so what will be the subheadings of this topic and add approaches and certain techniques to it, what will be the activity type prescription of each behaviour a child with special need do. "Managing Challenging Behaviours in Children: A Multidisciplinary Approach ..... I actually think this topic can become **far more impressive than Play** if you structure it as a **clinical reasoning seminar** instead of just teaching behaviour theory. Since you're presenting to an **interdisciplinary pediatric team**, the audience will appreciate content they can immediately apply in the clinic. I'd title it: > **"Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviours in Children with Special Needs: A Functional and Multidisciplinary Approach"** --- # Suggested Seminar Flow (15–20 min) ## 1. Introduction * Opening case scenario * "Behaviour is communication" * Why understanding behaviour matters --- ## 2. What is Behaviour? * Definition * Appropriate vs Challenging behaviour * Observable vs Hidden behaviour --- ## 3. Why Does Behaviour Occur? * Child development * Communication deficits * Sensory processing * Emotional regulation * Executive functioning * Medical/environmental factors Introduce the **Behaviour Iceberg** here. --- ## 4. Behaviour is Communication Explain that behaviour always serves a purpose. Examples: * Crying * Hitting * Throwing * Running away * Self-injury Ask: > "What is the child trying to communicate?" --- ## 5. Functions of Behaviour (Core Topic) The four functions: * **Attention** * **Escape/Avoidance** * **Access to Tangibles** * **Sensory/Automatic Reinforcement** Include one clinical example for each. --- ## 6. Behaviour Assessment Introduce: * ABC Analysis * Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) * Frequency * Duration * Intensity * Antecedent analysis * Consequence analysis --- # 7. Behaviour Therapy Approaches This is where you discuss different approaches instead of focusing on only ABA. ### A. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Techniques: * Reinforcement * Prompting * Chaining * Shaping * Extinction * Token Economy * Differential Reinforcement --- ### B. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Useful for: * ADHD * Anxiety * Older children Techniques: * Self-talk * Cognitive restructuring * Problem-solving * Relaxation --- ### C. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Focus: * Modify environment * Teach replacement skills * Improve quality of life --- ### D. Functional Communication Training (FCT) Instead of reducing behaviour, Teach communication. Example Instead of hitting ↓ Teach "Break please." --- ### E. Parent-Mediated Behaviour Therapy * Consistency * Home routines * Positive reinforcement * Behaviour contracts --- ### F. Sensory-Based Behaviour Management (OT) When behaviour is sensory-driven Use * Sensory diet * Heavy work * Deep pressure * Vestibular input * Environmental modification --- # 8. Behaviour Management Techniques Instead of listing them, group them. ### Reinforcement Techniques Positive reinforcement Negative reinforcement Token economy Premack Principle Praise --- ### Teaching Techniques Prompting Prompt fading Shaping Chaining Modelling Backward chaining Forward chaining Errorless learning --- ### Behaviour Reduction Extinction Response interruption Differential reinforcement Planned ignoring Redirection Choice making Visual schedules First-Then boards --- # 9. Activity Prescription (This will make your seminar unique ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) This is something many presentations don't include. | Behaviour | Possible Function | OT Activity Prescription | | -------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Running | Vestibular seeking | Obstacle course, scooter board, trampoline, animal walks | | Spinning | Vestibular input | Spinning chair (graded), platform swing, rotational games with regulation | | Jumping | Proprioceptive seeking | Trampoline, crash mat, jumping games | | Throwing objects | Heavy work/attention | Ball throwing target games, bean bag toss, wall push-ups | | Hitting | Communication/anger | Punching pillow, therapy putty, resistance bands, emotional regulation games | | Biting | Oral sensory seeking | Chewy tubes, crunchy foods, blowing whistles | | Mouthing objects | Oral seeking | Oral motor activities, textured chew tools | | Hand flapping | Excitement/self-regulation | Don't always stop; redirect only if it interferes with participation | | Toe walking | Sensory/postural | Heel walking games, balance beam, weighted cart pushing | | Rocking | Vestibular regulation | Therapy ball, rocking chair, rhythmic movement | | Head banging | Sensory/pain/frustration | Deep pressure, communication alternatives, medical evaluation if needed | | Lining up toys | Need for predictability | Gradually introduce flexible play, turn-taking games | | Repetitive opening/closing doors | Cause-effect interest | Busy boards, locks and latches activities | | Screaming | Attention/escape | Teach functional communication, visual supports, calm corner | | Eloping (running away) | Escape/sensory | Obstacle course before tasks, visual boundaries, movement breaks | | Refusing table work | Escape | First-Then board, task breakdown, movement breaks, choices | | Tantrums | Multiple functions | Identify trigger, co-regulation, teach replacement skills, don't reinforce tantrum | | Poor eye contact | Social communication | Bubble play, peek-a-boo, highly motivating face-to-face games | | Difficulty waiting | Impulse control | Turn-taking board games, timer activities, waiting games | | Difficulty transitioning | Predictability | Visual schedule, countdown timer, transition songs | --- # 10. Clinical Cases Include 2–3 quick cases. ### Case 1 Behaviour Throwing toys ↓ ABC ↓ Function ↓ Intervention --- ### Case 2 Spinning ↓ Sensory assessment ↓ Heavy work ↓ Replacement activities --- ### Case 3 Biting ↓ Communication assessment ↓ Teach requesting ↓ Positive reinforcement --- # 11. Multidisciplinary Roles | Discipline | Contribution | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | OT | Sensory regulation, environmental adaptation, self-regulation, participation | | PT | Gross motor regulation, movement opportunities, posture | | SLP | Functional communication, AAC, PECS, requesting | | Psychologist | Behaviour plans, CBT, parent counselling | | Special Educator | Classroom behaviour management, structured learning | | Parents | Consistency, reinforcement, home carryover | --- # 12. Clinical Pearls * Every behaviour has a function. * Don't ask, "How do I stop it?" * Ask, "Why is it happening?" * Replace behaviour—don't simply suppress it. * Reinforce the behaviour you want to see. * Behaviour management should be individualized and based on assessment, not assumptions. --- ## This is the seminar I would give. It combines: * **Behaviour science** (ABA, PBS, CBT, FCT) * **Occupational therapy** (sensory integration, environmental adaptation) * **Clinical reasoning** (ABC, FBA) * **Practical intervention** (activity prescriptions) * **Interdisciplinary collaboration** (roles of OT, PT, SLP, psychology, special education) It moves beyond theory and answers the questions clinicians ask every day: **"Why is this child behaving this way, and what can we do about it?"** That practical focus is what will make your presentation memorable.