Positive Behavior Supports
All Ages Learn More Functional Behaviors
The ability to behave appropriately, in any given situation, is the hallmark of personal development. It sets the stage for optimal learning, positive relationships, and ultimately a better quality of life.
As a group, individuals with disabilities are more likely to demonstrate behaviors that negatively impact learning and social interactions than their nondisabled peers. Some grab or push to tell you what they do or do not want. Others act out to get attention. Although a few have behavioral outbursts due to sensory overload, others bite because they crave sensory input. These behaviors, while challenging, typically serve some function for the individual.
What are Behavior Supports?
Behavior Supports determine the cause of an inappropriate behavior, and then provide the means to replace it with more functional and socially acceptable behavior.
The first step is a functional behavioral assessment. This systematic process, led by a Behavior Specialist, determines an individual’s strengths, problematic behavior, and environmental factors that may contribute to the behavior. Questions may be asked, such as, “When is the person most and least likely to display the behavior?” or “What function is the behavior serving?” The answers help the Behavior Specialist set up an appropriate behavior support plan.
A behavior support may be as simple as closing a shade so the sun is not in someone’s eyes, turning on calming music, redirecting the person away from a situation that causes an escalation of negative behavior, or changing the sequence of activities so the individual understands what is expected. It may be as complicated as a formal system of continuous and intermittent reinforcement of desired behavioral responses. The important thing is that the behavior support helps the person learn and use more functional behaviors.
A Positive Form of Intervention
Redwood began offering Behavior Supports in 2008 as a positive form of intervention for challenging behaviors. Since then, the agency has noted a 40% decrease in behavior incidents.
Shannon, an adult in the Work Activity Center, benefits from the Behavior Supports program. She is easily agitated, which interferes with her ability to focus on work and to maintain friendships. With the help of Behavior Supports, she continues to learn how to use self-calming and self-redirecting techniques to stay focused and friendly.
If you are living or working with a child or adult in need of Behavior Supports, Redwood can help. Just contact the behavior specialist at (859) 331-0880. Individuals do not have to attend Redwood to utilize this service.
