learning disabilities

Challenging Behaviour Assessment:

A Mental health and behavioural difficulties screening questionnaire for Young people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder

About the Screening Tool

We have developed a short simple questionnaire that is made up of risk factors for challenging behaviours / mental health difficulties from both research and our clinical practice. The questionnaire can be used at any time by anyone but might be helpful for use at annual reviews, a general assessment or when concerns arise.

The questionnaire is made up of a series of statements that are responded to as:

• Present

• Somewhat present

• Not present 

Recommendations for the young person: 

In response to any statements that are marked as present or sometimes present, recommendations are made and an Action Plan can be developed. A Positive Behaviour Support Plan is always a good place to start. You can select 2 to 3 areas to focus on - or just 1 area at a time.

Lots of the recommendations help to prevent later challenging behaviours and mental health difficulties. Often it is about:

• Altering an environment to fit a young person’s needs

• Developing coping strategies and everyday life skills

• Developing and supporting communication (both receptive and expressive skills)

• And increasing quality of life generally