Trainings/Classes

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Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behaviors

This training will explore many aspects of challenging behaviors displayed by persons with Developmental Disabilities and Related Conditions. Participants will learn about the function of challenging behaviors and how to match interventions to the identified function. Intervention training will include interaction styles, proactive strategies, reactive strategies and methods for maintaining safety.

Why Behaviors Happen
All people exhibit behaviors, whether they are desirable or undesirable to others.
This training session explores the several factors that affect our behaviors and the behaviors of the people we work with.
The session explains the functions of behaviors and why specific behaviors are used to serve those functions.
The group will discuss several of the common deficits that people with developmental disabilities and how they contribute to problem behaviors.
This session will give the learners a good understanding of what they do and do not have control of in regards to the behaviors of the people they provide services to.

Effects of Mental Health in People with Developmental Disabilities
This session explores the impact that mental health issues have on the thought processes and behaviors of people with developmental disabilities.
The instructor will explain the symptoms and complications of mental health disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Anxiety Disorder, and Personality Disorders.

Effects of Grief and Loss in People with Developmental Disabilities
Feelings of grief or loss are powerful emotions that can often affect the behaviors of the people that we are serving.
This session will present ways to look for warning signs that caregivers can look for; and ideas of how they can provide support.

The Impact of Medical Complications on Problem Behaviors
Medical problems are often overlooked when caregivers search for answers to why a person is exhibiting undesirable behaviors.
This session explains several common medical complications and how they can often contribute to problem behaviors.
The group will learn the signs and symptoms of medical problems to look for; and how to efficiently address them.

Proactive Strategies
The most efficient way to deal with problem behaviors is to prevent them from even starting.
This session will explore proactive strategies that caregivers can use to encourage desirable behaviors and ward off the ones that are undesirable.
Some of the strategies to be discussed will include:

• Positive Behavior Momentum
• Differential reinforcement
• Reinforcement programs
• Ways to say "no"
• Strategies for increased compliance
• Communication
• Antecedent control

Reinforcement Programs
This session will take an in-depth look at the use of reinforcement programs for behavior management.
The instructor will discuss the several different types of reinforcements, implementation schedules, strategies, and materials that can be used for these programs.

Creating a Behavior-Friendly Environment
People do not behave in a vacuum. Our behaviors are greatly affected by the environment around us.
This session will look at how factors in a person's physical and social environment affect the way that they behave.
The instructor will also discuss how caregivers can change the environment in a person's home, work, school, and community in a way to provide greater supports.

De-escalating Problem Behaviors
Dealing with individuals who are agitated can be troublesome and dangerous.
This session will explore strategies to help the agitated individual regain control and calm down while keeping everyone's safety in mind.
Strategies include:

• Breaking the behavior cycle
• Minimizing emotional response
• Active listening
• Redirecting,
• Calming strategies
• Giving space

Charting and Data Tracking
This session takes a more in-depth look at charting behaviors.
Discussions will include:

• Types of charting
• Charting materials
• Using data
• Staff training

Functional Behavior Assessments
All behaviors serve a function; and the start of behavior management is determining the function of the behaviors.
This session will teach caregivers how to gather information through interviews, observations, and charting to determine the functions that specific behaviors are serving.

Establishing Boundaries
Relationships between staff and the people that they serve can get complicated. Without balanced, professional boundaries, behavioral, ethical, and legal issues can erupt.
This session will discuss:

• Categories of relationships
• Why people with D.D. are vulnerable to boundary violations
• Why caregivers are vulnerable to boundary violations
• Categories of boundary violations
• Dangers of crossing boundaries
• Preventative strategies

A Case Manager's Guide to Behaviors
This session provides valuable information that is specific to county case managers with clients with developmental disabilities and behavior problems.
This session will discuss:

• Why behaviors happen
• Warning signs to potential behavioral problems
• Questions to ask the caregivers
• Building a plan for success
• Resources for help

Additional Training Available Include:

Alzheimer's Disease

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Communication With Your Doctor (Includes data colletion)

Dual Diagnosis MI/MR

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

How Medical Conditions Mimic Psychiatric Conditions

Understanding Mental Retardation, Developmental Disabilities, & Syndromes

Understanding Psychotropic Medications

We will be happy to develop a training program for your organization's needs.

Cost:
The cost of the training is $175 per each hour that is taught up to 25 people and $225 per each hour for larger groups. The amount will be billed directly to the agency.
There is no charge to Parent Support Groups.

For questions, or to set up your staff training, please call:
612-869-6811