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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Positive supports for behavioural change
Module Code NUR1005 (ITS: NS309)
Faculty Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health School Science & Health
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module will broaden and deepen the students knowledge, attitudes and skills for understanding and supporting individuals with intellectual disability and behaviours that challenge. The concepts and evidence base of challenging behaviour will be examined and the support needs of practitioners and carers will be explored. It is an interactive module with opportunities to develop a range of skills applicable in this area. The third year student is expected to build on previous reading, knowledge and experiences in clinical practice. Students are expected to undertake required reading, attend and engage in class, participate in group discussions, presentations, simulations and role play.

Learning Outcomes

1. Examine theoretical perspectives that have shaped understanding of why and how individuals with intellectual disability display challenging behaviour.
2. Explain the challenges associated with and appropriate responses to assessing individuals with intellectual disability who display challenging behaviour.
3. Appraise a range of multi-elemental interventions consistent with the Positive Behavioural Support approach for people with intellectual disability and behaviours that challenge
4. Debate the use of physical interventions in caring for an individual who displays challenging behaviour
5. Explore particular challenges and supports for people with autism with behaviours that challenge
6. Examine the role and contribution of nursing within a multi-disciplinary response to an individual with intellectual disability and behaviours that challenging


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24lectures
Tutorial3student/tutor led
Seminars3student /tutor led
Independent Study87student self direction
Directed learning4In class and end of semester examinaton
Independent Study20Database searches
Independent Study40Essential /Supplemental reading
Independent Study20preparation for assessments
Independent Study7Group study
Total Workload: 208
Section Breakdown
CRN20521Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorLiz HartnettModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Completion of online activitycompletion of online behaviour that challenges module10%n/a
Formal ExaminationStudents will write end of semester examination90%End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Classification of intellectual disability /challenging behaviour.
Theoretical perspectives

Vulnerability
Are people with challenging behaviour vulnerable? Safeguarding

Maintaining dignity and respect for the person with challenging behaviour.
The Law, professional code of conduct, ethical principles

Assessment, observation and recording of challenging behaviour.
Functional assessment. Tools: ABC assessment, Use of a Scatter Plot, Reinforcement inventory, Motivational Assessment Scale and Analogue assessment. Triangulation of data and development of hypotheses.

Contemporary thinking about challenging behaviour
Positive behaviour support /Multi-elemental approaches , gentle teaching, de-escalation, breakaway techniques and physical interventions.

Behaviour as a means of communication
Functional communication training

Introduction to the behavioural and cognitive behavioural approach to challenging behaviour.
Principles of classical and operant conditioning. review of skill teaching, shaping, chaining reinforcement

Challenging behaviour and autism
Exploring particular difficulties experienced by people with autism e.g flexibility of thinking and behaviour, poor socialisation and interactional skills and communication. Communicating expectations, using structure, coping with change

The role of humanistic and person-centred psychology in developing a holistic view of behaviour.
Person-centered Planning

Role of the nurse
Trans-disciplinary approaches to the management and evaluation of behavioural programmes. Working in teams. The nursing management of an individual with challenging behaviour.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Fintan Sheerin,Carmel Doyle: 2023, Intellectual Disabilities: Health and Social Care Across the Lifespan, Springer, New York, 0,
  • Ruth Northway,Paula Hopes: 2022, Learning Disability Nursing, Routledge, London, 0,
  • Eric Emerson, Stewart Einfeld: 2011, Challenging Behaviour, 3rd, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 250, 0521728932
  • Steve Hardy and Theresa Joyce.: 2011, Challenging behaviour and people with learning disabilities, Pavillion,


Articles:
  • Selected reading will be provided: 0, 522571
  • 0: Positive Behaviour Support, Journal of Positive Behaviour Support,
Other Resources

  • 1: websites etc, http://www.bild.org.uk/, British Institute of Learning Disabilities,
  • 419229: 1, website, Towards a restraint free environment,
  • http://www.hiqa.ie/system/files/Towards-restraint-free-environment-nursing-homes.pdf:

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