SARA'S LEARNING DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS BLOG
Monday, 23 March 2026
Chapter 6 Challenging behaviour Module 7
Challenging
behaviour can make it hard to:
Get
on with others
Make
or keep friends
Feel
included
People
may also feel:
Guilty
Ashamed
Upset
This
can affect self-esteem and mental health.
What
Should You Do If Someone Is Struggling?
Stay
calm
Focus
on safety first
Encourage
support
First
Step
Speak
to a doctor or GP.
They
may:
Assess
mental health
Refer
to specialists
Suggest
support or therapy
Support
and Help
Support
may include:
Mental
health support
Behaviour
support plans
Understanding
triggers
Consistent
routines
With
the right support, people can learn safer ways to cope.
Useful
Organisation
Challenging
Behaviour Foundation
🟢
Version 2: Easy Read
What
is Challenging Behaviour?
Challenging
behaviour is about feelings and mental health.
It
is not a learning disability on its own.
Why
Does It Happen?
People
may:
Feel
anxious
Feel
upset
Feel
frustrated
Find
things too hard
What
Can It Look Like?
People
may:
Shout
Hit
Throw
things
Hurt
themselves
👉
Safety is important.
How
It Affects People
It
can make it hard to:
Make
friends
Get
on with others
People
may feel:
Upset
Guilty
Bad
about themselves
Getting
Help
Talk
to a doctor
Ask
for support
👉
With help, things can get better.
🧠
Version 3: Quiz (Standard)
1.
Challenging behaviour is most closely linked to:
a)
Eye colour
2.
Which conditions may be linked to challenging behaviour? (Choose two)
a)
Autism ✅
📘 FINAL TABLE OF CONTENTS (COMPLETE & CLEAN STRUCTURE)
PART 1 – FOUNDATIONS
Chapter 1 – Introduction (Module 0)
- How to use this book
- Easy Read explanation
- “You don’t have to do everything”
PART 2 – SPECIAL NEEDS, DISABILITIES & DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 2 – Special Needs & Learning Disabilities (Module 1)
- What “special needs” means
- Learning disabilities vs learning difficulties
- Strength-based approach
Chapter 3 – Genetic, Psychological & Developmental Conditions (Module 2)
- Clear definitions
- Overlapping conditions
- Why labels can change
Chapter 4 – Spina Bifida & Cerebral Palsy (Module 3)
Chapter 5 – Autism, ADHD & Neurodiversity (Module 4)
- Autism and ADHD
- Similarities and differences
Chapter 6 – SYNGAP1 (Module 5)
Chapter 7 – Global Developmental Delay (GDD) (Module 6)
Chapter 8 – Challenging Behaviour (Module 7)
- What it is
- What it is not
- Communication, trauma, and unmet needs
Chapter 9 – Dyslexia (Module 8)
Chapter 10 – Dyspraxia (Module 9)
Chapter 11 – Dysgraphia (Module 10)
Chapter 12 – Dyscalculia (Module 11)
Chapter 13 – (Module 12)
(Suggested: Sensory Processing / Communication Needs)
PART 4 – MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Chapter 14 – Mental Health and Mental Illness (Module 13)
Chapter 15 – Understanding Emotions (Module 14)
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Sadness
Chapter 16 – Depression (Module 15)
Chapter 17 – Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) (Module 16)
Chapter 18 – Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective Disorder (Module 17)
PART 5 – SUPPORT, ADVOCACY & PRACTICE
Chapter 19 – Mentoring, Coaching & Confidence Building (Module 18)
Chapter 20 – Counselling & Therapy (Module 19)
Chapter 21 – GPs, Doctors & Disability/Mental Health Training (Module 20)
Chapter 22 – Dental Care (Module 21)
Chapter 23 – Education, Employment & Transitions (Module 22)
Chapter 24 – Advocacy (Module 23)
- Self-advocacy
- Family advocacy
- Professional advocacy
- Rights and empowerment
PART 6 – CORE PRACTICE MODULES
Chapter 25 – Person-Centred Care and Communication (Module 24)
Chapter 26 – ⭐ Person-Centred Planning and Care (Module 25 – MASTER MODULE)
Chapter 27 – Learning Disability & Mental Health Nursing (Module 26)
Chapter 28 – Paramedics: Learning Disability & Mental Health Training (Module 27)
Chapter 29 – Teachers, Tutors & Lecturers: Inclusive Practice (Module 28)
Chapter 30 – Social Work, Support Work & Care Practice (Module 29)
- Benefits systems
- Support systems
- Lived experience
✅ Key Fixes & Improvements
- Fixed duplicate Chapter 24 → now flows correctly into Part 6
-
Corrected spelling:
- Teather → Teachers
- Lecture → Lecturers
- Standardised all professional titles
- Grouped roles logically (health → education → social care)
- Made Person-Centred Planning your clear core module ⭐
💡 Why This Structure Works (Important)
You now have a complete end-to-end training system:
🧠 Understanding
- Disabilities, conditions, development
❤️ Mental Health
- Emotions → conditions → complex needs
🛠 Support Skills
- Coaching, therapy, healthcare
🧍 Advocacy
- Rights, empowerment
🏥 Real Practice
- Nursing
- Paramedics
- Education
- Social care
👉 This is exactly how real-world training frameworks are built.
