Liam is an energetic and affectionate boy who loves building complex Lego structures and playing with his dog. He lives with his parents and younger sister. Liam has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Presenting Issues:
- Aggressive Outbursts: When faced with a change in routine or a difficult task, Liam would often react with physical aggression, including hitting, kicking, and throwing objects.
- Task Refusal: Liam frequently refused to complete schoolwork or participate in household chores, often shutting down or running away when demands were placed on him.
- High Anxiety: Liam exhibited signs of high anxiety, particularly in noisy or unpredictable environments, which often triggered his challenging behaviours.
The Challenge
For Liam’s parents, daily life felt like walking on eggshells. They were constantly on high alert, trying to predict and prevent the next meltdown.
Impact at Home & School:
- At School: Liam’s aggressive outbursts were disrupting the classroom and putting other students at risk. He was frequently sent to the principal's office or suspended, leading to significant gaps in his learning. Teachers reported that he was often disengaged and struggled to follow instructions.
- At Home: The constant conflict was taking a toll on the entire family. Liam’s younger sister was becoming afraid of him, and his parents felt exhausted and helpless. Simple outings, like going to the grocery store, were avoided due to the fear of a public meltdown.
- Emotional Impact: Liam himself was unhappy and frustrated. He often expressed remorse after an outburst but didn't know how to control his reactions. His self-esteem was plummeting as he began to see himself as a "bad kid."
We used to feel like we were constantly fighting fires. daar helped us understand that Liam wasn't giving us a hard time; he was having a hard time. The shift to positive support has changed our entire family dynamic.
daar Therapy Approach
Liam’s family partnered with daar to implement a comprehensive Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan. We moved away from reactive punishments and focused on understanding the "why" behind Liam's behaviour to teach him new skills.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA): We conducted a thorough assessment to identify the triggers and functions of Liam's behaviour. We discovered that his aggression was often a way to escape difficult tasks or express sensory overwhelm.
- Visual Schedules & Predictability: To reduce anxiety, we implemented visual schedules at home and school. Knowing exactly what was coming next gave Liam a sense of control and security.
- Replacement Behaviours: We taught Liam functional communication skills to replace the aggression. Instead of hitting, he learned to use a "Break Card" to ask for a break when he felt overwhelmed.
- Sensory Regulation Strategies: We introduced a "calm-down corner" with sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones and weighted lap pads. Liam was encouraged to use this space proactively before his frustration escalated.
- Positive Reinforcement: We set up a token economy system where Liam earned points for safe and respectful behaviour. These points could be exchanged for preferred activities, like extra Lego time, reinforcing positive choices.
Results and Progress
The shift to a proactive, supportive approach yielded remarkable results. As Liam learned to manage his emotions and communicate his needs, the aggressive outbursts faded away.
Measurable Improvements:
- Reduction in Aggression: Physical aggression incidents decreased by 90% within the first 3 months of implementing the PBS plan.
- Increased Engagement: Liam now completes 80% of his assigned schoolwork with minimal prompting, a huge leap from near-total refusal.
- Improved Self-Regulation: Liam independently uses his "Break Card" or calm-down strategies 4 out of 5 times when he feels frustrated, preventing escalation.
- Family Harmony: The household is calmer and happier. The family can now enjoy outings together, and Liam’s relationship with his sister has significantly improved.
Key Outcomes
Liam’s success story demonstrates the transformative power of Positive Behaviour Support.
- Understanding is Key: Identifying the function of behaviour is the first step to changing it.
- Skills Over Punishment: Teaching replacement skills empowers children to meet their needs in healthy ways.
- Environment Matters: Creating a supportive, predictable environment sets children up for success.
Conclusion
Challenging behaviour is often a cry for help. At daar, we believe in empowering change through compassion and evidence-based strategies. Our Positive Behaviour Support plans are designed to help children like Liam thrive, not just survive.
If you are struggling with challenging behaviours at home or school, there is a better way.
Ready to empower positive change?
Contact daar today to learn how our specialized behaviour support services can help your family.