Top Six Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors (and How to Help!)
Explore the root causes of problematic classroom behaviors and discover potential solutions. Download an in-depth checklist that will help you address these challenges effectively.
Spending Most of the Day Handling Disruptive Behaviors?
You are not alone! The number one request we get from special educators is for tips on how to quell problematic classroom behaviors. To most effectively address disruptive behaviors, it is important to understand the underlying causes.
In this resource, we'll dive into the top 6 causes (like difficulties with communication, sensory processing issues or social skills challenges) so you can address those causes and prevent the behaviors from happening in the first place.
Spending Most of the Day Handling Disruptive Behaviors?
You are not alone! The number one request we get from special educators is for tips on how to quell problematic classroom behaviors. To most effectively address disruptive behaviors, it is important to understand the underlying causes.
In this resource, we'll dive into the top 6 causes (like difficulties with communication, sensory processing issues or social skills challenges) so you can address those causes and prevent the behaviors from happening in the first place.
Understanding the Root Causes
Problematic and disruptive behaviors in a special education classroom can stem from a variety of underlying causes, often intertwined and influenced by the individual needs and circumstances of each student.
In this series, we'll explore the following causes and provide actionable solutions you can implement today:
- Communication challenges
- Sensory processing issues
- Social skills differences
- Environmental factors
- Teacher-student relationships
- Executive functioning needs
Communication Difficulties
Root Causes:
- Limited Language Skills: Students with speech and language impairments may struggle to express their needs, frustrations, or emotions, leading to disruptive behaviors as a form of communication. This means that students with limited language skills are often unable to get needs met using language so they might turn to challenging behaviors as a means to get what they need.
- Students who struggle with communication may become frustrated and act out if they feel misunderstood or ignored.
Actionable Steps: [Click to learn more!]
Sensory Processing Issues
Root Causes:
- Overstimulation: Students with sensory processing disorders might find the classroom environment overwhelming due to noise, lighting, or other sensory inputs, leading to behaviors as they attempt to self-regulate.
- Understimulation: Conversely, some students may seek additional sensory input, engaging in disruptive behaviors to meet these needs.
Actionable Steps: [Link to more!]
Social Skill Differences
Root Causes:
- Difficulty Interacting with Peers: Students with autism spectrum disorder or other social communication differences may struggle with engaging, maintaining and ending peer interactions, leading to conflicts or socially inappropriate behaviors.
- Misinterpretation of Social Cues: Some students may misinterpret social cues and respond inappropriately, causing disruptions.
Actionable Steps: [Link to more!]
Environmental Factors
Root Causes:
- Classroom Layout and Structure: With executive functioning differences, the classroom can be a highly distracting setting. Too much visual input and stimuli can cause students to struggle attending to tasks or follow directions. A classroom environment that is not conducive to the needs of students with disabilities can lead to confusion and disruptive behaviors.
- Transitions: Transitions between activities or changes in routine can be particularly challenging for students with certain disabilities, leading to behaviors as they attempt to cope.
Actionable Steps: [Click here!]
Teacher-Student Relationship
Root Causes:
- Lack of Connection or Trust: Students who do not feel a positive connection with their teacher may be more likely to exhibit disruptive behaviors.
- Inadequate Support: If students do not feel adequately supported or understood by their teacher, they may act out as a way to gain attention or express their needs.
Actionable Steps: [Click here!]
Executive Functioning
Root Causes:
- Struggle with Managing Multi-Step Tasks: Students with executive functioning challenges often struggle with following multi-step instructions. These difficulties can lead to frustration, incomplete tasks, and behaviors that interfere with classroom learning.
- Self Regulation Challenges: Students who lack self-regulation may struggle to manage their emotions and behavior when faced with challenges.
Actionable Steps: [Click here!]
Understanding the causes underlying disruptive behaviors is crucial for developing effective strategies to address and reduce then in your classroom. Problem behaviors don’t have to dominate the classroom environment. Once you have identified the root causes of your students’ behaviors, use the practical and actionable strategies linked above in your classroom to quell these behaviors. You've got this!
Ready for actionable strategies in a handy checklist format?
Download our checklist Essential Strategies for Reducing Disruptive Classroom Behaviors.