Managing behaviour

Some young people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) are challenging to others. In many instances challenging behaviour occurs because of the underlying difficulties associated with autism.

In any case, we accept that it happens for a reason and that often it represents a form of communication. As a consequence, we adopt a positive approach to changing behaviour, informed by our knowledge and understanding of ASC. We use two specific approaches, that go by the acronyms of PROACT SCIPr-UK® and DARTS.

PROACT SCIPr-UK® is a person-centred approach. It emphasises the importance of planning to meet individual needs and the use of proactive approaches to effect change. Although we seek to avoid the need for physical intervention, ways to intervene are included in the approach for occasions when it is necessary to support young people through a crisis.

DARTS is an acronym for an approach that has been developed at Inscape House to inform our work with young people with ASC who challenge. The acronym stands for Description, Analysis, Response, Toolkit and Support. The approach provides a systematic way of analysing and responding to patterns of behaviour based on an understanding of autism and of the individual.

By understanding the reasons why a young person challenges, we can put in place strategies that make it less likely that challenging behaviour occurs and which manage it effectively when it does. These strategies may be included within a general profile of the young person or within a specific Behaviour Intervention Plan. As part of our work, we try wherever possible, to help young people understand and regulate their emotions and to teach them more positive ways to express them.

Our expertise

All our staff are trained in PROACT SCIPr-UK® and have specific training to help them understand and manage behaviour.

Our team has extensive experience of working with young people with autism spectrum conditions and understanding their behaviour and applying PROACT SCIPr-UK® principles to working with young people with ASCs.

The school senior leadership team are experienced in the field of ASC and assist staff and families to recognise how a pupil’s ASC contributes to behaviour and what autism specific approaches might help the young person regulate and modify their behaviour.

The INCA team supports the school. In INCA we have our own Chartered Psychologist, who works with assistant psychologists and experienced PROACT SCIPr-UK® instructors and speech therapists.

Support for parents

Senior members of the team work directly with parents. We offer parents individual sessions to develop strategies to use at school, in the home and in the community. These can take place at school or at home.