What is Challenging Behavior?

Challenging behavior is often more connected to mental health than to a learning disability itself.

It can happen alongside conditions like ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, or Anger, because these affect how people think, feel, and behave.

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Key Points:

There is no excuse for harmful behavior, but sometimes the difficulties a person faces make it harder to behave differently.

For example, a person with Autism might become upset or anxious if something unexpected happens or if they struggle with a task.

This can lead to behaviors like:

Hitting

Shouting

Throwing things

Getting angry at themselves or others

Such behavior can be dangerous to themselves or others.

Challenging behavior may make it harder for a person to make friends or get along with others.

Autism, in particular, can cause anxiety and make relationships difficult, though not all difficult behavior is caused by the disability.

People can have both positive and negative behaviors, and challenging behavior can make them feel guilty or upset, which doesn’t help them feel better.

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What Can You Do?

If someone you know has challenging behavior:

Encourage them or their caregivers to talk to a doctor or health professional.

The doctor can help find the right support, which might include mental health care or behavioral support.

Understanding and support are important to help the person manage their feelings and behavior.

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For More Information:

Challenging Behavior Foundation

 Title Slide:

🧠 Understanding Challenging Behavior – Quiz

Easy Read Version

 

Slide 1:

❓ What is Challenging behavior?

A. Always aggressive

B. Puts people at risk ✅

C. Annoys staff

D. Difficult to understand

 

Slide 2:

❓ What is an example of challenging behavior?

A. Asking for help

B. Refusing to eat ✅

C. Smiling at others

D. Following instructions

 

Slide 3:

❓ Why might someone show challenging behavior?

A. To make trouble

B. To communicate ✅

C. To be rude

D. For fun

 

Slide 4:

❓ What causes challenging behavior?

A. Pain

B. Trouble talking

C. Change in routine

D. All of these ✅

 

Slide 5:

❓ What should you do first?

A. Punish them

B. Walk away

C. Understand the cause ✅

D. Shout

 

Slide 6:

❓ Which condition may include challenging behavior?

A. Autism ✅

B. Flu

C. Broken leg

D. None

 

Slide 7:

❓ What is Positive Behavior Support (PBS)?

A. A punishment

B. A way to stop talking

C. A way to help and understand ✅

D. A list of rules