Recognising Behaviour as Distress in Practice – A Discussion Paper
The National Autistic Taskforce (2024)
Content Warning: Due to the use of the term “behaviour that challenges” by social care setting the term is referred to by the authors. PBS is discussed.
This discussion paper explores the issues of inappropriate detention of Autistic people in institutional care settings and social care settings response to “behaviour that challenges”. The authors stress that current approaches can be distressing and traumatic and are largely ineffective in reducing Autistic inpatient numbers, they also do not prevent placement breakdown nor reduce the use of restraint. Through examining the problem from an Autistic perspective, the authors propose a rights-based approach to care. They call for the universal adoption of the National Autistic Taskforce’s “An independent guide to quality care for autistic people” with a focus on recommendation 7, which advocates recognising behaviour as distress. The authors also examine the use of PBS in the support of Autistic people. They argue that care should promote autonomy, reduce stress and distress and support Autistic people to have a meaningful life, rather than behavioural management.
