Students With

Behavioural Exceptionalities

By: Kayla, Jenessa, Cristina & Diana

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-KC9tkn0_Y&feature=related

What is Behaviour ?A learning disorder characterized by specific behaviour problems over such a period of time, and to such a marked degree, and of such a nature, as to adversely affect educational performance, and that may by accompanied by one or more of the following:

1) an inability to build or to maintain interpersonal relationships2) excessive fears or anxieties3) a tendency to compulsive reaction4) an inability to learn that cannot be traced to intellectual, sensory, or other health factors

Behavioural Disorders, Emotionally/Behaviourally Disturbed or

Behavioural Exceptionalities

What Should It Be Called?

In the USA in 1975- ‘seriously emotionally disturbed’In 1997 it was changed- ‘emotionally disturbed’

In Canada, the terminology varies by province.

In Ontario, the term ‘behavioural exceptionality’ is used.

Continue…Social and cultural conditions influence our understanding of ‘normal behaviour’ and ‘behavioural exceptionalities’. Even in a single school, wide differences can exist. The same behaviour may be seen as disruptive by one teacher, and normal by another. To create a common ground of understanding, Mental Health professionals tried to organize behaviour exceptionalities by classification, but consensus is limited. Teachers have a more common understanding.

Misconceptions About Emotional/Behavioural DisordersEXPLAINED

It is too difficult to confirm whether or not youth violence has increased.  Services for students with emotional/behavioural disorders vary across the

province.  Developments in mental health science have not made it easier for

educators to identify and classify behavioural disorders. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classifies disorders as present or absent. Emotional/behavioural problems are more subtle to classroom teachers.

  Bullying is not just something students must deal with while growing up. It

can have long-term consequences for both the bully and the victim. Students with behavioural difficulties (especially ADHD) are more likely to be involved with bullying, either as the ‘bully’ or the ‘bullied.’

  Most studies show identified cases where males outnumber females by

ratios of up to 5 to 1. Recently there have been increases in girls over boys, both in

identified behaviour and in crime.

Misconceptions About Emotional/Behavioural Disorderscontinue…

Behavioural disorders can be expressed through withdrawal, not just through aggression or frustration.

Available data suggests a correlation between behavioural disorders and average to low IQ scores. A behavioural disorder does not often indicate a student who is bright but frustrated.

  Inappropriate behaviour is not always an external manifestation of

something deeply rooted. In fact, it is most likely to be spontaneous and temporary.

  Highly structured, ordered, predictable environments bring about

the greatest change in students with behavioural disorders.

To deal effectively with a behavioural issue, it is important to consider motivation. This way, consequences, rewards, and the teaching of new behaviour can be aligned with the needs of the individual student.

Causes of Behavioural Exceptionalities

Biophysical:- Possible link between biological make-up and

behaviour- Biological processes have a pervasive influence on

behaviour; they affect behaviour only in interaction with environmental factors

Allergies:- Allergenic reactions can generate learning and

behavioural problems- Students’ intolerance to a combination of stale air,

chalk dust, moulds and fungi

Continue…Speech and Language - Higher incidence of behavioural exceptionalities

among student with speech and language impairment - Students often act out due to their inability to express

their needs.

Psychological - Home and school are the most powerful influences on

a student’s behaviour - Students often act out when discipline are

inconsistent

Assessment of Behavioural Exceptionality Informal Assessment:

Informal screening by teachers and educational assistant; based on their

experience and common sense to recognize behaviours that are out of the norm

Formal Assessment based on the School Board’s Plan and Procedure

Formal Assessment

1 •Behaviour observation checklist completed by teacher, assistant or parents

2 •Projective test to gather information about the student’s behaviour

3 •In school team meeting which includes classroom teacher, SERT, principal and school psychologist. Decision about the next phases of program or placement for student

Longstanding issues still remain

 

Longstanding issues

An acceptable term Developing a useful definitionAre needs being met?School standards are too highSocioeconomics and class distractionsStigma of being identified Legal requirementsThe use of drugs

Longstanding issues An acceptable term

- Socially maladjusted, emotionally disturbed, mentally ill, predelinquent, emotionally handicapped, socially handicapped,

- In education: behaviour disorder, behaviour exceptionality (Ontario)- “Behaviour exceptionality” inclusive, less negative, and warrants

professional attention (label based on who was writing on the subject)

Developing a useful definition- What is reasonable/normal behaviour? Frequency and degree.- Would a more accurate definition assist in identifying students with this

exceptionality and help with effective intervention?- Hard to identify as there are no real set of symptoms.

