Webcast: 7 Questions (VCU-ACE)

This is a completed event.

Description:

My practice is based upon a simple idea: difficult behaviors result from unmet needs.  In a sense, difficult behaviors are messages which can tell us important things about the person and the quality of his or her life.  In my experience, people with difficult behaviors are often missing:

  • Meaningful relationships
  • A sense of safety and well-being
  • Power
  • Things to look forward to
  • A sense of value and self-worth
  • Relevant skills and knowledge
  • Supporters who are themselves supported

These needs are usually minimized or ignored in educational or human services settings.  As a result, people may become:

  • Relationship resistant
  • Chronic rule-breakers
  • Helpless and insecure
  • Depressed and isolated

David Pitonyak is interested in positive approaches to difficult  behaviors.  He believes that difficult behaviors are "messages" which can tell us important things about a person and his or her surroundings.  Understanding the "meaning" of an individual's difficult behaviors is the first step in supporting the person (and the person's supporters) to change.

Date(s):


11/8/2016 3:30 PM ET - 11/8/2016 4:30 PM ET

Link(s):

Tag(s):

After High School Autism Spectrum Disorder Behavior Challenging Behavior Elementary High School Intellectual Disability Middle School Multiple Disabilities Parent/Family Professional Development Professional Resources