Specific behaviours

Please read the general resources on behaviour issues as well as the references for a particular behaviour. Most difficult behaviours can be tackled using the principles of positive behaviour support, which are dealt with extensively in the general behaviour matters references.

*Publications marked with this symbol are available for DSV members to borrow from the DSV Resource Library.

Wandering

Down Syndrome Association of Queensland (2007) Strategies for children with Down syndrome who wander
Excellent article with lots of sound strategies to do away with absconding behaviour.

Medlen, Joan Guthrie (2000) Disability Solutions Vol 4 issue 3
This entire issue of Disability Solutions is dedicated to wandering in children with Down syndrome. It includes the following articles:
Bockwoldt, Denise (2000) Which way did she go? Wandering in children with Down syndrome pp1-4
Bohon Casten, Cindy (2000) Strategies for coping with wandering pp 4-5
Medlen, Joan Guthrie (2000) If you can’t stop them, you can try to slow them down pp 6-9

Self talk

*McGuire, Dennis and Brian Chicoine (2006) Self-talk, imaginary friends and fantasy life in Mental wellness in adults with Down syndrome ch8 pp137-146

McGuire, Dennis et al (1997) Self-talk in adults with Down syndrome Disability Solutions Vol 2 issue 2 pp 1-5

Patti, Paul et al  (2009)Parent/carer ratings of self-talk behaviour in children and adults with Down syndrome in Canada and the United Kingdom Down Syndrome Research and Practice Vol 12 issue 3 pp 221-227

Grooves and rituals 

*McGuire, Dennis and Brian Chicoine (2006) The groove and flexibility in Mental wellness in adults with Down syndrome ch 9 pp 147-167
This should be read by everyone who is close to a young person or adult with Down syndrome. It does a thorough job of explaining some quirky – or in some cases irritating or frustrating – behaviours that you may have observed and distinguishes the quirky from the problematic. Includes lots of sound advice and recommendations for achieving a balance between respecting individual characteristics and encouraging flexibility in routines.

A much abridged version of this chapter is available online at the Adult Down Syndrome Center, Illinois at http://www.advocatehealth.com/dl/luth/services/other/adsc/groove.pdf

Self injury

Murphy, Glynis (2003) Self injurious behaviour Challenging Behaviour Foundation 

*McGuire, Dennis and Brian Chicoine (2006) Self injurious behaviour in Mental wellness in adults with Down syndrome ch 20 pp 349-356