Behavior Management Pro-active Technique Developmental Discipline
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ESE502 : The Class : Discipline : Techniques : Developmental Delay

Developmental Delay



Technique: The student comes first, then the delay.

Procedures: Most youngsters with developmental delays look normal yet have quirky behaviors. If students and teachers can see a Downs student as a fully feeling, fully sentient youngster there will be better understanding of imaginary friends, tantrums, stubbornness, interest in food and fun. Of course many youngsters with Downs are more mature, but the basic notion applies. If the student is behaving as a seven year old brother or sister, respect the ability, respect the person, relate with them as one relates to a student of seven.
  1. Empathy is gained through interaction.
  2. Interaction is the basis for inclusion and mainstreaming program, so the more interaction among students, the wider the acceptance and understanding.
  3. Consider placing intolerant students in the classroom as an aide to broaden exposure and teach compassion.
  4. Protect DD students. Most of these students are trusting and lack skills to defend themselves from bullies.
  5. Provide a modified set of lesson materials so that students can be participants in activities without undue frustration.
  6. Honor personhood, individuality and idiosyncrasy. Look for strengths and capitalize on them rather than asking the student to be involved in those things which are impossible for them.
    Example: Bad at art? Can’t carry a tune? Well then art and music lessons are a poor choice. Have a student who can’t cipher? Then give them a small portion of math, something which will result in success.
  7. If the initial reaction to a student is revulsion or angst, get to know the student in little doses. Look for the positive strengths and read some of the literature about students with similar disabilities.
  8. They are people first. They love, they need, they are vulnerable, and they have surprising strengths. Find the person. Help students to find them too - or have the students help you find them.

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E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Ellsworth@nau.edu

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