Sunday, 22 March 2026
EASY READ POWERPOINT MODULE Person-Centred Planning, Care, and Support
Slide 1 – Title
Person-Centred Care and Planning
- Easy Read Training Module
- For professionals and learners
Slide 2 – What Will We Learn?
- What person-centred care means
- What a care plan is
- Why it is important
- How to support people properly
Slide 3 – What is Person-Centred Care?
- Person first
- Their needs matter
- Their choices matter
- They are involved
Slide 4 – Simple Idea
👉 “Nothing about me, without me”
- The person must be involved
- The person must be listened to
Slide 5 – Talk to Me
- Talk to the person
- Not just the carer
- Look at the person
- Give time to respond
Slide 6 – I May Understand
- I may understand what is happening
- Even if I communicate differently
👉 Different communication does NOT mean lack of understanding
Slide 7 – What is a Care Plan?
- A plan about me
- Helps people support me
- Written with me
Slide 8 – What is in My Plan?
- What I like
- What I don’t like
- What I need
- My goals
Slide 9 – My Choices Matter
- I can say yes or no
- I can make decisions
- I should be asked first
Slide 10 – Sensory Support
Some things may feel too much:
- Loud noise
- Bright lights
- Touch
- Tools
Slide 11 – What Helps Me
- 🎧 Headphones
- 🎵 Music or stories
- 😎 Sunglasses
- 🛏️ Blanket
Slide 12 – Go Slowly
- Show me first
- Let me get used to things
- Give me breaks
- Let me say STOP
Slide 13 – Not All Distress is Pain
- I may feel uncomfortable
- I may feel overwhelmed
- This is not always pain
👉 Do not assume
Slide 14 – Sedation
- Not always needed
- Try other support first
- Use only if necessary
Slide 15 – Bad Experiences
Some people have:
- Had bad care
- Not been listened to
- Felt hurt or scared
Slide 16 – What Happens Next
- People may stop going
- People may avoid care
- People may feel scared
Slide 17 – Long Time Away
- Some people stay away for years
- Some may not return for a long time
Slide 18 – Coming Back is Hard
- It takes courage
- It can feel scary
- It is a big step
Slide 19 – Your Role
- Be kind
- Be patient
- Listen
- Do not judge
Slide 20 – Work with the Person
- Support independence
- Do not take over
- Work together
Slide 21 – Families and Carers
- They can help
- They can support
- But the person must still be involved
Slide 22 – Plans Can Change
- Needs change
- Plans should change
- Plans are flexible
Slide 23 – Why This Matters
- Better care
- More independence
- More trust
- Better outcomes
Slide 24 – Key Messages
- Talk to the person
- Respect choices
- Go at their pace
- Support, don’t take over
Slide 25 – Final Message
👉 “Person-centred care puts the person first”
NEXT STEP: TABLE OF CONTENTS UPDATE
You’re absolutely right—we should update your structure.
Suggested Table of Contents (Add New Section):
Module / Chapter Title:
👉 Person-Centred Care and Planning
Subsections:
- What is Person-Centred Care
- Communication and Listening
- Care Plans Explained
- Sensory and Practical Support
- Independence and Support
- Past Experiences and Trust
- History and Development
- Real-Life Practice
- Easy Read Summary
- Assessment / Activities
CHAPTER / MODULE: Person-Centred Planning and Care
CHAPTER / MODULE: Person-Centred Planning and Care
1. FULL PROFESSIONAL MODULE
What is Person-Centred Planning?
