What is Considered Behaviour of Concern
Behaviours of concern are instinctive emotional reactions and ways of communicating when someone feels overwhelmed, mainly by external stimuli. Often, sounds, lights, or surrounding events can trigger a mix of emotions, expressions, and thoughts that a person will try to communicate in their own way.
Challenging behaviour can affect the quality of life and the mental and physical safety of the people experiencing it, as well as of everyone around them. Although a form of communication, expressing emotions, desires, and unmet needs can still be challenging for some people. Behaviours that challenge can appear in multiple forms and come from various factors such as:
- biological
- physical
- social and environmental
- life experiences
- personal and emotional factors
Understanding challenging behaviour is crucial for everyone. These behaviours can pose difficulties in a person’s social, educational, and personal life and impact everyone. They may also sometimes result in restrictive actions that lead to further exclusion from the community. This is why we need to understand and embrace the different ways people communicate.
Common Examples of Behaviours of Concern
Understanding the common behaviours of concern is essential for effectively addressing the needs of people who exhibit them. These disruptive behaviours can manifest in various forms, often as a response to underlying causes such as communication difficulties, emotional distress, or sensory sensitivities. For instance, young people with learning disabilities may display frustration through aggressive outbursts or withdrawal, highlighting the importance of identifying the function behind these behaviours to provide appropriate support. By recognising and categorising these behaviours, caregivers and professionals can develop tailored strategies that promote positive outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of those affected.
Verbal Aggression
Verbal aggression is one of the most common forms of behaviour of concern, characterised by the use of harmful and offensive language to intimidate or control others. This can manifest in various ways, including shouting, making threats, or using derogatory remarks, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust among people, family members, and loved ones. Unlike physical aggression, verbal aggression can be equally challenging, as it often undermines people’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Recognising and addressing verbal aggression is essential for fostering a supportive environment. Verbal aggression affects not only the person on the receiving end but can also perpetuate a cycle of conflict and distress within relationships. By understanding the roots and impacts of verbal aggression, caregivers and professionals can implement effective strategies to mitigate its occurrence and promote healthier communication patterns.
Physical Aggression
Physical aggression is another example of behaviours of concern, defined as actions that can cause self-injury, bodily harm or injury to another person. It can manifest in various forms, including hitting, kicking, pushing, or any other behaviour intended to inflict pain or discomfort on others.
It is often driven by underlying emotional causes, such as frustration, anger, or a need for control, and can occur in various settings, including schools, homes, and community environments. The impact of physical aggression extends beyond immediate harm; it can lead to long-term psychological effects on everyone involved. Addressing physical aggression is crucial for creating safe and supportive environments, as it not only affects interpersonal relationships but also has broader implications for societal dynamics. Understanding the motivations behind such behaviours is essential for implementing effective interventions that promote healthier ways of expressing emotions and resolving conflicts.
Self-harm
Self-harm is characterised by the intentional infliction of physical injury to oneself. This self-injurious behaviour leads to emotional pain and physical discomfort. It may do so for various reasons, often as a coping mechanism to manage overwhelming emotions such as sadness, anger, or anxiety. For some, self-harm provides a temporary sense of relief, allowing them to express feelings that they may find difficult to articulate verbally.
Self-harm is often linked to deeper psychological causes, such as low self-esteem, trauma, or mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
It can also serve as a way to show control in situations where people feel powerless. Recognising self-harm as a behaviour of concern is essential for caregivers and professionals in teaching coping skills and creating a safe environment, as it highlights the need for compassionate intervention and support. Addressing the underlying causes and providing proactive strategies can significantly improve the well-being of people who self-harm, fostering a path toward healing and recovery.
Property Destruction
Property destruction is defined as the intentional act of damaging or destroying property, whether it belongs to oneself or others. This behaviour can manifest in various ways, such as punching walls, breaking windows, or throwing objects in moments of anger or frustration.
People who engage in property destruction may do so to express unmet needs or to show control over their environment.
Understanding the motivations behind property destruction is crucial for effective intervention focused on managing behaviours. Often, this behaviour is linked to underlying challenges such as anxiety, depression, or conduct disorders, which may require comprehensive support and therapeutic coping strategies. Addressing property destruction involves managing the immediate consequences and exploring the emotional triggers that lead to such actions.
