behaviour

Principles of The Positive Behaviour Support Model

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The Positive Behaviour Support Model Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) represents a significant shift from traditional behaviour management approaches. Rather than focusing on controlling behaviours or eliminating behaviours, PBS emphasises understanding, prevention, and skill development. The PBS model, although controversial, integrates multiple theoretical perspectives while maintaining a strong ethical foundation rooted in human rights and dignity. … Read more

Understanding Behaviours of Concern in Children

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Understanding and Supporting Behaviours of Concern Whatever your own beliefs and values around child development. When supporting children in schools, it’s crucial to recognise that all behaviour is a form of communication. Zero tolerance policies and refusals to make reasonable adjustments lead to many children missing out on education. What we traditionally label as ‘challenging’ … Read more

Behaviour: Minimising Setting Events to Maximise Learning

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Challenging Behavior and Setting Events Creating an optimal learning environment is a challenge that lies at the heart of effective teaching, especially for SEN pupils. It requires staff to possess a deep and nuanced understanding of the factors that influence student behaviour, engagement, and academic performance. Among these factors, setting events play a crucial yet … Read more

Setting Events: Key Factors in Challenging Behavior

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Understanding Setting Events and Challenging Behavior Challenging behaviors rarely occur in isolation. They are often influenced by a complex interplay of factors that extend beyond the immediate triggers. These factors can be subtle and often operate in the background, but they can have a powerful impact on an individual’s emotional and behavioral state. Recognizing that … Read more

Effective Staff Recording of Student Behavior

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Using Behaviour Records to Reduce Challenging Behaviour in Schools This article examines the significance staff observation in identifying “setting events“, and how this information can be applied to create supportive and proactive school environments to reduce challenging behaviours. “The results of this study suggest that services that are seeking to prevent challenging behavior should seek … Read more

The Hidden Costs of Compliance-Based Behaviour Approaches

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The Long-Term Impact: Compliance-Based vs Interoception-Based Behaviour Support Approaches We have written a lot about supporting behaviour in as neurodiversity affirming ways as possible. The approaches I use both at work and at home are actually a mix of behavioural interventions and therapeutic approaches. It is clear that two distinct methodologies have emerged in a … Read more

Understanding Physical Causes of Challenging Behavior

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Physical Causes of Challenging Behavior As educators, we often encounter students who exhibit challenging behaviors in the classroom. While it’s tempting to focus solely on the behavior itself. Challenging behavior is not a diagnosis. Instead, it’s typically the result of a complex interplay between an individual and their environment. In many cases, these behaviors are … Read more

Understanding the Importance of Structure and Consistency in Child Development

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Why Structure and Consistency Are Important for Children Structure and consistency could be thought of as boring but they serve as anchors, providing children with a sense of stability and security. These two elements are crucial in shaping a child’s development, behaviour, and overall well-being. This guide will explore the importance of structure and consistency … Read more

Beyond Nature vs Nurture: Understanding Children’s Behaviour

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Nature vs. Nurture: Different Perspectives for Understanding Child Development For decades, the nature vs. nurture debate has been a central topic in understanding human development. Are children shaped more by their genetic makeup or by their environment? While this dichotomy offers valuable insights, modern research suggests that understanding children’s behaviour requires a more nuanced approach. … Read more

Implementing Collaborative De-escalation Plans Across School

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Guide To Implementing Collaborative De-Escalation Plans Implementing collaborative de-escalation plans across different settings and staff members requires a comprehensive, whole-school approach. Discover comprehensive strategies for effectively implementing collaborative de-escalation plans throughout your school. This in-depth guide covers policy development, staff training, communication plans, and environmental adaptations to ensure consistent support for neurodiverse students across all … Read more

Collaborative De-escalation Plans: Supporting Emotional Regulation in the Classroom

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Collaborative De-escalation Plans: Supporting Emotional Regulation in the Classroom Collaborative de-escalation plans detail how pupils and teaching staff will respond to stressors and behaviours of concern. These plans, co-created with students facilitate emotional regulation and self-advocacy, aligning with neurodiversity-affirming practices that recognise and celebrate the unique ways individuals experience and interact with the world. We … Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Classroom Strategies for Oppositional Defiant Disorder

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In our diverse classrooms, we encounter a broad range of minds, each with its unique way of perceiving and interacting with the world. Among these, some students experience emotions and interactions more intensely than others, processing their environment with heightened sensitivity and responding with powerful expressions of their needs and feelings. These students, who have … Read more

Operational Definitions: Precisely Defining Diverse Behaviours

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Operational Definitions for Behaviour Analysis Operational definitions are invaluable tools in understanding and supporting diverse behavioural expressions. By providing precise, observable descriptions free of subjective language, we can communicate clearly, measure accurately, and develop personalised strategies that embrace neurodiversity. I have written a full article on conducting an effective Functional Behaviour Analysis that will be … Read more

Which Term to Use: Challenging Behaviour or Behaviour of Concern?

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Which Term to Use: Challenging Behaviour or Behaviour of Concern? 14

The terminology we use to describe student behaviours is a crucial aspect of our approach to education and can significantly impact how we perceive and support our students. Let’s explore the debate surrounding the terms “challenging behaviour” and “behaviours of concern,” as well as consider alternative terminology. “Challenging Behaviour”: Proponents argue: Critics contend: “Behaviours of … Read more

Behaviour: The Need for Calming Routines

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Behaviour Calming Routines Guide for EYFS/SEN Teachers This article was inspired by a great lesson observation I conducted in a KS1 class that is currently following the EYFS ethos. The children are still getting “ready to learn” but the teacher has implemented fantastic routines. These include calming routines at both a whole class, and individual … Read more

Supporting Pupils with Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a persistent pattern of defiant, disobedient, and disruptive behaviours toward authority figures. Pupils with ODD often present significant challenges in the classroom, testing the patience and skills of even the most experienced teachers. However, it is crucial to recognize … Read more

Parenting and Power Struggles

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Mastering the Art of Navigating Power Struggles with Children I’ve witnessed countless power struggles between parents and their children unfold over the years. These battles of wills, fueled by a delicate interplay of developmental needs, emotional bonds, and the ever-shifting dynamics of authority and independence, are an unavoidable part of parenting. However, rather than viewing … Read more

Behaviour Contracts for Autistic Children

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The Debate on Behaviour Contracts for Autistic Children: Perspectives and Controversies Introduction Behaviour contracts are widely used in various educational and therapeutic settings to address challenging behaviours and promote positive change. When it comes to autistic children, the use of behaviour contracts has sparked both support and criticism. In this debate, we’ll explore different opinions … Read more

Accurate Functional Behaviour Analysis: Describing Behaviours Objectively

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What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)? A functional behaviour assessment (FBA) is a comprehensive process used to understand the underlying reasons or “functions” that explain why an individual engages in a particular behaviour. It involves gathering information from multiple sources to identify the specific antecedents (triggers) and consequences that may be maintaining the behaviour. … Read more

Fawning and Autism: Unmasking the Hidden Survival Instincts

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Neurodiversity and the Art of Adaptation (Masking and Fawn Response) As we journey into the intricate world of autism, we encounter the visible aspects and the subtle survival mechanisms that shape an individual’s experience. One such phenomenon is fawning, a behaviour deeply intertwined with the neurodiverse landscape. This article will explore the origins, impact, and … Read more