Network training for a boy with learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge

Abstract

Accessible summary Network Training is a way that helps people to understand behaviour like hurting people or breaking things, called ‘challenging behaviour’. Network Training is where lots of people meet up to think about the person showing challenging behaviour. We did Network Training to help understand the behaviours of a boy who has a learning disability. His support workers, teachers and doctors came to think about what was making him show challenging behaviours. The people who came to the training thought that it was useful. Abstract Background: Network Training is an intervention that draws upon systemic ideas and behavioural principles to promote positive change in networks of support for people defined as having a learning disability. To date, there are no published case studies looking at the outcomes of Network Training. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the impact of Network Training on a network of support for a boy labelled as having learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, including sexually harmful behaviour. Participants in the Network training completed two questionnaires; one designed for this study and The Challenging Behaviours Attributions Scale at two baseline points and following the intervention. Results: Network Training led to positive changes in the confidence, understanding, strengths focus and joint working of the individual's network. There was no significant change in participants' CHABA scores. Conclusion: This case study provides preliminary evidence that Network Training may be of benefit to children labelled as having learning disabilities, and merits further investigation.