Parenting, Special Education

10 Alternatives to Restraining a Child with Special Needs

Special needs caregivers often report that they are reluctant or upset if they have to physically restrain their children in certain situations. The purpose of restraining is to keep something from continuing to take place, and is often a last resort. People wonder if there are ways to prevent the need for it at all. Here are 10 different strategies that parents and caregivers can try to minimize and avoid physical restraining their children:

1. Acknowledge your child’s frustration

Often behaviors that result in physical intervention are due to frustration - our children are communicating how they are feeling through their movements. It’s important to pay attention and respond to what they are trying to tell us. While children with special needs may not be able to say how they are feeling, we can label it for them.  Label simple emotions and a possible reason why. Example: “You are sad because the TV show is over.”

2. Find distractions

Show a toy or start an upcoming activity.  Sometimes this can help children who are stuck in transitions.  Transitions are hard because the individual is focused on what is ending instead of what is coming next.

3. Keep a steady voice and use simpler language

When our children are upset, keep your language simple. If possible, use consistent language and familiar phrases. Minimize long explanations or instructions. Think about when you are feeling upset and how it feels when another person is trying to calm you down: If they are talking too much, it also frustrates us and we are likely not hearing what they are saying. It is the same experience for our children. We also should be mindful of the tone and volume of our voices. Children will mirror our behaviors and emotions.

4. Find a calm space

If your child is still having a difficult time calming down, find a spot in the house where there are minimal distractions and stimuli. Create a space that is soothing and calming. Sometimes a break in a different space can help the child return to what they were doing before.

 5. Try not to take it personally

Another situation that restraints occur is when a child is physical towards another person, especially the parent or caregiver. Know that your child is not intentionally meaning to hurt you. If your child is aggressive towards you, gently guide their hands down and move yourself into a position so there is minimal impact.

 6. Use planned ignoring

Ignoring a behavior does not mean that we do not respond to what a child is doing in hopes that the behavior stops.  Instead, planned ignoring is an intentional decision to minimize our reactions to behavior we want to decrease. Focus on what you want the child to do instead of what you do not want them to do. Too many instructions in the moment will likely confuse the child or escalate behaviors. For example, a child throws a puzzle piece when we are asking them to complete a puzzle. Instead of having them pick up the puzzle piece or talking about how that was not a good choice, encourage him/her to finish the puzzle.

7. Give your child the chance to do it on his/her own

Children do not always want the adult to help them with a task, even if they do require the assistance.  Respect their desire to be their own person.  Give them time to try or observe the task first. Then ask if they want help or let them know you are going to help them, especially if you plan on using physical guidance.

8. Set activities up for success

Take time to assess if the tasks or situations in which behavior occurs can be modified for your child.  There is a possibility that your child could perceive the task as too difficult or too easy. Make the task interesting but also achievable for your child.

9. Minimize risk

If your child is demonstrating self-injurious behaviors, the ultimate priority is to keep him/her safe as possible.  This is often the reason why people end up using a physical hold for the behavior to stop.  However, stopping the movements may actually cause the behavior to continue or get worse. It is hard for them to learn new strategies in moments of stress. Instead of restraining movements, we can gently guiding our children’s movements so they do not hurt themselves. For example, if they throw themselves to the ground, allow them to do this, but guide them so that they do not hurt themselves. If there is head banging, put a pillow or use your hand to keep the head from hitting a hard surface.

10. Ask for Support

There may be other factors or considerations for your child where a more individualized approach is needed.  Contact your local community supports to speak with professionals and therapists who can provide insight and education about your child and family’s needs.