Understanding behaviour
There are 5 functions of behaviour:
Non-social
- “I do this because it feels good”
- “I do this because it helps with regulation and empties my stress bucket”
- These are behaviours to help with our sensory needs.
- Sensory sensitivities may impact on your child’s ability to process information, particularly if they are overwhelmed. This may increase their anxiety and resistance to being overwhelming environments.
Tangible
- “I do this to get something I need or want”
- We use behaviour to get what we need or want, like a specific item or activity, when we can’t communicate it any other way.
Example: If your child cannot tell you when they are thirsty, they may have learned that hitting you means you will give them a drink.
Attention
- “I do this to get meaningful attention”
- The child desires some social interaction(s). This is not a bad thing – we all want and need attention!
Example: Your child may use a behaviour to get meaningful attention to them. For example, if your child runs away, they know from experience that you will need to chase after them.
Escape/avoid
- “I do this to get away from a situation or task I find difficult”
- Something is (or signals) an undesirable situation and the child wants to get away from it or avoid it.
Example: If your child is experiencing sensory overwhelm, they may attempt to run away or become aggressive if they cannot escape. This could be in a supermarket or hospital.
Pain
- “I do this because I want to tell you I’m in pain.”
- “I do this to help manage my discomfort and pain.”
If your child cannot communicate their pain, they may resort to self-injury or harming others to manage and mask their pain. This is common in young people with learning disabilities, especially those who cannot tell you they are in pain.
How can you know whether your child is in pain?
- When was your child last seen by the GP or a dentist?
- Are there any patterns in their behaviour, for example, time of behaviour occurring?
Pain we can’t see:
- Headache
- Puberty
- Period pain
- Underlying health condition
- Medication side effects
- Toothache
Page last reviewed: 12 July, 2024