Case
Self-abuse

I have an ESE student that hits himself in the head at random. He also bangs his for arms on the bottom of the desk. I am new to this student, and I am trying out some new techniques with him. One of his teachers has told me that he is doing these behaviors for attention. I would like to pursue some other avenues in order to explore his intentions. Do I listen to the veteran teacher, or do I follow my instincts?

Posted on: 10/10/16 | Views: 1288
Solution #1
Top Solution
I think you should take the veteran teacher's information into account and then look into his IEP for possible information, too. Pursue you own avenues because what has occurred in the past has not made the student stop the behavior. If he is able to control the behavior, develop a positive plan to encourage him to not self-harm.

I agree that taking a look at this history may be the first step in to figuring about best to approach this student and what has and hasn't worked in the past, etc.

Some students do just want attention but regardless of that, the student is still harming themselves and that must be addressed. Speak to guidance counselors and their special ed teacher to learn more about their behavior and why they do it. if you know why, you can always recommend a different alternative and teach the student how to express themselves in a healthy manner.

53 1
Solution #2
Top Solution
While it is good to hear out other teachers for their opinions he is still your responsibility. If he is hurting himself it should either be in his IEP and should give reasons and way to prevent. If it isn't then one you need to stop the action before he does something too damaging, contact both administrators and the parent so everyone is in the loop and find a good way for him to vent this kind of behavior. I have been in a classroom with a student that has a tendency to self and this particular student has a aide with him at all times to prevent this kind of behavior but this situation is also inside an ESE specific building and he would considered severely or profoundly handicapped.

I would do this if I were in this same situation. It is important to take the other teacher's thoughts into consideration but you should also pursue your own avenues.

Exploring and find out about their IEP will help you know the situation and how to fix it. Take everything that is said about the student in account from an authoritative figure in the school. Always refer to their parents and special ed teacher if they do leave the classroom from time to time.

I think this is a good solution.

25 0
Solution #3
This behavior could possibly be related to ASD. I would try and get to know more about the student to decipher whether he is actually doing it for attention or not. I think you should listen to the veteran teacher to an extent, but following your instincts to find out why he is doing it and/or how to help prevent the behavior is a good idea too.

sometimes following your own instincts is important. Taking the teacher's thoughts into consideration is good, but also the teacher may have a much different view and perspective than you or another teacher would have.

9 4
Solution #4
I believe it is good to have ideas and previous tactics from the veteran teacher, but I do also believe it is important to try your own thing and see if you're able to handle the situation differently. It is very important to include the parent in on any changes as well.

It is a good thing to be proactive and try different methods in your own style to see how the student reacts. Asking the teacher what they already do that helps will be good and help you try and find similar solutions to the child's behavior.

5 0
Solution #5
Always take what others say with you but also follow your intuition. Maybe looking into this student's IEP would give you some necessary insight.

Gaining information and insight will assist you in making decisions. There are a lot of ways one can take this situation that will help. It is always a trial and error sort of thing with each student. Some are easier to deal with than others.

3 0
Solution #6
Find a space and an outlet for the student to release the frustrations. Create incentives to using the coping mechanism and not hurting themselves. Do not give extra attention for the misbehavior as to take in to account of what the classroom teacher says but find a way for the student to find another physical outlet. Stress balls, going into the hall for jumping jacks or sprints or an area away from watching peers.
2 0
Solution #7
I think that I would take in consideration of what the veteran teacher said however I would also follow my instincts. I would test out somethings and observe and make my own conclusion from the behaviors that he displays. I would also find something to calm him whenever he starts to self-destruct.
1 0
Solution #8
Take the advice of the veteran teacher, but also follow your instinct. You are the one in the classroom now, therefore you know what is occurring. It is important to keep the students safe, so follow your instinct.
1 0
Solution #9
I would take what the previous teacher has told you into account but you need to make your own observation to come up with what you think would be the best thing to do for this student.
0 0
Solution #10
I would follow the veteran teacher, but if the student continues to do these actions even when you aren't giving him attention from it, I would try what you are suggesting and explore his intentions. Contacting a parent might help as well, they may know why. It could be a tick, etc.
0 0
Solution #11
Follow your instincts. It could be that what they are doing to work with the student is not working and that is why the behavior is continuing. Trying something new may be what works for this student and what they needed in the long run.
0 0
Solution #12
I think that you should talk with some other adults involved with the child. This could be another person on the IEP team, an aid that works with him regularly, or anyone else. Maybe they have other strategies to deal with the situation. If there are no other suggestions, bring up with the veteran teacher that you may want to try something different, and ask for some advice!
0 0
Solution #13
I would do a little of both just to be on the safe side. Talk to him and get him help. There is always reason as to why students act a certain way and I feel you should get to the bottom of it.
0 1
Solution #14
Try contacting the parents about the situation and possibly referring the student to see the school's guidance counselor.
0 1
Solution #15
I have a student that does this as well. My CT tells me it is because he is on the Autism spectrum. She suggests, trying to make sure he is fully engaged in lessons, and if you notice the student hitting them self, then to find a way to gently redirect them back to the lesson.
0 5