Behaviours that Challenge

A behaviour support plan is a structured approach to supporting individuals who engage in behaviours that are having a negative impact on the individual’s life. Positive behaviour support plans are commonly used for individuals who have autism, an intellectual disability and mental health difficulties. Some behaviours that may be considered challenging and in need of support include physical aggression towards others, self-injurious behaviours, PICA, smearing and absconsion. These behaviours can limit a person’s life in a number of ways including:

· Being unable to access community activities for safety reasons.

· Forming friendships and connections.

· Causing risk to their own health.

· Causing risk to others safety and health.

· Isolation.

· Limiting their own world dues to health and safety reasons.

To develop a behaviour support plan, the following steps are generally taken. This may vary depending on the individual’s need for support:

1. Functional behaviour Interview (FAI): This is an in-depth consultation with the parent/guardian or carer. This consultation gets a detailed description of what the child/young person is currently finding difficult. It also can help to identify possible functions for the behaviour of concern that is in of need support. This can take place online or in person. Data sheets will be provided to begin collecting data on how the behaviour of concern presents itself over a two-week period. €150 (50-minute session)

2. An observation of the child will then take place. This can look different for everyone. It may be a school observation, a home observation or a session in the clinic. This is to gain insight into their presentation and inform behaviour support to ensure it is tailored to the child’s needs. €200 (50-minute session)

3. Another consultation will then occur to discuss findings in the data, from the observation and the functional assessment interview. A plan will be discussed and agreed upon. This will take place online. €100 (50-minute session)

4. Once a plan is agreed upon, the positive behaviour support plan will be provided which include strategies for the parents/guardian or carer to implement. Strategies will focus on proactive techniques which encourage supporting the individual in a manner that prevents the behaviours of concern from occurring. Reactive strategies will also be provided for parents/guardians or carers to implement when the person is engaging in the behaviour of concern to help them regulate. €300 for positive behaviour support plan & FREE OF CHARGE online consultation

5. Based on the individual and the severity of the behaviour of concern, further sessions or consultations may occur to help support implementing the positive behaviour support plan. These sessions may occur weekly, fortnightly, monthly or irregularly as per required. €120 (50-minute session)

Some families may choose to have just a once off consultation for some advice. This is also an option. €120 (50-minute session)