Behaviours that are deemed to be challenging

Support for people with behaviours that are deemed to be challenging

Behaviour is seen as challenging when it causes harm to the individual, those around them or prevents them from:
  • Engaging in the community due to exhibiting aggressive behaviour
  • Living independently, as their challenging behaviour demands 24-hour support

Effectively managing behaviours that are deemed as challenging is a core focus for Rapid Improvement Supported Living. Many of these behaviours indicate that the individual has needs – a sensory aversion, perhaps or a need to get away from noise or physical contact – but is unable to communicate this in a conventional way.

This can manifest in a number of ways, including:

Hurting others

(e.g. hair pulling, hitting, head-butting)

Self-harm

(e.g. head banging, eye-poking, hand biting)

Destructive behaviours

(e.g. throwing things, breaking furniture, tearing things up)

Eating inedible objects

(e.g. cigarette butts, pen lids, bedding)

Other behaviours

(e.g. spitting, smearing, repetitive rocking, stripping off, running away)

We introduce strategies to prevent or reduce such behaviour, which include:

Attempting to gauge if the person is in pain or bored
Employing distraction techniques
Supporting positive behaviour
Brief interventions
Developing communication skills
Offering quiet time or space
Providing meaningful activities of choice
Educating the individual that there are other ways to get what they want
Challenging behaviours can be reduced in intensity and frequency with the right strategies in place.
We believe that through providing the right support and helping individuals to gain confidence and new skills amazing outcomes are possible.

Our Supported Living Pathways

Our services are tailored to an individual’s needs. It’s how we can most effectively encourage and empower individuals while providing all the support they need. Every individuals journey is underpinned by a comprehensive Support and Goal plan that they play an active role in defining.

Information for individuals and families

Our supported living services aim to empower the individual, promoting independence, encouraging social interaction and improving skills. Find out about the support we offer and how we manage the referral and transition process.Read More + »

Information for Professionals

Find out about our support pathways, quality assurance and referral process. We empower the people we support by celebrating achievements and encouraging independence as well as through peer support and employment programmes.Read More + »