Steps for Physical Aggression
1. When hitting or throwing objects occurs first secure the area to ensure the safety of every person in the area (e.g., remove other children and remove objects that may hurt the student). Step back and remove eye contact. Watch him to ensure he does not hurt himself but do not maintain direct eye contact.
(a) After the aggression has stopped, wait fifteen seconds return eye contact and tell him “Use your words to tell me what is wrong”. If it is at all possible honor his request. If it is not possible offer an alternative. Praise him for using a quiet voice to tell you what he wanted or what was wrong. Remind him of what reward he is “working for” and what he must do to get it (e.g., quiet mouth).
(b) If any property has been disturbed (e.g., chair knocked over, object thrown), give specific instructions to correct the damage (e.g., pick up the chair, pick up the object).
(c) Immediately return to the activity or action that was disrupted by the behavior. Never allow him to stop an undesired activity, person or action as a result of physical aggression. This will reinforce future aggression to escape undesired tasks or people. Never allow him to gain a desired action, person or activity by engaging in aggressive behavior.
(d) Constantly praise him when he is engaging in desired behaviors (e.g., good hands down, good quiet talking, good sitting, good walking etc.,).
2. When other children are not in the immediate area, step away from the student and remove direct eye contact. Ensure his safety by removing any object close by that may cause injury. If he is working at his workstation, his caregiver should move their chair behind him to prevent caregiver injury and remove eye contact while maintaining control. Complete steps a-d.
3. If the student is in an area or a situation that could cause harm to himself or others (e.g., playground, parking lot) physically escort him to the closest safe area. Ensure his safety before removing direct eye contact. Tell him one time to calm down. Complete steps a-d.
1. When hitting or throwing objects occurs first secure the area to ensure the safety of every person in the area (e.g., remove other children and remove objects that may hurt the student). Step back and remove eye contact. Watch him to ensure he does not hurt himself but do not maintain direct eye contact.
(a) After the aggression has stopped, wait fifteen seconds return eye contact and tell him “Use your words to tell me what is wrong”. If it is at all possible honor his request. If it is not possible offer an alternative. Praise him for using a quiet voice to tell you what he wanted or what was wrong. Remind him of what reward he is “working for” and what he must do to get it (e.g., quiet mouth).
(b) If any property has been disturbed (e.g., chair knocked over, object thrown), give specific instructions to correct the damage (e.g., pick up the chair, pick up the object).
(c) Immediately return to the activity or action that was disrupted by the behavior. Never allow him to stop an undesired activity, person or action as a result of physical aggression. This will reinforce future aggression to escape undesired tasks or people. Never allow him to gain a desired action, person or activity by engaging in aggressive behavior.
(d) Constantly praise him when he is engaging in desired behaviors (e.g., good hands down, good quiet talking, good sitting, good walking etc.,).
2. When other children are not in the immediate area, step away from the student and remove direct eye contact. Ensure his safety by removing any object close by that may cause injury. If he is working at his workstation, his caregiver should move their chair behind him to prevent caregiver injury and remove eye contact while maintaining control. Complete steps a-d.
3. If the student is in an area or a situation that could cause harm to himself or others (e.g., playground, parking lot) physically escort him to the closest safe area. Ensure his safety before removing direct eye contact. Tell him one time to calm down. Complete steps a-d.