This module focuses on responses available to you when an individual in your care displays escalating behavior. When responding to the different levels of escalating behavior, it is important to be neither too lenient nor too aggressive. Make sure to measure your responses based on the level of danger you see displayed in the behavior of the escalating individual. Use the Minimum Impact Response, or the least amount of impact that keeps everyone safe.

We will discuss some generic responses that you can use as a guide in designing your own responses for each level of behavior. In addition to using the S.M.A.R.T Principles in guiding your responses, you will find that you can effectively use our other modules such as Offering Choices, Making a Clear Request, and Defusing Techniques to stay safe in any situation. All of these techniques are taught as separate modules in our Verbal Library. Always remember to look, listen, and test for cooperation at each level of the scale.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Describe the importance of analyzing behavior to determine what an individual is trying to communicate
• Describe the Minimum Impact Response and how it relates to the use of physical intervention
• Identify the appropriate staff response at each level of the behavior scale
• Provide at least two specific response actions for each level of the scale
• Describe how a trauma-informed approach maintains a culture of dignity and respect