Special Education student with horrible behaviors that suddenly started...what do I do?

Question

This student has only been in my classroom for about 6 months and has only been acting out for the last two months or so. He has minimal expressive and receptive language skills so it's tough to get through to him sometimes. His behaviors range from just throwing himself on the floor to throwing things at others, trying to destroy school property, trying to injure others, running out of the room, etc... I'm running out of ideas to curb his behavior...we've taken things away, we've tried sitting him out, sending him to the office doesn't do anything. the campus police doesn't do anything, restraining him isn't even an option because he likes to be held. We're in the process of setting up a BIP/BSP, but I don't know know what else to try until then...please help, any ideas would be appreciated.

Keep in mind that this is a typical special ed classroom with picture communication (rules, consequences, etc...) already established.

Answer 1

Have a look at what is happening around him. Both around the incident and also what is happening in his environment outside of the school.

He could be having problems at home.

Also you said that there's picture communication etc already established but that he has minimal expressive/receptive language skills.

What type of communication does he use. He may not be able to understand the pictures you have in the classroom and therefore not understand the rules of the classroom.

Is it possible to get him assessed by a speech patholigist/therapist to find out what his best method of communication is. He could just be acting out because this is the only way he can communicate with others. If this is the case then give him an easier way to communicate.

Answer 2

if teh BIP a positive support paln-rewarding for good behaviors/not punishing-

with autism and other some ogther disabilities this is a preferred method-

really look into the ABCs

Antecedent-what happened to insitigbate the behavior

Behavior-what actually happened

Consequence-did your action inadvergtantly reinforce the behavior by giving him what he wanted (attention, escape,... )

Answer 3

You should try to figure out what's going on. Instead of just taking things away, and seeing this as behaviors, figure it out. Ask the school's OT to observe him during his worst part of the day. It could be all sensory related as the above poster said, and an OT is really good at looking for a sensory cause.

Does he have a one-on-one? If not, request it. If he does, that person needs a little more training. You saaid restraining doesn't work because he likes to be held, maybe putting him in a pressure vest at the very first sign of trouble. If it works, slowly teach him to ask for the vest, and not act out. When he *needs* to let things out, find a sensory safe room for him to do so.

If his expressive language is limited, don't you think it's hard to get a good picture of his receptive skills?

If ANY of this is sensory related, a behavior plan will only make it worse. Without his diagnosis, it's hard to give you more ideas.

Answer 4

First just because you have established rules, it doesnot mean this student is able to understand or follow the set rules.  Each child should have an IEP and there should be things in place for behavior modification.  Try redirection, try positive reinforcement, try sensory input with this child.  If this just started two months ago YOU need to look at what has happened that is different that can be disturbing this child.  If you, as his special education teacher are unable to handle him or teach him, then YOU need to be  honest with the parents and tell them so they can find appropriate and acceptable education for this child.

Answer 5

You don't say how old the student is but im guessing he is in the proceeds of adolecents.Do you know if there has been any significant changes at home or is there a student in particular that he targets when he hits out.At what time of the day is the behaviour more likely to happen.

Have you tried Brain Gym with him to help curb some of his energy and to help him become more in control.

Does he have any "special interests that you could use as a bargaining tool? You say that he likes to be held so retraint isnt an option but maybe when he becomes anxious you could offer him a weighted blanket or give some deep pressure hugs if this helped him calm or even maybe the option of being wrapped in a duvet if he enjoys the sensation. maybe some sensory time would help with a hand or foot massage when you see him starting to escalate.  By the way i have taught ASD students in England for the last ten years and i have had my fair share of difficult cases but i have found that all of them respond really well to a full on sensory session. So if you school has the facilities use it with him, but let him lead the session so he shows you what he likes then maybe you can adapt it to use in the classroom  for him.For example i had a student that really enjoyed standing outside in the wind which was fine for a bit but he was starting to refuse to enter the class so i got him a small hand held fan which he was allowed to access after he had finished the task asked of him .This not only kept him in the classroom for longer but it also kept him on task as he was keen to complete his work so as to have the fan, Good Luck

Answer 6

He might be autistic. My brother is and he does that a lot. You should recommend telling their parents to go to a person who is like a therapist ( I forgot what it was called)

Answer 7

Is this a special ed class or a regular ed class?  It sounds like he's autistic, though its hard to say based on your short account.  If he is, then he simply needs the appropriate behavioral therapy.  If he's in Special Ed, you should already know his diagnosis--the school needs to find him a specialist to assist you.  Otherwise, you can't do your job.

Answer 8

He should be excluded from class if he is endangering other students, your first responsibility as a teacher is to ensure the safety of your students.