Eropa

Behavioral problems associated with physical disabilities

People with a physical disability sometimes have great difficulty accepting their disability. Some will never be able to do this, for others it will take some time. When someone is faced with a physical disability, this has considerable influence on their behavior. Problem behavior arises from frustration and powerlessness. What used to be normal is now no longer possible or with adjustments. This is unbearable for many.

The problem behavior

There are different forms of problem behavior that occur:

  • a person may exhibit claiming behavior (the person claims himself to others and fully demands the other for help)
  • anxiety attacks may occur (afraid of losing even more, of not being able to do anything anymore, of not being accepted by others)
  • aggressiveness (evil due to the disability, which suddenly makes it seem less possible, life has to be adjusted)
  • passive behavior (the person no longer feels like doing anything, feels useless and no longer does anything of his own accord)
  • cynicism (trying to undermine the problem/disability through humor and make it less serious)

 

Problem behavior in children

The above behavioral problems also occur in children, but in children there is another important aspect that contributes to problem behavior. This is the role of the parent.

When a parent suddenly has a child with a disability, the parent also has to process and accept this. This does not yet cause any problems with the child’s behavior. It does happen when the parent no longer dares to set boundaries. The child becomes spoiled because the parent does not dare to say what is right or wrong, what is or is not allowed. The parent does not want to hurt or disappoint the child (again).

A parent who cannot accept the child’s disability will also cause problem behavior. The child will feel rejected and in turn will also have difficulty with acceptance. Following this, the child will adopt a withdrawn posture.

Another point where parents play a role in problem behavior is patronizing the child. The parent does not let the child do anything and takes care of everything, afraid that something will go wrong. It is often thought that the child cannot do anything. As it were, the child is ‘kept small’. When the child grows older, the problems of this parental role emerge, the child demands its own space, which can be accompanied by aggression.

Dealing with problem behavior

A disabled person with problem behavior has a major impact on the entire family, and an assistance agency is often called in to learn to deal with this. As a parent and care provider, it is important to pay attention to the following points:

  • the problem behavior does not just happen, the person feels despondent, frustrated or sad. Don’t take this behavior personally. The person with a disability needs an outlet and will do this with the person who is nearby at the time. Show understanding and give space for these reactions.
  • set clear boundaries if you notice that the person is stuck in certain behavior.
  • pay close attention to your own behavior. Your behavior can be strongly influenced by someone with problem behavior. Continue to pay attention to your reactions and check whether they were permissible at that time. Sometimes a lot can be learned from your own reactions to the problem behavior. For example, about your own acceptance and dealing with the disability.