The Function of Dysfunctional Behavior

 

 

Screaming, (excessive) crying, physical or verbal aggression, not following directions, running or climbing inside, interrupting, and yes, inappropriate language and undressing.  Have you thought of someone you know yet?  These behaviors can be disruptive, add tension and 'electricity' to any environment, and frankly, could probably test the patience of a saint.

 

I remember a horrible tantrum I was faced with in my second year of teaching- screaming, crying, kicking, the whole nine yards.  I was getting emotionally charged myself, and extremely frustrated.  Finally, almost in desperation, I asked him "what's going on... is there something you need?" Shuddering breath and tears, then "I'm hungry". After catching my breath, and marveling for a moment at what had just happened, I took him by the hand to help him up, and got him a snack. Afterward, all I could do was remind him to tell me when he was feeling hungry.   

 

I wanted to share a few helpful things I've learned along the way for approaching behaviors like these.  A helpful place to start is to distinguish the type of behavior you are observing: a "behavioral excess" like aggression, screaming or crying, a "behavioral deficit" (lack of skills) like communication, or academics, or directions or "inappropriate impulse control" like running inside, climbing on furniture or interrupting (cf. Stacy Taylor, MA, BCBS).   

 

Behavior has a purpose.  Behavior produces consequences.  There is a reason the person is engaging in the behavior, and they have continued to do it because IT WORKS.  It is communicating something that the person perhaps doesn't have the language or social skills to express appropriately. So the most important question to ask is "why".  Are they seeking attention, avoidance, access to some reinforcer, or to some sensory or physical need? 

 

SO, the first action is to make sure that any physical needs (sleep, food, water, bathroom, temperature), are met.  Also, consider any potential medical issues, like pain, sensory issues (including hearing and vision), stomach issues, or even PMS.

 

 

The consequences of the behavior either reinforce and strengthen it, or will weaken the behavior, so our reactions are very important in reinforcing the behavior we want to see, and building and keeping a good relationship based in trust. 

 

1st: Be specific as to what the behavior expectations are- and model it! 
Some people do need more modeling and help to know and do what is appropriate.
 

2nd: Be consistent.
Calm language and consequences that are consistent with your expectations takes time and practice, but they are crucial for building trust, avoiding power struggles and to de-escalate.
 

3rd: Focus on reinforcing positive behaviors, and positive consequences.    

 

Put Behavior In Context

Particularly if there is a recurring behavior, take a record of four things:

• what the setting was (where, what time of day, who... etc.),
• what occurred immediately before the behavior,
•  an objective description of what the behaviors are, and
• what happened immediately after the behavior

 Knowing the setting and what happened before can help you make changes to prevent behaviors.  An objective description of the behavior helps to target specific behaviors/skills to teach, as well as appropriate behavior to reinforce.  The final step is to develop a plan of consequences for when a problem behavior occurs, and when the desired behavior occurs.  This step can take some trial and error, and input from the person and their parents, or previous teachers/care-takers on strategies and motivators can be invaluable.   


Finally, it is worth taking a few seconds to calm yourself before responding to a problem behavior or conflict.  If you jump into an emotionally charged situation without being calm, most likely what will happen is that "gasoline will be added to a fire" and not only will you not respond the way you want to, but it will escalate the situation.  So, again, it is worth taking a few seconds to breathe deeply (even if it is just as you are walking over to the situation), say a quick prayer- and even self-talk if you need to "I am ok, I am safe, I can do this" but especially breathe.  The moment to calm keeps blood and oxygen to your brain instead of your muscles (for flight or fight), so you can stay in an executive state of mind, and ready to respond and problem solve.  
Hope this helps!