Are needs being met?- Prevalence across Canada varies (uneven rates)- Ontario’s rate has decreased to 1%- The exceptionality is getting less attention than in the past, and students are

being underserved.

Longstanding issues School standards are too high - Unrealistic and unnatural standards for acceptable behaviour - Behaviour is a result of how a student is treated

Socioeconomics and class distractions - Adolescents, and students from lower income families report a greater number and a variety penalties for their behaviour. Students from high income response to the same situation are seen as acceptable responses.

Stigma of being identified - An students that is identified changes the opinion of the teachers, peers.

- Hard to escape history less students being identified students not receiving the appropriate support.

Longstanding issuesLegal requirements

- Student involved in a crime – educational disruption –moved through custody settings, and schools (varied educational approaches).

- Being moved around does not allow for continuity and make the situation worse for the student.

- Canadian law does not allow the teacher rights to the knowledge of student’s involvement of a crime, although is could be important information for the well-being of the teacher and other students.

The use of drugs- Drugs to manage behaviour – moral and ethical values violated by

chemically altering a person’s natural function.Thought - Drug therapy puts the responsibility of teachers and parent

on chemicals. Thought- drug therapy will lead to drug abuse later in life – no evidenceDrug Therapy can have psychological effects (self esteem)Positive outcome--- decrease impulsivity and improve concentrationMore drug therapy, less drugless therapyRitalin prescription increase 460% from 1991 to 1997

Conceptual Models and their

Educational Implications

Conceptual Models and their Educational ImplicationsMental health professional have a

narrow and particular school of thought/approach for treatment of students with behavioural exceptionalities.

In the classroom, one singular view is not common.

Conceptual Models and their Educational Implications

Psychodynamic ApproachBiophysical ApproachEnvironmental ApproachBehavioural Modification ApproachDrug Therapy ApproachThe classroom reality: Flexible Common

Sense

Conceptual Models and their Educational ImplicationsPsychodynamic Approach

- Behavioural disorder within the individual. - Teacher is part of a mental health team - Develop warm supportive atmosphere in which the student may overcome his inner turmoil- Acceptance and toleration, at the expense of direct instruction and acquisition of academic skills- A.K.A. Psychoeducational approach- practical classroom outcomes-Decline in the use of this approach – does not improve academic achievement and limited evidence that it helps behaviour.

Conceptual Models and their Educational ImplicationsBiophysical Approach

- Direct relationship between behaviour and things like physical defects, illnesses, diet, and allergies.

- Responsive therapy - megavitamin therapy, diet control, symptom control medication, removal of offending substances (e.g. carpets)- In classroom this is combines with behaviour style approach (routine, scheduling, frequent repetition of tasks presented in sequence, & eliminating environmental that is unnecessary stimuli.-Studies are unable to identify which of the two treatments (teaching or therapy) is responsible for the impact.

Conceptual Models and their Educational ImplicationsEnvironmental Approach

- Students are a product of their environment (family, school, neighbourhood, and community)- Teachers are expected to instruct the student in social and interpersonal environment skills.- School also attempts to modify the school environment to meet the needs of the student.- Goal to create in all parts of the environment, an awareness of the reciprocal relationships and monitoring these relationships to benefit the student with the behavioural exceptionality.

Conceptual Models and their Educational Implications

Behaviour Modification Approach- Dominant intervention style in education.- Assumption- all behaviour is modifiable by using reinforcement. - Believe that behaviour is controlled by the impact of stimuli - Possible to

1) create behaviours that currently do not exist2) maintain behaviours that are established3) eliminate inappropriate behaviours

- Reinforcers concrete e.g. food, toys absteract e.g. checks, stars, coupons that can be traded for something. (token economy) - Reinforcers paired with social reinforcer (praise, smile) so the token reinforcer can be phased out.

Conceptual Models and their Educational ImplicationsDrug Therapy Approach

- Psychotrophic drugs (pills) to help control behaviour- Evidence that it does control behaviour and has a

positive/improved outcome for student and others.- If drug therapy is introduced for the first time, the side effects

must be monitored (modify to optimal dose)- It is possible to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity with out

chemicals.- Medication along with appropriate behavioural and academic

interventions can help social , academic performance.