Non Compliance
Non-compliance is the inability to follow rules, regulations, or directives set by authority figures, such as parents, teachers, or employers. This behaviour can manifest in various settings, including homes, schools, and workplaces, and can lead to disruptions that affect the person and people around them. For instance, in children, non-compliance may involve refusing to complete homework or disregarding household rules. In adults, it may present as ignoring workplace policies or failing to follow treatment plans in medical settings, potentially compromising health outcomes.
The underlying causes of non-compliance can be complex, often rooted in a lack of understanding, resistance to authority, or emotional distress. It is essential to recognise that non-compliance is not merely a defiant act; it can indicate deeper challenges that require attention and support. Addressing non-compliance effectively involves understanding the motivations behind the behaviour and implementing strategies that encourage cooperation and compliance, such as clear communication, positive reinforcement, and mutual respect.
Social Isolation and Withdrawal
Social isolation and withdrawal are tendencies to avoid social interactions and to retreat from relationships and activities they once engaged in. This behaviour can manifest in various ways, such as declining invitations, preventing communication with friends and family, or spending excessive time alone. The implications of social isolation are profound, as it can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The reasons behind social withdrawal can vary widely, including social anxiety, fear of judgment, or past traumatic experiences.
Prolonged social isolation can cause other mental health concerns, impair cognitive function, and negatively impact overall well-being in adults. Interventions may include fostering supportive environments, teaching social skills, encouraging gradual re-engagement in social activities, and providing mental health support to address underlying issues.
Food Related Behaviours
Food-related behaviours of concern encompass a range of eating patterns and habits that can pose significant risks to a person’s physical and mental health. One prominent example is binge eating, where people consume large quantities of food quickly. This behaviour can lead to serious health concerns, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Binge eating is often linked to emotional distress, where people use food as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, or depression.
Another concerning behaviour is restrictive eating, which involves avoiding certain foods or food groups, sometimes to the point of malnutrition. Various factors, including body image issues or dietary beliefs, can drive this. In extreme cases, it can lead to disorders such as anorexia nervosa, where individuals may refuse to eat altogether or consume dangerously low amounts of food.
Why Behaviours of Concern Occur?
Behaviours of Concern do not happen without reason. They are meaningful responses to a person’s internal experience and environment, especially for autistic people and people with a learning disability. Understanding the why is essential to providing ethical, practical, and compassionate support.
Here are the key reasons behaviours of concern occur:
- Unmet needs related to physical discomfort, sensory sensitivities or overload, emotional needs, autonomy and choice
- Sensory processing differences
- Communication differences
- Trauma and past experiences
- Anxiety and emotional overload
- Lack of predictability or control
- Environmental and systemic factors
- Learned responses
Behaviours of concern are signals, not problems to eliminate. When we understand their function and context, we can:
- Reduce distress
- Build trust
- Support regulation
- Promote dignity, choice, and well-being
What Unmet Needs Can Trigger Behaviours of Concern
Unmet needs can significantly trigger behaviours of concern, as they often underline people’s actions. When basic needs, such as physical, emotional, or social requirements, are not adequately met, individuals may resort to various behaviours to express their distress or frustration. One typical example is when physical needs are unmet. For instance, a young person or a child who is hungry or tired may act out in frustration, displaying behaviours such as tantrums or aggression. Similarly, adults who feel isolated may exhibit challenging behaviours to communicate their discomfort or seek attention.
Emotional needs also play a crucial role. People who lack emotional support or connection may withdraw socially or engage in self-destructive behaviours. In this context, behaviours such as social withdrawal or aggression can be seen as attempts to cope with unmet emotional needs. Moreover, environmental factors can contribute to unmet needs.
Pain and Physical Discomfort
Pain and physical discomfort can significantly influence behaviours that concern caregivers and others. These behaviours often manifest in ways that reflect a person’s way of coping with their sensations. When people experience pain with such intensity, whether acute or chronic, they may display a range of behaviours that can be concerning.
One common response to pain is irritability or aggression. For instance, a person in physical discomfort may become easily frustrated or hostile, reacting negatively to others even when they are not the source of their pain. This behaviour can be particularly pronounced in children, who may not have the verbal skills to express their discomfort adequately, leading to outbursts or aggressive actions as a means of communication.
Trusting Relationships
The need for social contact is a fundamental aspect of human existence, deeply rooted in our biology and psychology. Social connections play a crucial role in our overall well-being, influencing both mental and physical health. Social relationships are essential for emotional support and stability. They provide people with a sense of belonging and identity, which is particularly important during formative years.
