The ABC Approach to Behaviour Support
The ABC model is an effective way to understand challenging behaviour and develop suitable responses within a positive behaviour support plan.
Read morePeople develop behaviour skills over many years as they grow and mature into adulthood. A brain injury can affect parts of the brain involved with emotions, impulse control, self-awareness and ability to monitor and change behaviour. Injury often means a person needs to relearn behaviour skills, which in some cases may be extremely difficult.
Behaviour that is considered acceptable is set by thousands of unwritten rules. Some examples include:
Behaviour that breaks these ‘rules’ can lead to social exclusion, restricted access to community services, family breakdown and even may even have criminal consequences.
There are no easy solutions for challenging behaviours caused by brain injury. They are the result of many complex factors that may not change. However, family members can often influence behaviours by responding consistently and positively.
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A complex behaviour is one where the reasons behind the behaviour are difficult to see. A challenging behaviour is one that people find hard to accept. These behaviours usually break unwritten social rules and are difficult to understand.
Examples of challenging and complex behaviours include:
When people use negative and judgmental words, their actions tend to follow suit. The behaviour of someone with a brain injury will only deteriorate in response. Using terms like ‘challenging behaviour’ makes us more objective in our thoughts and actions.
Case study: Sarah’s behaviour changed dramatically after a brain injury causing her family to see her as temperamental and disruptive. Her family’s negative perceptions will affect their ability to understand the reasons behind Sarah’s behaviour and may disrupt opportunities to encourage more appropriate behaviour.
It is important to develop a good understanding of how brain injury affects behaviour to recognise the ‘message’ behind each behaviour and develop positive responses.
Here are some basic tips that can help to reduce the chances of challenging behaviours, or develop positive responses to them:
People can become critical, argumentative or angry as a result of brain injury. Their behaviour should not be taken personally, although this can be difficult when it is upsetting. Family and carers need to remind themselves that the brain injury has affected the person’s ability to manage their own behaviour. Family members can play a productive role in influencing behaviour by reacting positively and consistently.
The ABC model is an effective way to understand challenging behaviour and develop suitable responses within a positive behaviour support plan.
Read moreClear, direct and immediate feedback is a key part of a positive response to challenging behaviours after a brain injury.
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