A person's behaviour can be defined as "challenging" if it puts them or those around them (such as their carer) at risk, or leads to a poorer quality of life. It can also impact their ability to join in everyday activities. Challenging behaviour can include:

• aggression
• self-harm
• destructiveness
• disruptiveness

Challenging behaviour is often seen in people with health problems that affect communication and the brain, such as learning disabilities.

What can you do to help?

As a carer, try to understand why the person you look after is behaving in this way. For example, they might feel anxious or bored, or be in pain.

If you can recognise the early warning signs, you may be able to prevent behavioural outbursts.

For example, if being in a large group of people makes your child feel anxious and they become agitated, you could arrange for them to be in a smaller group or have 1-to-1 support.

Some people find a distraction can focus a person's energies elsewhere and prevent them displaying challenging behaviour.

Your child might behave in a challenging way to get your attention. If this is the case, consider not responding directly to their behaviour – although you should not ignore them completely. But if their behaviour puts them or someone else at risk, you'll need to intervene as calmly as possible.

Professional help

If you're finding it hard to cope with the behaviour of your child, ask a GP to refer you to a specialist.

The specialist will want to know what situations or people trigger the behaviour, what the early warning signs are, and what happens afterwards.

In extreme circumstances – for example, if your child's behaviour is harmful to themselves or others and all methods of calming them have been tried – a doctor may prescribe medicine. If you're concerned about the side effects of medicine, speak to your child's GP.

Tips for carers

• seek support – many organisations for children with learning disabilities have schemes to connect carers with others in a similar situation
• share your experiences – contact your local carers support group or call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053
• get respite care for your child so you can take a break. Your local council can provide respite care after a care needs assessment, or a carer's assessment for you. Find your local council on GOV.UK
• keep in touch with friends and family members – they can be an important source of practical and emotional support
• do not be tempted to restrain the person you look after unless you believe their behaviour is putting them at risk and they do not have the mental ability or capacity to make a decision