Non Use of Restrictive Practices
SBT recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals with disabilities and acknowledges that trauma can influence behavior, emotions, and overall well-being. A trauma-informed approach within SBT involves creating a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing, empowerment, and resilience. Applied Behaviour Analysis professionals employing SBT take into account the potential triggers and sensitivities, adapting interventions to ensure that individuals feel safe, validated, and respected throughout the treatment process. This trauma-informed lens allows for a more holistic and individualized approach to skill development and behavior change.
In other words
The view is taken that those with a disability suffer from trauma and this can influence behaviour, their wellbeing and emotions. By understanding this effect, behaviour therapists encourage a level of freedom so they feel respected, safe and validated. Trust and communication is developed where triggers for problematic behaviour are identified and non traumatic interventions are implemented.
There is no requirement to use restraints or restrictive practices as this would be detrimental to the process. Initial avoidance of triggers is used. If there is a display of problematic behaviour, time is given to settle and calm down. Extreme situations may require protection from injury. In these cases the child would be protected but never restrained.