When supporting people with disability, it’s crucial to recognise that behaviours of concern happen for specific reasons unique to each individual. These behaviours are not because someone is “bad” or “naughty”, they’re responses to particular triggers in the environment or situation. By identifying and understanding these triggers, support workers can develop more effective support strategies and create environments that better meet individuals’ needs.
Types of Triggers
Triggers can be categorised into two main types:
Fast Triggers: These are immediate events that directly precede a behaviour. They typically occur just before the behaviour manifests and have a direct causal relationship.
Slow Triggers (Setting Events): These are background conditions that make behaviours more likely to occur. They might happen hours before and create a state where fast triggers have a stronger impact. Examples include hunger, fatigue, illness, or changes in routine.
Common Fast Triggers
Many fast triggers relate to sensory difficulties, unmet needs, anxiety, social engagement attempts, or desire to avoid certain situations. Some specific examples include:
- Loud noises overwhelming the individual
- Environments with excessive brightness
- Crowded spaces causing discomfort
- Boredom from lack of engagement
- Disappointment when expectations aren’t met
- Embarrassment from toileting accidents
- Requests to perform non-preferred tasks
- Inability to access preferred activities
- Unclear expectations (such as saying “later” without specifying when)
Understanding the Function of Behaviour
The trigger often provides valuable clues about the function or purpose of the behaviour. Behaviour analysts typically identify four main functions:
- Access to tangibles/activities: Wanting something specific
- Escape/avoidance: Trying to get away from uncomfortable situations
- Seeking Positive Social Interaction: Seeking engagement with others
- Sensory needs: Meeting internal sensory requirements
For example:
- If someone becomes verbally aggressive when unable to go for a drive, the behaviour likely serves a tangible/activity function, they want access to something specific.
- If there’s no clear trigger but the person isn’t engaged, the behaviour might be seeking positive social interaction or addressing a sensory need.
Making Connections
By examining the relationship between triggers, setting events and consequences, we can develop a clearer picture of why behaviours occur. This understanding is essential for developing effective support strategies tailored to the individual’s needs and communication style.
Remember that behaviour is a form of communication. When traditional communication methods are challenging, behaviours of concern often emerge as alternative ways to express needs, wants, and feelings.
Practical Applications
Support workers can use this knowledge to:
- Modify environments to reduce known triggers
- Teach alternative communication methods
- Develop proactive support strategies
- Create more predictable routines
- Introduce calming techniques before triggers occur
Key Takeaways
- Focus on the behaviour being of concern, not the person
- Behaviours always happen for a reason
- Identifying triggers helps understand the function of behaviour
- This understanding allows for development of appropriate support strategies
- Building connections between triggers, behaviours and consequences creates a complete picture
By recognising and addressing triggers thoughtfully, support workers can help create environments that reduce behaviours of concern while meeting the genuine needs of the people they support.
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