Positive Behaviour Support - Department of Human Services - Vic ...

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Positive behaviour support: Getting it right from the start - Facilitators reference manual 57
Mistaken and alternative interpretations of behaviour 18
Common misinterpretations Examples of Alternative interpretation
Attention seeking
For example: people follow staff or
family members around the house,
touch others inappropriately, attempt to
pass objects at seemingly inappropriate
times; tease others; interrupt others
or act in a way that is found to be
‘annoying’.
Self-stimulating
For example: people rock, twist or play
with their fingers and toes; slap their
face or their legs persistently; twirl
around; poke at their eyes; hum or sing
inappropriately.
Self-injuring
People pick at their skin, cut themselves
with sharp objects, place objects in
their body cavities, pull their hair out, eat
or drink to excess.
Non-compliant
People do not do things as they are
asked to do them, when they are asked,
or do not finish things they start.
Disruptive
People talk or make noises at
inappropriate times, yell, interfere with
the work or activities of others or break
things.
Aggressive
People throw objects or hit out at
others.
Initiating relationships –they want friends
Seeking company –they are lonely
Seeking reassurance – they are scared
Seeking help or support –they lack skills or confidence
Personality issues
Bored, overwhelmed or over stimulated and may need to calm
Unable to identify or initiate an alternate activity
Syndrome specific behaviours, possibly related to neurological
problems
Health and medical needs
Nervous
Anxious
Depressed
Psychiatric issues
Bored/Boredom
Not interested
Not understanding
Not being asked the right way
Not having sufficient skills
Not having sufficient stamina (tired)
Recalling bad memories of a past experience
Frightened
Scared
Stressed
Lacking understanding of the situation
Not knowing what is expected of them
Frustrated or even threatened
The requirements of the current situation exceed their skill or
level of tolerance
Other attempts to communicate are not responded to
18. Taken directly from, Keith R. Mc Villy, Positive Behaviour Support for people with an intellectual disability:
Evidence-based practice, promoting quality of life (2002) pp 56-57 published and distributed by The
Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability Inc, Victoria, Australia.