Dan

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

Sometimes it is necessary to model best practice in promoting positive behaviour to other people so that they can learn from example. Modeling best practice can be directed towards clients, colleagues, families, friends, health and social care professionals and members of the public.

For example, a common occurrence in my role as support worker is when I am out shopping with an individual and the shopkeeper addresses myself instead of the individual that is making the purchase. When I am asked a question by the shopkeeper, I do not answer for the individual but instead repeat the question to them so that they can answer for themselves. Usually, after doing this once, the shopkeeper will continue by addressing the individual and not me.

Another recent example is when I supported an individual to go to the dentist – something that they were very anxious about. Upon entering the room with the dentist, I told the dentist that I was really proud of the individual for building up the courage to come here today. The dentist took the hint and also gave the individual lots of praise.