How do you discipline a mentally challenged child?

To better understand what a child may be communicating through challenging behavior, it is important for adults to play detective and gather information. Think about when, where and with whom the challenging behavior occurs. Notice any patterns that occur. Think carefully about your child's day at school, home and other places you tend to see challenging behavior. See if you can find any patterns to your child's behavior by asking:

• Is my child avoiding something, some place, or someone?
• Does my child like the way this behavior ( for example hand flapping or spinning) feels?
• Is my child uncomfortable, hungry, tired, or not feeling well?
• Is my child having a reaction to medication or food?
• Is my child angry, sad, anxious, or scared?
• Is my child confused, bored, or frustrated?
• Does my child want to get away from something or someone?
• Does my child want to get something?

Many caregivers find it helpful to take note of what happens directly before and directly after the challenging behavior occurs. For example: does your child get easily frustrated, even when she's working on something she likes to do? If so, maybe she does not understand the instructions or the steps she needs to follow for the project to succeed. Are you paying attention to your child only after her challenging behavior occurs? If so, maybe a few minutes of "together time" before your child heads off to school, playgroup, or other activities could prevent future challenging behavior. Start thinking about whether the circumstances before and after the challenging behavior support the child in a positive way. Maybe your child just needs some extra time to transition from one activity to another.