Moreover, the quality and quantity of social relationships significantly impact health outcomes. Research indicates that strong social ties can lead to better mental health, improved health behaviours, and even lower safety risks. This intrinsic need for connection drives individuals to form relationships, participate in community activities, and engage in social networks.
Uncomfortable Environmental Conditions
Uncomfortable environmental conditions are physical settings that negatively affect a person’s emotional and physical well-being. These conditions can arise from factors such as poor air quality, inadequate lighting, extreme temperatures, and noise pollution. One significant aspect of uncomfortable environments is their impact on emotional experience. Research indicates that unfavourable conditions, such as uncomfortable lighting or poor air quality, can lead to heightened feelings of stress and anxiety.
Sensory Needs
Sensory needs refer to people’s requirements for sensory input, which can vary widely from person to person. These needs can significantly influence concerning behaviours, particularly in children and people with sensory overload.
Sensory seekers actively seek sensory input, such as engaging in activities that provide intense tactile, auditory, or visual experiences. For example, a child might seek out rough textures or loud noises, which can sometimes lead to behaviours perceived as disruptive or inappropriate in specific settings. On the other hand, sensory avoiders may react negatively to sensory stimuli, becoming overwhelmed by loud sounds, bright lights, or uncomfortable clothing.
Communication Difficulties
Communication difficulties can significantly contribute to behaviours of concern, particularly for people who find it difficult to express their needs, feelings, or thoughts. When people cannot communicate their desires or discomforts, they may resort to challenging behaviours to express their frustration or seek attention.
One of the primary challenges is the inability to articulate needs that can lead to misunderstandings. Some people with communication difficulties may rely on behavioural cues to express themselves. However, these cues can often be misinterpreted by others, leading to further frustration and potentially escalating behaviours of concern.
Behaviour Support Plan
A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is a strategic framework to help caregivers better manage challenging behaviours. It is a comprehensive guide that outlines tailored strategies based on thorough assessments of the person’s needs and circumstances. The primary focus of a BSP is to identify the underlying causes of problematic behaviours, allowing for targeted interventions that promote positive outcomes.
The development of a BSP typically involves a collaborative approach that engages various stakeholders, including family members, educators, and therapists. This teamwork ensures that the plan is well-rounded and considers multiple perspectives, which is crucial for its success. The BSP addresses behaviours of concern and emphasises the importance of teaching new skills and reinforcing positive behaviours.
Doing so encourages people to become actively part of meaningful activities and experiences that are important to them. In addition to outlining specific and developing effective strategies for behaviour management, a BSP also includes ongoing evaluation and adjustment processes. By focusing on proactive and person-centred approaches, a Behaviour Support Plan aims to create a supportive environment where people can thrive and develop their potential.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) helps people with behaviours of concern by understanding why those behaviours happen and then putting compassionate, practical supports in place to reduce distress and improve quality of life. Rather than trying to “stop” behaviour, positive behaviour support focuses on supporting the person. Grounded in a human rights framework, PBS emphasises proactive, individualised strategies to identify the purpose of the challenging behaviour.
PBS starts with understanding the behaviour:
- What is the person trying to communicate?
- What need is being met or avoided?
- What happens before and after the behaviour?
The primary aim of the PBS approach is to foster independence and self-awareness by establishing a supportive and secure environment in which individuals can flourish and realise their full capabilities. At Unique Community Services, we are committed to developing a comprehensive and personalised PBS plan, leveraging the expertise of our in-house therapeutic team. Our dedicated team excels at creating positive, adaptive care strategies that encourage people to learn new skills, understand their communication style, and manage their challenging behaviours better.
Tailored Personal Care and Support with Unique Community Services
Families choose our rapid response times, exceptional quality of care, and dedicated care teams that contribute to successful outcomes for those we support. Our skilled clinicians hold a profound understanding of challenging behaviours and are equipped to handle every situation with great compassion, empathy, and a focus on achieving results.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing challenges with behaviour that impacts their quality of life, our team is here to foster an environment that helps uncover the unmet needs driving these behaviours. We provide CQC-regulated services throughout the UK, with offices in Manchester and Leeds.
Meet William.
Reach out to us today for a tailored, outcome-focused approach that prioritises your loved one’s well-being.
