Navigating Crisis

Question 1

What is a crisis?

Answer 1

A situation that poses immediate risk to a person’s safety

Question 2

What are potential triggers of a crisis?

Answer 2

trauma triggers; sensory overload; relationships to others; unmet needs; changes in routine; academic barriers

Question 3

What are potential precursor behaviors to a crisis?

Answer 3

Refusal; low-level physical aggression; yelling/shouting; not listening to instructions; making threats; pacing; heavy/rapid breathing; withdrawn; crying

Question 4

What are the 6 phases of a crisis?

Answer 4

baseline, escalation, peak, de-escalation, recovery, return to baseline

Question 5

In which phase of a crisis is intervention recommended?

Answer 5

escalation

Question 6

What are signs of escalation?

Answer 6

physiological changes (sweating, increased energy); behavioral changes (aggression; body language; non-compliance)

Question 7

At which phase of a crisis is responsive intervention necessary?

Answer 7

Peak

Question 8

What is the peak stage of a crisis?

Answer 8

Behavior is at its worst; thus, it is at its most destructive, loudest, and can cause the greatest risk of harm

Question 9

What are some signs that a crisis is in the de-escalation stage?

Answer 9

physiological changes and behavioral changes (e.g., tension releasing and crying)

Question 10

What is the goal of the de-escalation stage?

Answer 10

To help the student regain control of their environment and themselves

Question 11

De-escalation involves which of the following:

Answer 11

keep you, the student, and other people safe; reducing additional triggers

Question 12

When a child does not seem rational, the best way to de-escalate them is through

Answer 12

not instructing them; meeting the child where they are at; remaining neutral and calm

Question 13

Other de-escalation tips include

Answer 13

demonstrating appropriate body language and recognizing when physiological changes can occur

Question 14

Before a crisis, one can do the following,

Answer 14

be aware of the environment; see if there’s a behavior plan; use antecedent strategies

Question 15

What are examples of antecedent strategies to use before a crisis?

Answer 15

building rapport; using “do” language; setting clear expectations; clear visual schedule with reinforcers

Question 16

During a crisis, one should do the following:

Answer 16

Appear calm; maintain a neutral body position (neutral and open hands that are still); being aware of one’s environment; consider WAIT (WHY AM I TALKING) and let the student talk; give clear directions; use a calm tone of voice; avoid a power struggle

Question 17

After a crisis, one should do the following:

Answer 17

Make sure the student is back at their baseline behavior; do repairs of relationships or peers; debrief student and team