Person-centred planning and care is a collaborative approach that:
- Empowers individuals to direct their own care
- Focuses on strengths, goals, and preferences
- Moves away from a “one-size-fits-all” model
It supports the person as a whole individual, including:
- Physical health
- Emotional wellbeing
- Social life and relationships
Key Principle
The person is at the centre of all decisions about their life and care
Key Components of Person-Centred Care
1. Individual Ownership
- The plan is created with the person, not for them
-
Often written in first person:
- “I want to…”
- “I need support with…”
2. Holistic Focus
- Not just medical care
-
Includes:
- Interests
- Hobbies
- Relationships
- Emotional needs
3. Empowerment and Choice
-
The person is supported to:
- Make decisions
- Express preferences
- Maintain independence
4. Needs-Led Support
- Services adapt to the person
- The person should not be forced to fit the system
Core Elements of a Person-Centred Plan
Personalised Goals
-
What the person wants to:
- Achieve
- Maintain
- Improve
Strengths-Based Approach
-
Focus on:
- What the person can do
- Their abilities and skills
Partnership Working
-
Collaboration between:
- The person
- Family or carers
- Professionals
Regular Reviews
- The plan is a living document
-
It should:
- Change over time
- Reflect new needs and goals
Benefits of Person-Centred Care
- Improved quality of life
- Higher satisfaction with care
- Increased independence
- Greater dignity and respect
- Better engagement with services
Link to Your Previous Modules
This connects directly to:
- Communication (“Talk to me, not about me”)
- Sensory support
- Trust and past experiences
👉 Without person-centred planning, those cannot be applied properly.
Core Messages
“Nothing about me, without me.”
“The person is the expert in their own life.”
2. EASY READ MODULE
Person-Centred Care Plan
What is it?
- A plan about me
- It helps people support me properly
It is about:
- What I want
- What I need
- What I like
I Am Important
- I help make the plan
- People listen to me
My Choices
- I can choose what happens
- I can say yes or no
My Life
- Not just health
-
Also:
- Friends
- Hobbies
- Feelings
What is in My Plan?
- My goals
- My strengths
- What helps me
- What support I need
Working Together
- Me
- My family or carer
- Professionals
Plans Can Change
- My needs can change
- My plan should change too
Why It Helps
- I feel respected
- I feel safe
- I feel more independent
Important Message
👉 “Nothing about me, without me”
3. POWERPOINT SLIDES
Slide 1 – Title
Person-Centred Planning and Care
Slide 2 – What is it?
- Person first
- Not one-size-fits-all
- Based on individual needs
Slide 3 – Key Principle
“The person is at the centre”
Slide 4 – Individual Ownership
- Created with the person
- Not for them
Slide 5 – Holistic Care
- Physical
- Emotional
- Social
Slide 6 – Empowerment
- Choice
- Control
- Independence
Slide 7 – Needs-Led Support
- Adapt services to the person
Slide 8 – Core Elements
- Goals
- Strengths
- Partnership
- Reviews
Slide 9 – Benefits
- Better outcomes
- Independence
- Dignity
Slide 10 – Key Message
“Nothing about me, without me”
4. TRAINING CHECKLIST
Before Planning:
☐ Speak to the person
☐ Understand preferences
☐ Identify communication needs
During Planning:
☐ Include the person
☐ Focus on strengths
☐ Set clear goals
After Planning:
☐ Review regularly
☐ Update when needed
☐ Check satisfaction
5. ROLE-PLAY ACTIVITY
Scenario:
Creating a care plan.
Poor Practice:
- Professional writes plan alone
- Uses complex language
- Does not involve person
Good Practice:
- Talks with the person
- Uses simple language
- Includes their goals and choices
Reflection:
- Who was in control?
- Was the plan personalised?
6. STRONG TRAINING STATEMENTS
“A care plan is only person-centred if the person is involved.”
“Support should fit the person—not the system.”
“Independence grows when people are given choice.”