Conceptual Models and their Educational ImplicationsThe Classroom Reality: Flexible Common

Sense- Teachers combine a variety of approaches and apply them on

individual basis. - Teachers value a warm supportive atmosphere for all their students.- Teachers are aware of the environmental impact on student

learning and social development- Doing what is effective at the time and what makes sense at the

time.- Teachers need to establish a baseline for a student (frequency,

intensity, and duration of a particular behaviour) to tell if the intervention is effective or not.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds/attention.html

Behavioural Exceptionalities:Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)

What are the symptoms of AD/HD?AD/HD or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is diagnosed by medical practitioners by looking at 3 symptoms.

1. The inability to sustain attention at age-appropriate level.

2. Impulsivity which the student does things without considering consequences, and often repeats the behaviour.

3. Hyperactivity which the student engages in non-purposeful movement and activity that is usually not age appropriate, and often at an accelerated level.

Are AD/HD symptoms the result of other factors?

Disruptive or unresponsive behaviour may be the result of anxiety or depression.

Fetal alcohol syndrome sometimes produces hyperactive behaviour.

Chronic inner ear infections, hearing loss, or undetected hearing problem might leave the student uncooperative.

However, professional educators see the same symptoms every day in students who are not identified as AD/HD.

What causes AD/HD?Advocates argue that AD/HD has been

around for a long time under other titles like “hyperkinesis” and “minimal brain dysfunction”, and “moral deficit”.

It is said that what makes AD/HD real is a biological or psychological basis, or both.

Advocates also argue that there are some individuals who, through no fault of their own, cannot use their human will and self control to manage themselves from within, and that the pace of modern life aggravates this lack of a central control mechanism.

It is seen as a neurologically-based medical condition.

What causes AD/HD?Specific genes such as dopamine transporter

gene on chromosome 5 and dopamine receptor D4 gene on chromosome 11 have appeared to be related to AD/HD.

Dopamine deficiency may be the cause of AD/HD but it is unclear as to whether individuals with AD/HD do not produce enough of it or are unable to properly use what they do produce.

Other chemical deficiencies that may be associated with AD/HD are noradrenaline and serotonin.

Noradrenaline is a substance that may act on the brain during times of stress and serotonin is a chemical that helps the brains ability to detect and/or possibly regulate other chemicals.

Just a confusion with other special needs?

AD/HD has long been associated with learning disabilities because of the inattentiveness factor.

Studies suggests that about one-third of students with learning disabilities may have some degree of attention disorder.

The rate of learning disabilities is high in students who are diagnosed with AD/HD because lack of attention and off-task behaviour are detrimental to mastering basic skills.

However, one special need does not imply the other.

Another “Modern Day” phenomenon?AD/HD did not capture the public eye until

the late 20th century. A German doctor. Heinrich Hoffman, first

described hyperactivity in 1845.In 1902, George Still, a British physician

described hyperactivity that is somehow associated with evil.

He described “sick” children of average or higher intelligence who had an “abnormal deficit of moral control.”

In 1968, AD/HD was clinically classified.

Continue…

When matched against other, more recent types of special need, there continues to be intense disagreement other whether it should be seen as a distinct clinical entity, or even whether it really exists.

Critics say that AD/HD has become a label in North America resulting in the increasing rate of diagnosis.

In 1997, the Globe and Mail reported that an estimated half million Canadians, mostly students, had been diagnosed.

What does having students with AD/HD mean to the classroom?Teachers can expect a high level of physical

activity, inappropriate responses, low frustration tolerance when AD/HD is present in the classroom.

The student’s lack of restraint and acting out will invariably draw in the student’s peers, or distract them, or cause conflict, or interrupt their work.

There is no sure remedy in the classroom and no universal accepted way to deal with AD/HD in school.

Isolating the student with AD/HD may be beneficial for the student’s peers, but it is not a solution for the student who has AD/HD.

Continue…The most effective management technique

usually turn out to be those that the teacher and educational assistant work out creatively, often with the parent’s help, and these techniques, most of the time are unique for that particular student.

Research has found that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication, effective behaviour modification practices, and if possible individual and family counseling.

Teachers do find through experience that flexibility and setting modest goals are essential in successful management.

