Calming a storm

Aim

This article aims to describe the correct and effective use of desensitizing techniques

Objectives

This article meets GDC development outcome A

When we talk about dementia and additional needs, do we truly understand that there is a range of conditions to which these words apply? Dementia UK tells us that there are more than 200 subtypes of dementia – the five most common are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia (Dementia UK).

Additional needs can be complex and cover a broad spectrum. These needs do not discriminate and can affect any gender or age. Whilst challenging behaviour can present itself at any moment, it is the understanding and approach that can calm a situation and gain compliance. Sensory differences can have a profound effect on behaviour and everyday situations and these differences can be over or under sensitive, or both in some cases.