Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Reasons for Behavior
Presuming that you know the definition of a behavior and know that behaviors are ways we get our needs met, what are the causes of some behaviors? Consider the following:
Medical conditions - has a good medical check of the client been done recently? Often clients can't tell a doctor what is wrong so they don't always get the best care. If you see a new behavior always suspect a change in medication. Every medication has side effects. If a client suddenly can't stay awake, look at their meds.
Cognitive awareness - do we understand their cognitive level? How do they learn things. Our clients often have difficulties with abstractions. Remember, it has been said that a camel is a horse put together by a committee, each with their own understanding of the creature. Maybe a client can't picture a "stranger".
Psychiatric conditions - the developmentally disabled population has a higher rate of psychiatric problems due in part to society always telling them that their behavior is "wrong", when maybe just the time and location of the behavior is inappropriate. Masturbation is not necessarily a "bad" behavior... but on the public transit bus may be the wrong time and location.
Significant life changes - A person moving from a developmental center to supported community housing is going through a significant life change. How about a death in the family? Losing your mother who has been your total life support caregiver for your whole life is a significant life change.
Life space conditions - How much privacy do you get during the day? How many of you check on a client who has been in the bathroom "too long"?
Cultural differences - is English the client's primary language? Do they have a religious practice that makes it difficult for them to participate in activities such as birthday parties?
Staff training - Are you embarrassed being around people with disabilities because they embarrass you with their public behaviors at times? Are you uncomfortable working around clients with assaultive behaviors? Have you read and understand each client's Individual Service Plan?
And the main cause...
Consequences - it worked before so I think I'll try it again.
All of the above affect client behavior. Before you write off a behavior as just being something bad a client does, please give some thought as to what the actual cause may be. A lot of times a client is just saying, "A little help over here, please."
Medical conditions - has a good medical check of the client been done recently? Often clients can't tell a doctor what is wrong so they don't always get the best care. If you see a new behavior always suspect a change in medication. Every medication has side effects. If a client suddenly can't stay awake, look at their meds.
Cognitive awareness - do we understand their cognitive level? How do they learn things. Our clients often have difficulties with abstractions. Remember, it has been said that a camel is a horse put together by a committee, each with their own understanding of the creature. Maybe a client can't picture a "stranger".
Psychiatric conditions - the developmentally disabled population has a higher rate of psychiatric problems due in part to society always telling them that their behavior is "wrong", when maybe just the time and location of the behavior is inappropriate. Masturbation is not necessarily a "bad" behavior... but on the public transit bus may be the wrong time and location.
Significant life changes - A person moving from a developmental center to supported community housing is going through a significant life change. How about a death in the family? Losing your mother who has been your total life support caregiver for your whole life is a significant life change.
Life space conditions - How much privacy do you get during the day? How many of you check on a client who has been in the bathroom "too long"?
Cultural differences - is English the client's primary language? Do they have a religious practice that makes it difficult for them to participate in activities such as birthday parties?
Staff training - Are you embarrassed being around people with disabilities because they embarrass you with their public behaviors at times? Are you uncomfortable working around clients with assaultive behaviors? Have you read and understand each client's Individual Service Plan?
And the main cause...
Consequences - it worked before so I think I'll try it again.
All of the above affect client behavior. Before you write off a behavior as just being something bad a client does, please give some thought as to what the actual cause may be. A lot of times a client is just saying, "A little help over here, please."
