Down Syndrome & Aggressive Behavior

People with Down syndrome sometimes have trouble communicating and getting their needs met. Combined with a possible lack of impulse control, this can sometimes result in frustration and aggression. Providing alternative behavior options can alleviate the problem and improve communication lines for everyone involved.

Identification

• Aggressive behavior is anything done with the intent of causing harm to another person. Examples include hitting, biting or scratching.

Cause

• Behaviors serve a function that can be categorized into one of three categories: avoidance, attention seeking or fulfillment of some type of sensory need.

Solution

• By determining the function of the behavior, you can provide an appropriate replacement behavior. For example, if a child with Down syndrome hits someone whenever he feels overwhelmed, the boy can be provided with a way to ask for a break before becoming aggressive.

Prevention

• Providing a way for people with Down syndrome to communicate and have control in their lives can reduce aggressive behavior by allowing them to get their needs met.

Considerations

• It is important to ensure all health issues are considered when trying to understand unexplained aggression. Pain or discomfort might be difficult for a person with Down syndrome to express.