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Behaviour Case Study Support Session
for parents and family carers
of children and teenagers

Thursday 30 May 2024 | 10 – 11.30am | FREE

Please note…this is not a training session

In each session we will explore one case study – please read the information below

These sessions offer a space for parents and family carers to explore a particular behaviour that is impacting on the life of the person they care for and those around them. The relationships in our life are essential for happiness, and behavioural issues can get in the way of these.

Issues that are not addressed in childhood can sometimes continue into adulthood. Of course, there are some behaviours that a child will grow out of, however we know that there may need to be some real effort put in to prevent problem behaviours becoming ingrained habits in children who have Down’s syndrome. 

The focus of these sessions is to try and identify the function behind the behaviour, to recognise the triggers and ways in which it is being reinforced and possible strategies that will reduce or prevent it. All of this while keeping a focus on positive behaviour and maintaining relationships. 

We will explore one case study per session however the session benefits from other parents/family carers attending and contributing. 

If you would like to know more before registering, please email jane.mitchell@downs-syndrome.org.uk

You can also read comments from participants from previous sessions here.

If you are interested in attending the session and/or would like us to explore your situation, please enter your details in the form below and we will be in touch to confirm your booking.

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    The stories below are from people who have found the sessions helpful…

    Lucy

    I shared my experience in respect of our 5-Year-old boy Frankie who is non-verbal.

    The group allowed me time to talk which made me feel very relaxed and unhurried. I shared that Frankie threw things whether at home or out in public, sometimes causing injuries to both myself and my husband. It felt to us that this behaviour was random and therefore appeared to be no pattern or triggers.

    Once I had told my story to the group, the feedback was really useful and enabled me to see a possible trigger that I could explore using cards to indicate that Frankie wanted to start or stop an activity.

    We have put this suggestion into practice and it seems to be working. Frankie is still occasionally throwing things but certainly not as much. He is more likely now to throw things in situations where the cards are not on hand, (back of the car is one situation!) so we shall continue with this strategy and hopefully when Frankie is using words more regularly, he can let us know more easily in situations where cards are not possible.  We believe this support gave us a strategy that keeps us and Frankie focused and encouraged us to feel optimistic that we are moving on.

    Kirsty

    Our son is 7 years old. I did share a case study and a few others had experienced the same, so it was very helpful getting tips and advice.

    It is a great thing to do this, as we all understand each other and can talk openly about things.

    Steve

    I have a son aged 19 and shared a case study.

    I found the session really useful for my situation and hearing others. Specifically, one piece of advice from other parents has really helped me.

    Vicky

    I have a son called Ewin aged 11 who has Down’s syndrome. I have been joining in with the DSA sessions for several months. I was not expecting to share our story the first time I attended but Jane, the facilitator asked lots of questions. We explored in depth the problems we were facing at home and suggestions of how we could respond.

    The sessions feel a really safe space as at the start we introduce ourselves and a bit about our children.

    It is not just about looking for ways to help with really big challenges. It can be the smaller things that you think you just have to learn to live with as you think you’ve tried everything.

    By sharing your experience you soon realise it isn’t just a case of stopping a behaviour seen as “wrong” it’s about understanding what the person is trying to tell us in whatever way that can.

    Having input from other parents/carers that often have had very similar experiences you come away feeling empowered to try again. You have practical advice and at the start there is always a really good presentation which by the end seems to all fall into place.

    By attending future sessions I have been able to offer others support and often think about how I can best support my son and other families in a positive way.

    When you just read a book it is not tailored just for you and you would rarely get time at an appointment with a professional to discuss a behaviour at such length.

    Going through the process several times it becomes second nature and you soon find yourself looking at your child or young person’s behaviour in a new light.