Behavioural Issues

Just as children with Down syndrome are more prone to certain medical and or health issues, so that are the more susceptible to having certain behaviour characteristics.

Causes of behaviour

Medical
Inappropriate tasks
Reinforcing inappropriate behaviour
Failure to acknowledge positive behaviour frequently
Language too complex
Environmental factors
Siblings

All behaviour has a purpose

To initiate social contact
To escape or avoid
To obtain objects or events
To express emotion or to reduce stress
For sensory stimulation

Teaching New Skills

Task Analysis - breaking things down into little steps e.g. putting on a smock.
Backward chaining is used to give the child success e.g. jigsaws, socks on.
Modelling - showing what it looks like or how it works e.g. top, push toy, drawing.
Co-active movement - it feels like this e.g. painting, jumping, drawing.

Hand over hand

Teach appropriate behaviour even if the child does not like it. Do what the brain needs not what the child wants.

Communication

Fluctuating hearing loss
Reduced memory digit span
Auditory processing
Delayed speech - signing
Articulation

Frustration in any of the above may be interpreted as inappropriate behaviour. Using signing to support communication and signs should always be accompanied with speech.