Episode 3: Behind the Behaviour: What’s really driving behaviours that challenge?

In this episode, Dr Marie Dunnion talks to Dr Stacey Bissell and Dr Kelly Wade about their research at the University of Birmingham, focusing on children with rare genetic syndromes and their families.Stacey and Kelly discuss how sleep, pain, and mental health issues can affect children’s behaviour – including Behaviours that Challenge (BtC) – and impact family life. They also share insights into how poor sleep can increase the likelihood of self-injury, aggression, and emotional outbursts, and explain how pain can influence behaviour. The conversation also offers practical advice on supporting children’s communication around pain.See below for links to resources, charities, support services, and related research:ResourcesCerebra: Get Your FREE Sleep Tips BookletCerebra: Sleep Advice Service Cerebra: Sleep - A Guide for ParentsCerebra: Sleep CardsCerebra Parent Carer Guide: Cognitive Difference: Cognitive Inflexibility and ImpulsivityCerebra Parent Carer Guide: Emotional Outbursts Cerebra: FLACC Pain Scale InfographicCerebra Parent Carer Guide: Managing challenging behaviour Cerebra Parent Carer Guide: Mental Health in Children with Rare Genetic Conditions Cerebra Parent Carer Guide: PainCerebra Parent Carer Guide: Self-injury in children with intellectual disabilityMy Communication Passport – a practical and person-centred way of supporting children, young people and adults who cannot easily speak for themselves.Charities and Support ServicesCerebra Charity Website – the national charity dedicated to helping children with brain conditions and their families discover a better life together.The Challenging Behaviour Foundation – for children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour might be described as challenging, and their families.Sibs – for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults.SMS Foundation UK – supporting SMS families for a positive future.Unique - understanding rare chromosome and gene disorders.ResearchRESEARCH | Cerebra Network – there are a number of projects happening across the network.Distress and challenging behavior in people with profound or severe intellectual disability and complex needs: Assessment of causes and evaluation of intervention outcomesBehaviours that Challenge in SATB2-associated Syndrome: Correlates of Self-injury, Aggression and Property DestructionThe Persistence of Self-injurious and Aggressive Behavior in Males with Fragile X Syndrome Over 8 Years: A Longitudinal Study of Prevalence and Predictive Risk MarkersKate Eden, et al.’s study: Self-injury and aggression in tuberous sclerosis complex: cross syndrome comparison and associated risk markersFollow-up study by Wilde, et al.: Persistence of self-injury, aggression and property destruction in children and adults with tuberous sclerosis complexFunders: The Objective Actigraphy Study in Sleep of Children with Intellectual Disability and their Siblings (OASIS) Project was funded by The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund.For any enquiries, please complete the contact form on our website: CONTACT | Cerebra Network