How To Work With Your Child’s School To Address Problem Behavior
Dealing with problem behavior is a given for every parent, whether you have a neurodivergent child or not. Tackling this type of behavior is much easier to tackle in a home setting as you are able to readily observe and assess the behavior firsthand. When the behavior occurs at school however it is much more challenging to rectify for a number of reasons, especially if you have a nonverbal/nonspeaking child. Working with your child’s school to address problem behavior can be a difficult process, but it is crucial for your child’s success in the classroom and overall well-being. Here are some steps you can take to navigate this process.
1. Establish communication with the school
Start by setting up a meeting with your child’s teacher and any other relevant school staff and personnel. If your child has a behavior therapist and other support available, it’s best to include them as well especially if the behavior is intense or may be harmful to them or others.
2. Collect data
This is a very important step in the process. Ask the teacher to come prepared with specific examples of the problem behavior and any concerns they may have. Develop data sheets to track details of the behavior: the setting, what the behavior looks like, possible triggers they may notice, who is present at the time of the behavior, the intensity of the behavior, strategies used to de-escalate, what happens after the behavior ended, and any other relevant information. Accurate data is essential; the more data you have, the better it is to develop a proper treatment plan.
3. Collaborate to develop a plan
Work with the school and your child’s support team to develop a plan to address the behavior. This plan should include goals, strategies, and supports that will help your child succeed. Ensure the plan is structured to your child’s needs, developmental level, and ability. Your child should be able to easily understand the expectations of the plan and be able to execute each step with consistency.
4. Be consistent
Once a plan is in place, ensure you and the school are consistent in implementing it. This will help your child understand expectations and reduce confusion. Be sure to ask that all staff interacting with your child be aware of the treatment plan and stick to it as closely as possible to increase their chance of success.
5. Monitor progress
Check-in regularly with the school to monitor your child’s progress. If the plan is not working, be open and ready to make adjustments.
Remember to stay positive and work collaboratively with the school. You may be in this for the long haul so by working together, you can help your child succeed and thrive in the classroom.