spitting towards others etc.)
• Inappropriate sexual behaviour (e.g. masturbating in public, exposing genitals etc.)
• Damage to property (e.g. breaking windows, kicking in doors, smashing up guitars etc.)
• Stealing