How to deal with challenging behaviour in children

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A person’s behaviour can be defined as “challenging” if it puts them or those around them (such as their carer) at risk, or leads to a poorer quality of life.

It can also impact their ability to join in everyday activities.

Challenging behaviour can include:

• aggression
• self-harm
• destructiveness
• disruptiveness

Challenging behaviour is often seen in people with health problems that affect communication and the brain, such as learning disabilities.

What can you do to help?

As a carer, try to understand why the person you look after is behaving in this way. For example, they might feel anxious or bored, or be in pain.

If you can recognise the early warning signs, you may be able to prevent behavioural outbursts.

For example, if being in a large group of people makes your child feel anxious and they become agitated, you could arrange for them to be in a smaller group or have one-to-one support.

Some people find a distraction can focus a person’s energies elsewhere and prevent them displaying challenging behaviour.

Your child might behave in a challenging way to get your attention.

If this is the case, consider not responding directly to their behaviour – although you shouldn’t ignore them completely.

But if their behaviour puts them or someone else at risk, you’ll need to intervene as calmly as possible.

Professional help

If you’re finding it hard to cope with the behaviour of your child, ask your GP to refer you to a specialist.

The specialist will want to know what situations or people trigger the behaviour, what the early warning signs are, and what happens afterwards.

In extreme circumstances – for example, if your ‘s behaviour is harmful to themselves or others and all methods of calming them have been tried – a doctor may prescribe medication.

If you’re concerned about the side effects of medication, speak to your child’s GP.

Tips for carers

• seek support – many organisations for children with learning disabilities have schemes to connect carers with others in a similar situation. 
• share your experiences – contact your local carers support group or call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053
• get respite care for your child so you can take a break. Your local authority can provide respite care after a care needs assessment, or a carer’s assessment for you. Find local authority care needs assessment services
• keep in touch with friends and family members – they can be an important source of practical and emotional support
• don’t be tempted to restrain the person you look after unless you believe their behaviour is putting them at risk and they don’t have the mental ability or capacity to make a decision. Find out about Lasting Power of Attorney and restraint

Sexual behaviour in children

Sexual exploration and play is a natural part of childhood sexual development, and helps children develop physically and emotionally.

The NSPCC describes the normal behaviours typical of each developmental stage.

Sometimes children show sexual behaviour that’s inappropriate or unexpected for their age. This can be because of:

• curiosity
• anxiety
• a traumatic experience
• a learning disability
• a mental health problem

If a child acts inappropriately in public, try to distract them with another activity. This can be a useful way to defuse the situation.

If you think a child’s behaviour is related to an illness, speak to the healthcare professionals involved in their care and ask for advice on how to manage their behaviour.

They can tell you about local or national organisations that could help.

nhs.uk