Practical Approaches Towards Meaningful Lives Roopa Belur & Emery Mance

Roopa Belur & Emery Mance Behaviour Specialists

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” - Helen Keller

Organization that supports individuals with disabilities through residential supports Residential program and day program (Framework for Life) Entrust

Range of Disabilities

Cognitive and functional Social Communication Fine and gross motor skills Sensory processing Range of Abilities

IQ SOCIAL COMMUNICATION MOTOR SKILLS SENSORY Non-Verbal Aloof Severe Awkward Hyposensitive Gifted Active Verbal Agile Hypersensitive

Why do behaviours occur? Triggers? Is it ‘out of the blue’? Behaviour

“Out of the blue” Lazy Social attention seeking Manipulative Disrespectful behaviors Lying “High Functioning” Poor listener Stubborn Misconceptions

Sensory processing Lack of structure Too much talking Underlying health conditions Lack of communication strategies Too many demands and expectations Lack of sleep Hunger Delayed processing Behaviours are a result of…

What are consequences? Are all individuals consequence based learners? Cognitive capacity to understand consequences? Consequences

Anna’s Time Out: Down Syndrome Consequences

Anna’s Time Out Problem Solving Memory Socially driven Association Cause and effect

What are the least restrictive approaches we can take?

ProactiveReactive Meeting needs Transition plans Structure and routines Engagement with activities the individual enjoys Positive language Redirection Understanding and avoiding triggers Meeting sensory requirements Relationship building “NO,” “STOP”, “you’re not behaving well” Physical interventions Consequences Proactive vs. Reactive

Visual binders Schedules Checklists First-then boards Visual timers Calendars (daily, weekly, monthly) White boards Choice boards Ringlets Social stories/comic strips Schedule & Routines

Reduces confusion Clarifies connections Target developmental levels Creates consistency across settings and environments Provides order Predictability Breaks Why Use Routines & Schedules?

How can we individualize?

Individualizing Developmental level Community involvement Activities they like Reinforcers

Social interaction/1:1 engagement Praise Edibles Sensory play Outings and activities Quiet time Electronics/technology Reinforcers are different for every individual and every disability. I.e. some individuals diagnosed with autism will not always find social interactions or stickers, etc. reinforcing

Case Example: CW Framework For Life Routine Morning Routine Volunteering Evening Routine Any changes with routines, need preparation Why? To avoid anxiety, for predictability

Quality of Life How can these approaches improve aspects of life

Quality of Life - Adaptation Independence Inclusion Monetary Comfort & Wellbeing Respect

Thank you Questions?