Playing Detective in Identifying Underlying Factors Contributing to Challenging Behaviours

As you can see from the flow chart above, figuring out what's really going on when someone's acting up can be tricky, but it's key to getting to the root of the issue. That's where the Positive Systems Approach comes in - it's all about looking at the bigger picture and identifying those underlying factors that might be driving the challenging behaviour.

Instead of just focusing on the behaviour itself, this approach encourages us to dig deeper and understand what might be triggering it. By taking a step back and considering the whole system, we've got a better shot at finding a lasting solution. PSA looks beyond the overt topography of the behaviour, and focuses also upon identifying:

Þ    biological,

Þ    social,

Þ    affective,

Þ    environmental factors

After having considered all the above-mentioned factors that could be driving and maintaining behaviour, the next step in “identification” is to conduct a thorough functional analysis of the behaviour in question.  In our opinion, this is where applied behaviour analysis shines! To learn more about how to do a thorough Functional Analysis of Behaviour see Chapter 5 in our book.

The Positive Systems Approach (PSA) emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of an individual's history, including family dynamics, life experiences, and trauma, in addressing behavioural challenges. Unlike strict behaviourists who focus solely on present behaviours and their immediate triggers and consequences, PSA advocates for a holistic view that includes past experiences to create effective treatment plans. This approach is particularly valuable for individuals in institutional settings, such as foster care, where personal histories are often incomplete.

PSA also considers potential medical issues, viewing behaviors as possible symptoms of underlying mental health disorders or medication side effects. For example, side effects from antidepressants can manifest in various behavioural changes, necessitating careful assessment and tailored interventions.

Terry Kirkpatrick has developed valuable tools for assessing mental health in people with developmental disabilities, available on the website www.drbobcarey.com. These include:

1.     Checklist of Mental Health Disorders: This document, titled "Mental Health and Developmental Disability.pdf", serves as a screening tool to identify mental health disorders that commonly affect individuals with developmental disabilities. It aids clinicians, caregivers, and other professionals in making informed assessments by providing a structured approach to recognizing symptoms and conditions.

2.  Checklist of Brain-Behaviour Symptoms: Available as "Brain-Behaviour Relationships.pdf", this checklist highlights symptoms often observed in individuals with developmental disabilities, focusing on the relationship between brain function and behavior. It helps in identifying specific behavioral patterns linked to neurological conditions, facilitating more accurate diagnoses and targeted interventions.

Ultimately, PSA integrates biological, social, affective, and environmental factors to understand behaviour, combining this with thorough functional analysis to develop appropriate behavioural interventions. This ensures that interventions not only address behaviours but also meet the underlying needs driving those behaviours. These resources collectively support a comprehensive assessment and intervention strategy, integrating mental health, neurological symptoms, and general medical health to promote well-being in individuals with developmental disabilities.

It's not always easy but getting to the bottom of things is worth it. When we can pinpoint those underlying factors, we're in a much better position to address the problem in a meaningful way. So next time you're faced with a tough situation, don't be afraid to put on your detective hat and see what's really going on beneath the surface.  You can learn more about how to do this in our book:  Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach: How to Prevent Challenging Behaviours Before They Occur – available on Amazon.