Dolly Bhargava

A for Attention-Seeking Dolly Bhargava

Attention-seeking behaviour can take many forms. For example, it can be a child talking, seeking validation, making noises, raising their hand, clowning around, blurting out, needing someone to help, teach or watch them do something, tattling, provoking a confrontation, incessantly questioning, bullying or teasing, and telling fantastical stories or exaggerated unrealistic experiences. Attention-seeking behaviour becomes a concern when any or all of the following occur:
-the frequency (i.e. how often a child exhibits attention-seeking behaviour) becomes excessive
-the duration (i.e. how long each incident of the attention-seeking behaviour lasts) becomes excessive
-the intensity (i.e. the strength of the attention-seeking behaviour) escalates from minor behaviours into extreme behaviours.
The attention-seeking behaviour negatively impacts the child's participation in activities, interaction with others, their day-to-day functioning and development.
Based on the evidence-based Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach this user-friendly guide, A for Attention-Seeking will help you develop a comprehensive PBS plan step-by-step:
1. How to identify the reasons for the attention-seeking behaviour (assess),
2. How to respond when the attention-seeking behaviour occurs (manage), and
3. How to minimise or eliminate the occurrence of attention-seeking behaviour (prevent). Use the practical tools (checklists, forms and strategies) provided to develop comprehensive PBS plans that can be used to support children of all ages consistently in all contexts. This invaluable resource is useful for parents, caregivers, educators in childcare, early childhood, primary and secondary schools, disability, mental health, allied health and supervisory professionals.