Special Needs & Managing

Behaviour
Claudia Tomlinson & Shanda Persaud
 Agenda
Brief description of Special Needs
Common Special Needs within our field
Signs & Symptoms of Special Needs
Discussion:
Concerning Behaviours
Challenges we face
Importance of Behaviours
4 Functions of Behaviour
A.B.C Assessment Tool
Ways to Support in the Home
Community Resources
What is special needs?

Children suffering from any of a wide range of

physical disabilities, medical conditions, intellectual
difficulties, or emotional problems, including
hearing & visually impaired, dyslexia, learning
difficulties and behavioural issues (Special needs,
n.d).
Common Special Needs
Autism
Speech & Language
Emotional/
Behavioural
Cerebral Palsy
ADD/ ADHD
Down Syndrome
Signs & Symptoms
Developmental delays of milestones (talking, walking)
Hyperactivity (fidgets, always on the go)
Impulsivity (difficulties with turn taking,
Inattention (difficulties concentrating, staying focused)
Difficulties expressing themselves (verbally, nonverbally)
Delays academically
Limited social interactions (making friends)
Sensory/ physical needs
What are the challenges for you as staff?
What are some concerning behaviours you see?
Understanding Behaviour
Young children communicate mostly through their
behaviour.
Childrens language skills are still developing at this time.
Behaviours serves a purpose and a need.
Difficult behaviours can:
a) Interfere with learning
b) Be dangerous to self and others
c) Impact social relationships
What is the ABC Method?

A -Antecedent: What happened before the behaviour?

B -Behaviour: What did you hear or see from the child?
C -Consequence: What followed? What changed?

ABC allows us to consider:

What is going on for the Child: mind (cognitive) and body
(physically)
The environment/setting
Our caregiving responses
 4 Functions of Behaviours

Escape/Avoid
Attention
Tangible
Sensory
 1) Escape/Avoid Function

Children may avoid/escape the following:

Person
Activity
Place
Item
Escape/ Avoid Example 2
2) Attention Function

Children seek immediate attention from

others through:
Reprimands
Soothing
Facial expressions
3) Tangible Function

Child demonstrates
behaviour to obtain a desired
item (example: toy,
computer, Ipad)
Tangible Example 2
4) Sensory Function
(If it) sounds good, looks good, tastes good, smells good, feels
good to touch or the movement itself is good (Rincover, 1978).

Behaviour doesnt depend on the actions of others

Behaviour can occur when individual is alone
Behaviour directly produces own reinforcement
(Example: Self-soothing: thumb sucking,
hand flapping)

When a behaviour continues to occur when a child is alone & it

happens in many different settings, it likely serves a sensory
function.
A.B.C Assessment Chart
Benefits A.B.C Assessment Tool

Helps to see a pattern of behaviour overtime

Identify the triggers of the behaviours
Determines if the intervention (consequence) is appropriate
Provides useful information to share with other professionals
Example of a Behaviour
 Give it a try!

Break into 3-4 groups

Recall a scenario you have experienced that the A.B.C tool
could be used for
As a group, identify the A.B.C of the scenario
Discuss as a larger group
 Ways to Support in the Home

PECS visuals/ Routine Boards

Social stories
Puppetry
Role Playing
Interactive games (matching, turn-taking)
Sensory bins
Resources
Early Abilities(Speech & Language, Vision, Hearing) Contact:(416) 338-8255
Services children whose speech & language, vision and/or hearing are impaired or
delayed
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=2b62b2f59527a410VgnVC
M10000071d60f89RCRD
City Kids Service Navigators Contact: (416) 920- 6543
network of agencies working together to provide single point access, coordinated
intake and service delivery to children with special needs and their families.
http://www.mothercraft.ca/index.php?q=ei-citykids
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Contact:(416) 425-6220
Services children with a delay and/or risk in a minimum of one developmental area
Conduct child development assessments and require a doctor referral
https://www.hollandbloorview.ca/
Community Living Toronto (416) 225-7166
Offers a wide range of support for children with an intellectual disability and their
families.
Resources continued..
Centennial Infant and Child Centre Contact: (416) 935-0200
Services children with suspected or diagnosed developmental delay in two or
more areas or at risk delays due to factors such as prematurity
http://www.cicc.ca/
Surrey Place Centre Contact: (416) 925-5141
Services suspected or diagnosed developmental disability including Visual
impairment (Blind Low Vision)
http://www.surreyplace.on.ca/
Geneva Centre Contact:(416) 322-7877
Services children on the Autism spectrum through a wide range of services
https://www.autism.net/
Community Care Access Centre (416) 222-2241
Child & Family Services within the home or school setting to support the childs
physical needs (Occupational, physical therapy0
http://healthcareathome.ca/northwest/en
References

Special needs. (n.d.).Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged

10th Edition. Retrieved from Dictionary.com website
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/special-needs
Course: Functions of behaviour. (2017). Geneva centre for Autism. http
://elearning.autism.net/course/view.php?id=169