Additional Behavioural

Exceptionalities

Childhood DepressionSymptomsquiet, withdrawn students are often overlooked.regularly appear sadshow limited academic gainmay not sleep wellfeelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

TreatmentEducators must refer the student for more intensive

mental health evaluation.Treatment usually involves psychotherapy and medicationTeachers can help student develop social skills, and

encourage an increase in activity level. 

Reactive Attachment Disorder(RAD)

Believed to be a result of a failure to bond with other humans very early in life.

Lack of nurture and attention.Protective shell against what they feel is an unsafe world.

They believe no adults can be trusted to take care of them.

Symptoms: rage, destructiveness, frequent lying, cheating, stealing, obsessive, manipulative, unaware/unconcerned with consequences, limited empathy.

Confused with; bipolar disorder, ADHD, tourette syndrome, learning disability. (RAD poorly undersood)

No suggestion for treatment and for the classroom

Conduct Disorder SymptomsThis disorder applies to children who may have great

difficulty following rules, throw temper tantrums, destroy property, bully, or regularly act in deceitful ways.

 TreatmentOften involves behaviour therapy and psychotherapy,

and extends over a long period of time.The earlier the child is identified, the better

likelihood for a positive outcome and a more productive adult life.

 

Oppositional Defiant Disorder(ODD)

Similar to conduct disorder but less severe

Symptoms: persistently oppositional, negative, and/or hostile to authority.

Must be present 6+ months and accompanied by temper tantrums, aggressiveness towards peers, and annoying others.

Treatment: training for parents and teachers to respond effectively to the student. Time-outs, avoid power struggles, and remain calm.

Groups Discussion: Case Study

1. The case of Scott. Pg. 1142. The case of Suzette Pg. 1193. The case of Logan Pg. 1224. The case of Hannah Pg. 125

Summarize the case.What approaches/strategies would you use if you were the classroom teacher?

Present in 10 minutes.

Notes and SuggestionsThe Case of Scott

Go to the first school so they will accommodate Scott

The Case of Suzette

Bring the idea of maps-student is involved in planning their own learning, setting goals

The Case of Logan

He would benefit from going to family counselling

The Case of Hannah

Ask mother what strategies she uses at homeDiet/nutrition Positive reinforcement

Strategies for Students with Behavioural Exceptionalities

Manage the environment, reducing distractions

Instruction should be simple and concise

Organize the day

Enforce classroom routines and procedures consistently.

Develop sense of personal responsibility Note improvements

Effective attitude includes patience, flexibility, creativity, humour, and respect

Recognize where students are ‘at’ and do not let their history shape your expectations. Help students by being an adult mentor.

Realize the importance of personal conduct. Adults are role models.

Establish a realistic, consistent, and predictable learning environment. Structure, organization, and sequence are important. 

Strategies for Effective Classroom Management

A teacher who is effective with ‘regular’ students is usually more effective with ‘behavioural’ students.

Continue…Catch a student doing something good. Discreet

positive praise that is proportionate to the accomplishment.

Treat democracy as a fine line. Establishing momentum is more important than

motivating. Get kids rolling on their own.Keeping academics front and centre. Working hard is better than sitting around. Establish and maintain consistent routines for

entering the classroomSets up and insists on specific seating arrangementsHighly visible.

Continue…Uses ‘antiseptic bouncing’. When a student is worked up or

aggressive, give him/her an errand to run outside of the class, or another activity that would let off steam.

Use merits, not just demeritsUses proximity control. Is not sarcastic, and always avoids yelling.Never uses corrosive discipline techniques (writing out lines,

detention, or using curriculum content as a punishment)Avoids confronting students with behavioural exceptionalities

in front of peers. Informs students of high expectations (occasionally

manipulates components of a task to ensure a positive outcome for students needing a boost)

Sets short term goals for students who cannot yet defer gratification

Uses reward systems. The time spent in school should produce something of consequence.

RESOURCES1.Teachers’ Gateway to Special Education

www.teachspeced.ca

2. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

www.aacap.org

3. Canadian Attention Deficit Disorder Researchwww.caddra.ca

4. Children and Adults with Attention Deficitwww.chadd.org

5. Focus Adolescent Serviceswww.focusas.com

Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/Caring_Safe_School.pdf

Supportive Behaviour Management http://behaviourmanagement.ning.com/

Behaviour Management Sitehttp://www.behavioradvisor.com/

Positive Behaviour Intervention & Supports http://www.pbis.org/

Thank You !!