2015 TASH Conference

At KFI we believe that supports for people with intellectual disabilities must focus on full community participation; with opportunities to work, live and play alongside neighbors. Yet, day to day we are confronted with “the elephant in the room,” the assumption that those opportunities are for "everyone else" but the person with significant behavioral challenges. Positive Approaches start with progressive and proactive leadership to build a team who believes in the person and the community; and that can implement strategies utilizing authentic conversations, training, planning and outreach to support every person to have opportunities to live, work, play and belong.

As a result of this workshop session participants will be able to: 
1. Describe Challenging Behavior. (What it is. What it isn't.)

What makes behavior "challenging"? Who is it challenging to? When is a challenging behavior not something we need to address? Behavior is challenging when it impacts the person's ability to engage in his or her life. We will consider whether support delivery, expected routines, the environment, etc., might contribute to these behaviors; and where that may be the case to consider that our behaviors might in fact be the challenging ones.

2. Identify potential, general contributors to Challenging Behavior.

People experience challenging behaviors for many specific and very individualized reasons. However, there are common things to consider. First and foremost, medical causes must be ruled out, including mental health, neurological sensitivities and chronic pain. Loneliness, exclusion and lack of control likely cause or exacerbate much challenging behavior. Trauma, learning and communication must also be considered. 

3. Describe creating safe space for the person. 

Supporting a person with significant behavioral challenges requires creating safe space. Take immediate steps ensure that the person FEELS safe with where they are, who they are with, what they are doing. Interventions must remain positive and respectful. Environments or programs or staff must be changed. We show the person we are listening by making immediate adjustments, and having authentic conversations about what we can't do right now. 

4. Identify strategies for supporting a person with significant behavioral challenges.

Strategies can be individualized to support the person.These include discovery, community building, authentic conversations, preparation and planning, scripting, role playing, teaching new skills, and building the person's capacity for resilience.

5. Identify strategies for supporting the people who provide supports to the person with significant behavioral challenges.

The team is essential, and requires thoughtful training and support, solid communication, empowerment, authentic conversations, safe places and camaraderie.