Page 34 - Coping With Students Challenging Behaviour

16. INTERVENTION IN CASE OF SELF-INJURING BEHAVIOUR
Pay attention to self-injuring behaviour (biting, banging the head, picking skin and/or scabs, pulling the hair, etc.) because the safety of the student is paramount. It is also very important to collect data during the intervention and review it to see if an intervention is working. Some important considerations in the development of the intervention plan include:
∗ Rearranging the natural environment by: increasing predictability and routine in the student’s environment; using individualised schedules; reducing the amount of unstructured time in the schedule; reducing the exposure to overstimulation, noisy, or crowded environments; structuring and organising the work areas; providing clearly established rules, boundaries, and expectations and all other recommendations seen above.
∗ Extending the time when self-injurious behaviour does not occur by providing positive support for appropriate behaviours. This can be done by using reinforcing incentives or positive reinforcement strategies for refraining from self- injurious behaviour, and establishing or increasing positive reinforcement for positive behaviours. In order for this strategy to be effective there has to be data collection on strong, individualised reinforcers and identification on what effectively reinforces positive behaviour.
∗ Providing appropriate ways to help individuals meet their needs by recognizing and supporting their specific individual needs. Focus should be on teaching communication, meeting sensory needs, and teaching skills that promote
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