What is a Person-Centred Care Plan? (Simple Explanation)
Professional Version
A person-centred care plan is a document that:
- Describes a person’s needs, preferences, and goals
- Explains how care should be delivered in a way that suits them
- Is created with the person, not just for them
It includes:
- How the person likes to communicate
- What support they need
- What they like and dislike
- Any sensory needs (e.g., noise, touch, light)
- Health needs and treatments
- Personal choices and routines
Key principle:
The person is at the centre of all decisions
Easy Read Version (to add into your module)
What is a Care Plan?
A care plan is:
- A plan about me
- It helps people know how to support me
What is in My Care Plan?
- What I like
- What I don’t like
- How I communicate
- What helps me feel calm
- What support I need
Important
- I should be involved
- People should listen to me
Simple Message
👉 “Nothing about me, without me”
Short Definition (for posters / slides)
Person-Centred Care Plan:
A plan that puts the person first and explains how to support them in the way that works best for them.
Where to Add This in Your Module
I recommend placing it:
👉 Right at the start of your Easy Read Master Module (after the title)
So learners understand:
- What a care plan is
- Why everything else in the module matters
Optional Add-On (Very Strong for Training)
You could include a quick reflective question:
“Did the person help create this plan?”
If the answer is no → it’s not truly person-centred
1. FULL TRAINING MODULE (FINAL UPDATED PROFESSIONAL VERSION)
Long-Term Avoidance of Healthcare
Some individuals avoid healthcare for:
- Months
- Years
- Decades
This is often due to:
- Past negative experiences
- Feeling unheard or disrespected
- Sensory distress or fear
Real-World Understanding
It is important for professionals to recognise:
Avoidance is not neglect—it is often self-protection
People may:
- Take many years to return to services (e.g., dentistry)
- Avoid certain settings completely (e.g., hospitals)
Why This Matters
Avoidance can lead to:
- Delayed diagnosis
- More complex treatment needs
- Increased anxiety when returning
- Reduced trust in all healthcare professionals
Professional Awareness
A professional may think:
- “This is just a routine appointment.”
But for the person, it may be:
- A major step
- Something they have avoided for years
- An experience linked to fear or past trauma
Good Practice for Re-Engagement
-
Acknowledge courage:
- “It’s really positive you came in today”
-
Avoid judgment:
- Do not question absence negatively
- Move at a slower pace
- Focus on building trust, not just completing treatment
Core Message
“Returning to healthcare can take years—respect the courage it takes.”
2. EASY READ VERSION (FINAL)
Some People Stay Away for a Long Time
-
Some people do not go to:
- Dentists
- Hospitals
Why?
- Bad past experiences
- Fear
- Not being listened to
How Long?
- Months
- Years
- A very long time
Coming Back is Hard
- It can feel scary
- It takes courage
What Helps
- Be kind
- Be patient
- Do not judge
- Help the person feel safe
3. POWERPOINT SLIDES (FINAL ADDITION)
Slide – Long-Term Avoidance
- Some patients avoid care for years
- Or even decades
Slide – Why?
- Past negative experiences
- Fear and anxiety
- Sensory distress
Slide – Important Understanding
Avoidance = self-protection, not neglect
Slide – Returning to Care
- Big step for the patient
- May take years
Slide – Good Practice
- Acknowledge effort
- Be patient
- Build trust
4. PRINTABLE POSTER (FINAL)
COMING BACK TAKES COURAGE
✔ Some people stay away for years
✔ Bad experiences can last a long time
✔ Returning is a big step
SUPPORT BY:
✔ Being kind
✔ Being patient
✔ Listening
✔ Not judging
REMEMBER:
This may be their first step back
5. TRAINING CHECKLIST (FINAL ADDITION)
Long-Term Avoidance Awareness:
☐ Do not assume neglect
☐ Consider past experiences
☐ Recognise anxiety
First Appointment Back:
☐ Acknowledge effort
☐ Go slowly
☐ Prioritise comfort over speed
6. ROLE-PLAY (FINAL ADDITION)
Scenario:
Patient returns after many years of avoiding healthcare.
Poor Practice:
- “Why did you leave it so long?”
- Rushing into treatment
- Ignoring anxiety
Good Practice:
- “It’s really good you came in today”
- Takes time
- Builds trust
- Focuses on comfort
Reflection:
- How does long-term avoidance affect care?
- What builds trust?
- What breaks it?
7. STRONG TRAINING STATEMENTS (FINAL SET)
“Avoidance is often a response to past harm, not a lack of responsibility.”
“For some people, walking into a clinic is an act of courage.”
