{"id":30333,"date":"2023-06-06T13:45:37","date_gmt":"2023-06-06T12:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?page_id=30333"},"modified":"2026-05-15T11:26:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:26:01","slug":"challenging-behaviour","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/challenging-behaviour\/","title":{"rendered":"Challenging behaviour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">If you care for a child or adult who is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/autism\/\">autistic<\/a> or has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/learning-disabilities\/\">learning disabilities<\/a> or other complex needs, you may have heard the phrase \u201cchallenging behaviour\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This phrase describes behaviour that poses a challenge to caregivers. It is not a diagnosis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People may resort to extreme ways of behaving to make themselves heard or understood. At Sense, we believe that all behaviours can be a kind of communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this page, find out more about challenging behaviour and how to manage it in a positive way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#whatis\">What is challenging behaviour?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#examples\">Examples of challenging behaviour<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#understanding\">Understanding challenging behaviour<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#reasons\">Reasons for challenging behaviour<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#pbs\">Positive behaviour support: managing challenging behaviour<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#whatispbs\">What is positive behaviour support?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#pbsexamples\">Positive behaviour support examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#support\">Get support<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatis\"><strong>What is challenging behaviour?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Challenging behaviour is behaviour that can be harmful, risky or creates problems either for the person doing it, or people around them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be thinking that everyone behaves in challenging ways at times. And you\u2019d be right! We all get sad, angry and frustrated, and show that in our behaviour from time to time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children with or without disabilities might show behaviour that challenges, or test boundaries, for many different reasons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But most of us, as we grow up, learn how to act in socially acceptable ways, and can manage our behaviour in public. Some people miss out on this key learning, for a lot of different reasons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we talk about \u201cchallenging behaviour\u201d, we usually mean challenging behaviour that is so frequent, or so aggressive, that it\u2019s having a profound impact on the person and those around them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This could mean it\u2019s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Preventing the person from being able to make friends or communicate with others.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raising concerns about their safety or the safety of others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limiting their opportunities and activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>People with learning disabilities and\/or autism might show signs of challenging behaviour.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"examples\"><strong>Examples of challenging behaviour<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different possible types of challenging behaviour.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Hitting, biting or otherwise hurting others.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self-injury, like hitting themselves or banging their head against a wall.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screaming, shouting or having angry outbursts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Throwing or damaging objects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refusing to move (for example, refusing to get out of a car when you arrive at a destination).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pica (eating things that are not foods).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Adults might also show signs of sexually inappropriate behaviour, because of a lack of understanding of social norms. This could include undressing themselves or masturbating in public.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding\"><strong>Understanding challenging behaviour<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Sense, we believe all behaviour can be seen as communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, people behave in ways that are challenging because they want to tell you something, or as a way of expressing their feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They might need something (like a drink), or want to change their environment or get out of something (like going swimming).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not being able to fully express yourself can be very frustrating. It can lead to behaviours that are challenging or harmful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, challenging behaviour might be down to an underlying health problem. The person might be in pain or discomfort that they can\u2019t express.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key to supporting someone who\u2019s showing challenging behaviour is trying to understand what\u2019s causing them to behave this way. Once we\u2019ve figured out what\u2019s behind it, we can support them to get what they need, and find alternative ways of communicating.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-primary-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reasons\">Reasons for challenging behaviour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no single reason for challenging behaviour. It\u2019s unique to each person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But these are some questions that might help you reflect on what could be triggering the behaviour of the person you\u2019re caring for, and how best to support them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Are they hot, uncomfortable or struggling with sensory overload from loud noise or bright lights?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could they be ill, in pain or feeling discomfort (for example, could they be constipated or bloated)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are they lonely or bored?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has there been change or disruption to their usual routine?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could they be feeling confused or scared because of an unfamiliar person or activity?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is there a certain person or situation that seems to trigger this behaviour?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is there something they really want or need?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pbs\"><strong>Positive behaviour support: managing challenging behaviour<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Supporting someone with challenging behaviour begins with understanding their needs. Think about what they are trying to tell you. Listen, observe and understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding what they\u2019re trying to communicate with their behaviour gives us the ability to make their overall quality of life better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Sense, we do not believe in punishing people for showing challenging behaviour.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, we take the proactive approach of trying to generally improve their life and meet their needs. This is called <strong>positive behaviour support<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatispbs\"><strong>What is positive behaviour support?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a proactive, supportive approach to caring, giving people control and choices over their lives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PBS is all about improving people\u2019s quality of life. To achieve this, we try to understand <strong>why<\/strong> someone might be showing challenging behaviour, and then provide support for the root problem.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main goal of PBS isn\u2019t to change behaviour \u2013 it\u2019s about helping the person you support to be happy, safe and able to express themselves. The goal is for them to live a full, enriching life. As a result, they might show less challenging behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By using a PBS approach, you\u2019ll be supporting the person to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Find safer ways of expressing themselves.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop coping strategies for stress (like deep breathing).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust their routine and environment to avoid common triggers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pbsexamples\"><strong>Positive behaviour support examples<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using PBS to support someone with challenging behaviour can take many different forms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some examples of positive behaviour support include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Giving someone choices of what they want to do, wear or eat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Having a stable and predictable routine.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Giving the person a space they can go to when they don\u2019t want to be around other people.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working out communication methods that are accessible for the person.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">De-escalating challenging behaviour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When someone is in distress and showing challenging behaviour, it&#8217;s important to respond in a supportive way. Do not ignore or punish them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are some things you can do in the moment to try and de-escalate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Stay calm and do not shout.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distract the person with something they enjoy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove anything that might be causing the distress (for example, something that\u2019s making a loud noise).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give the person space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give the person what they need or want.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intervene only if they or another person are at risk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"support\"><strong>Get support<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are struggling with your child\u2019s challenging behaviour, you could speak to your GP, a health visitor (for children under five), or any other healthcare professional your child sees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also find out about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/send-education-special-education-needs-disabilities\/\">support system in England for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND),<\/a> and the different systems in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/send-education-special-education-needs-disabilities\/additional-learning-needs-in-wales\/\">Wales<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/send-education-special-education-needs-disabilities\/send-in-northern-ireland\/\">Northern Ireland<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/send-education-special-education-needs-disabilities\/additional-support-needs-for-learning-in-scotland\/\">Scotland<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To find out about benefits, grants and other financial support you might be entitled to, including help with energy, food, travel and leisure costs, please visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/benefits-and-money\/\">Benefits and money section<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you care for someone with complex needs and would like to discuss how Sense could support you, contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/information-and-advice-service\/\">information and advice service.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof 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