Behaviour matters

This area includes general information relating to behaviour management and difficult behaviour (see below) and further information about some specific behaviours and behaviour issues common in younger children.

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

Dealing with challenging behaviour using positive behaviour support
Down Syndrome Victoria (2008)
Brief introduction to the principles of positive behaviour support to address difficult behaviour in all age groups. Includes a school-age case study.

Understanding behavior and Handling behavior Beach Center on Disability
Good fundamental information for understanding, and practical strategies for addressing, challenging behaviour in all age groups. Fundamentals of positive behaviour support (PBS). The two above articles go together.

Stubborn is… as stubborn does Carol Johnson (originally published 1998 Newsletter of Canadian Down Syndrome Society)
Explodes the myth linking stubbornness to Down syndrome and offers more proactive way of viewing behaviour seem as stubborn. Should be read by every parent, teacher and other concerned with a child with Down syndrome.

Wood, Mandy & Gillian Bird (2004) Magic and sparkles: a creative approach to modifying children’sbehaviour Down Syndrome News and Update 3 (4) 128-131
Strategy for dealing with difficult behaviours. Aimed at younger children in school setting, but useful ideas for parents and teachers of older children too.

*Dodds, Susan (1994) Managing problem behaviour. A practical guide for parents and teachers of young children with special needs
Very readable handbook which elaborates the principles of behaviour management with lots of examples. Dedicated sections on a wide range of specific behaviours. 

*Dennis McGuire and Brian Chicoine (2006) Mental wellness in adults with Down syndrome. A guide to emotional strengths and behavioural strengths and challenges Woodbine House
An excellent book that deals both generally and with specific challenging behaviour, and comprehensively tackles the wider issue of mental health that relates closely to behaviour issues in adults with Down syndrome. Recommended reading for families and other carers.

*Iovannone, Rose (2006) Positive behaviour support process for adults with Down syndrome and challenging behaviour in Adults with Down syndrome, Siegfried M Pueschel ch 7, pp 69-103
Describes the process of positive behaviour support with a detailed case study which illustrates its use to support an adult with Down syndrome.

White, Paul (1999) Practical approaches to behaviors that drive you crazy Disability Solutions Vol 4 issue 1
Good general overview of challenging behaviour, aimed at families, with a list of considerations for behaviour support and a number of actual examples.

Behaviour – Information sheet Stephanie Lorenz, UK Down’s Syndrome Association
Aimed at teaching staff, useful reference for parents too. Examines some causes of problem behaviours and ways of addressing them.

*Crimmins, Daniel B (1999) Positive behaviour support: analysing, preventing and replacing problem behaviors in Down syndrome. A promising future together Hassold T & Patterson D (eds) pp 127-132
Available from Down Syndrome Research Foundation http://www.dsrf.org/
An introduction to positive behaviour support for addressing difficult behaviour.

*Carlson, Jane I & Christopher E Smith (1999) Finding the reason for problem behaviour and planning effective interventions: a guide for parents in Down syndrome. A promising future together Hassold T & Patterson D (eds) pp 115-125
Available from Down Syndrome Research Foundation http://www.dsrf.org/
Intervention strategies based on PBS with case examples putting it into practice. Intended for parents but also good resource for teaching staff.