What Is Challenging Behavior?
This part of the module is about Challenging behavior, which can be a
risk to the person AND OTHERS AROUND THEM. it CAN BE TRICKLY BECAUSE SOME
BEHAVIORS CAN BE WORSE THAN OTHERS BUT EVERYONES’ SAFETY MATTERS.
Challenging behavior refers to any behavior that makes it
difficult for an individual to function or that negatively impacts others.
These behaviors may interfere with learning, social interaction, or safety.
They can range from noncompliance and aggression to self-injury, withdrawal,
or property destruction. In many cases, these behaviors reflect
an unmet need or difficulty with communication.
Key Characteristics of Challenging Behavior
- Interferes with Learning
Disrupts the person’s ability to participate in education or acquire new skills. - Disrupts Social Interactions
Makes it difficult to build or maintain friendships and relationships. - Causes Distress
Leads to emotional or physical stress for the person and those around them. - May Be Harmful
Some behaviors pose risks to the individual or others, physically or emotionally. - Limits Opportunities
Can reduce access to education, community settings, or leisure activities. - Can Be a Form of Communication
Often used by individuals who struggle to express needs, emotions, or frustrations verbally.
Examples of Challenging Behaviors
- Aggression:
Hitting, biting, kicking, spitting, shouting, or threatening language
- Noncompliance:
Refusing to follow rules or instructions
- Self-Injury:
Head-banging, scratching, or other forms of self-harm
- Property Destruction:
Breaking objects, throwing items, damaging environments
- Withdrawal:
Avoiding interaction, becoming unresponsive, isolating oneself
- Tantrums:
Intense outbursts of anger, crying, or screaming
- Elopement:
Running away or leaving a safe or supervised space without permission
Why Does Challenging Behavior Happen?
Challenging behavior
rarely happens without reason. It is often a response to internal or external
factors, including:
- Developmental Delays or Disabilities
Individuals with Autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities may struggle with emotional regulation or communication. - Environmental Triggers
Loud noise, crowded places, changes in routine, or unclear expectations can provoke distress. - Unmet Needs
The behavior may be a way to seek attention, avoid tasks, express pain, or gain access to something desired.
Supporting and Managing Challenging Behavior
Managing these behaviors
starts with understanding why they occur and responding in a
respectful, supportive way. Effective approaches include:
- Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
A proactive strategy that focuses on teaching new skills, reinforcing positive actions, and preventing triggers. According to Scope Australia, PBS is about promoting quality of life alongside behavior change. - Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
An assessment process used to identify the purpose behind a behavior by examining what happens before, during, and after it. Autism Learning Partners emphasizes FBA as key to developing meaningful interventions. - Individualized Interventions
Tailored strategies that match the unique needs, preferences, and environments of each person. - Team Collaboration
Successful support often involves communication and cooperation between families, educators, therapists, and support staff.
Final Thoughts
Understanding
challenging behavior is about seeing beyond the actions to the person and
their experience. With the right support, empathy, and strategies, we can
reduce these behaviors and improve well-being and inclusion for
all.
(Each bullet point = a slide suggestion, written in Easy Read style with space for pictures/symbols.)
Title Slide
Understanding Mental Illness, Violence, and Challenging Behavior
(Add symbol of a brain + two people talking)
Slide 1 – Mental Health and Illness
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Everyone has mental health.
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Sometimes, people develop a mental illness.
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Having a mental illness does not mean someone will be violent.
(Picture: happy/sad faces side by side)
Slide 2 – Mental Illness and Violence
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Most people with mental illness are not violent.
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They are more likely to be victims of harm.
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Sometimes, certain illnesses are linked with higher risk.
(Picture: shield icon = protection)
Slide 3 – Illnesses Sometimes Linked to Trouble
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Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Major Depression → may increase risk if untreated or mixed with alcohol/drugs.
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Personality disorders → can make relationships difficult.
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Substance use (alcohol/drugs) → biggest risk factor.
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Conduct disorder (children/teens) → can lead to problems later in life.
(Picture: traffic light with red = warning, green = safe)
Slide 4 – Awareness of Actions
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Some people lose touch with reality (hallucinations, delusions).
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Some may not understand their actions (low mental capacity).
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Many are still fully aware of what they are doing.
(Picture: thought bubble with “?” vs lightbulb “I know”)
Slide 5 – Why Some Victims Cause Harm
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Some people who were hurt or abused may later hurt others.
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Others who had the same experience may never harm anyone.
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Reasons are complex:
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Trauma and stress
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Personality differences
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Cycles of violence
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Substance use
(Picture: broken heart and healing heart side by side)
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Slide 6 – What is Challenging Behavior?
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Behavior that makes life hard for the person or others.
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Can stop learning, friendships, or safety.
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Is often a way to communicate needs.
(Picture: person shouting vs person holding hands with another)
Slide 7 – Examples of Challenging Behavior
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Aggression: hitting, shouting
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Noncompliance: refusing rules
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Self-injury: harming self
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Property destruction: breaking things
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Withdrawal: shutting down or avoiding
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Tantrums: loud crying or anger
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Elopement: running away
(Picture: multiple icons showing behaviors)
Slide 8 – Why Challenging Behavior Happens
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Developmental needs (Autism, ADHD, learning disability).
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Environment (loud, busy, sudden changes).
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Unmet needs (pain, frustration, need for attention).
(Picture: puzzle pieces showing triggers)
Slide 9 – Supporting People with Challenging Behavior
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Use Positive Behavior Support → teach new skills, reward positive choices.
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Use Functional Behavior Assessment → find out why behavior happens.
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Individual support → match person’s needs.
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Work as a team → families, teachers, therapists together.
(Picture: team of people holding puzzle pieces together)
Slide 10 – Final Thoughts
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Behavior always has a reason.
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Some people hurt others, but many do not.
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With empathy, support, and understanding, we can help reduce harm.
(Picture: group of people holding hands around a heart)
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