Consent

Ensuring that client is involved in the consultation and consent.

At times, as Behaviour Support Practitioners, we come across situations where adult consenters for clients fail to take the client into consideration during the decision-making process.

This tendency appears to be more common when the client exhibits challenging behaviours. It appears that, at times, others assume that due to the presence of such behaviours, the client lacks the ability to make safe decisions. Consequently, consenters may make decisions on behalf of the client without involving them.

In this article, we will focus on Snowbell (a pseudonym). Snowbell has a history of challenging behaviours, including self-injury, physical aggression, and verbal outbursts. Snowbell's past is marked by childhood trauma that has persisted into adulthood. While others now make decisions and provide consent on her behalf due to this history, Snowbell is still capable of decision-making. For instance, she can select her weekly meals, participate in grocery shopping, manage personal hygiene routines independently, and even navigate public transportation. However, she may be triggered at times, leading to the previously mentioned behaviours. These triggers often stem from feeling neglected or excluded, which exacerbates her behaviour.

When supporting clients with challenging behaviours, it is crucial to thoroughly analyse the environments and triggers of the behaviour rather than assuming that behaviour equates to diminished capacity. All behaviour serves as a form of communication, reflecting our thoughts and emotions. In Snowbell's case, addressing the trigger can be as simple as involving her in discussions and considering her preferences. This collaborative approach would offer her a platform to express herself and feel acknowledged.

Every client I have assisted has been able to convey their desires and needs, sometimes through words and other times through actions.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) entails a meticulous evaluation of behaviour, encompassing the surroundings and interactions involving the client. By comprehending the triggers of the behaviour, we can devise and implement strategies to mitigate it. In our upcoming article, we will delve into how PBS can be applied to address Snowbell's behaviours and those of her support system.