“Healthcare should feel safe—not something to fear for decades.”
“Every appointment is a chance to rebuild trust.”
Optional (If You Want to Include Personal Insight in Your Book)
You could include a short, generalised reflection like:
“Some individuals may take many years to return to services after negative experiences. In some cases, people may avoid certain healthcare settings for decades. This highlights how important respectful, person-centred care is in every interaction.”
(This keeps it professional while still reflecting real experience.)
You’ve now built something really strong here—it connects:
- Person-centred care
- Sensory understanding
- Trauma-informed practice
- Real-life impact
1. FULL TRAINING MODULE (UPDATED PROFESSIONAL VERSION)
Impact of Negative Healthcare Experiences
Many people with disabilities and sensory sensitivities have experienced:
- Not being listened to
- Pain or distress being dismissed
- Professionals talking to others instead of them
- Lack of adjustments
What Happens Next?
After repeated negative experiences, people may:
- Avoid appointments
- Delay seeking help
- Only attend in emergencies
- Lose trust in professionals
Important:
Some people may not return to healthcare at all
Long-Term Impact
Avoidance of care can lead to:
- Worsening physical health (e.g., dental problems, untreated conditions)
- Increased anxiety and fear
- More complex treatment later
- Emergency interventions that could have been prevented
Real-World Insight
As you highlighted from your own experience:
- Negative care in dentistry and hospitals can have long-lasting effects
- Trust, once broken, can take years to rebuild—or may never fully return
Professional Responsibility
Every interaction matters.
Professionals should understand:
- They may be seeing the person for the first time
- But the person may be carrying years of past experiences
Good Practice to Rebuild Trust
-
Acknowledge past experiences:
- “Have you had any difficult experiences before?”
- Listen without judgment
- Go at the person’s pace
- Offer control and choice
- Build trust gradually over time
Core Message
“One negative experience can stop someone seeking care for years.”
2. EASY READ VERSION
Bad Experiences Can Stop People Coming Back
Some people have had:
- Bad care
- Pain
- Not being listened to
What Happens
- They may stop going to appointments
- They may feel scared
- They may not trust healthcare staff
This Can Last a Long Time
- Months
- Years
- Or forever
Why This Matters
- Health problems can get worse
- People may only go in emergencies
What Helps
- Listen to me
- Be kind
- Go slowly
- Help me feel safe
3. POWERPOINT SLIDES (ADDED SECTION)
Slide – Negative Experiences
- Many patients have had poor care
- Not listened to
- Felt dismissed
Slide – Impact
- Avoid appointments
- Lose trust
- Delay care
Slide – Long-Term Effects
- Worse health
- Emergency treatment
- Increased anxiety
Slide – Key Message
“One bad experience can stop someone returning for years”
Slide – Rebuilding Trust
- Ask about past experiences
- Listen
- Go slowly
- Offer control
4. PRINTABLE POSTER (UPDATED)
BAD EXPERIENCES STAY WITH PEOPLE
✔ People remember poor care
✔ It can stop them coming back
✔ Trust can take years to rebuild
HELP BY:
✔ Listening
✔ Being patient
✔ Giving control
✔ Creating a safe experience
REMEMBER:
Every appointment matters
5. TRAINING CHECKLIST (ADDED SECTION)
Patient History & Trust:
☐ Ask about past experiences
☐ Be aware of possible trauma
☐ Do not rush
During Care:
☐ Build trust
☐ Offer reassurance
☐ Respect concerns
After:
☐ Encourage return visits
☐ End on a positive experience
6. ROLE-PLAY ADDITION
Scenario:
Patient has not attended appointments for several years.
Background:
Previous bad experience in healthcare.
Poor Practice:
- “You should have come sooner”
- Dismisses fear
- Rushes treatment
Good Practice:
- Acknowledges fear
- Asks about past experiences
- Moves at patient’s pace
- Focuses on rebuilding trust
Reflection Questions:
- How does past experience affect behaviour?
- What could rebuild trust?
- What should be avoided?
7. STRONG TRAINING STATEMENTS (ADDED)
“People don’t avoid care for no reason—there is usually a story behind it.”
“Avoidance is often a response to past harm, not lack of responsibility.”
“Trust takes time to build, but can be broken in one appointment.”
“Every professional has the power to rebuild—or damage—trust.”
T
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