Screaming for Attention

About the Book

This book is a collection of true stories told by Chris Arnold, a behavioural consultant who works with people with developmental disabilities. Each story is unique and shows how people labelled with inappropriate, problematic, or even 'psychotic' behaviour may actually have very valid reasons for behaving the way they do. Each story tells how the author worked through the challenging behaviours to find the true motivation or meaning for that individual, and as a result, assist that person to change their behaviour for the better.

Some of the stories are humorous, some are sad, but most will cause the reader to stop and re-evaluate the way that they look at people with behaviour problems. The stories may even provide the reader with ideas for helping them deal with challenging behaviour in someone they know or love.

The underlying theme of the book is respect for people that behave or communicate differently from us. Recognizing that labelling people, using negative approaches, or isolating them because of the way they behave is not a solution. Instead we must truly look at the motivations for people's behaviour in order to truly understand them.

This book also contains a very valuable "useful resources" section that lists some excellent publications and websites on the topic of Non-Aversive Behaviour Management, Crisis Intervention, and Persons with Developmental Disabilities.

About the Author

• Certified BC Provincial Instructor (Adult Education)
• Bachelor of Science (psychology)
• Master level certified Instructor Ð Crisis Prevention Institute
• Director of PNGI, a successful employment /training company celebrating 10 years in 2002
• Past Treasurer/Executive Board of Directors Ð ASPECT Ð BC's Community Based Trainers

Chris is the director / co-owner of a successful consulting, training and employment agency in BC.

Chris has been working with people with disabilities for over 15 years, in residential and community based programs. As a behavioural consultant and instructor, Chris promotes the ideas of Non-Aversive Behaviour Management and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. His area of specialty is in dealing with aggressive and violent behaviours.

He is a dynamic speaker and passionate trainer, who has taught all over BC including presenting at Provincial and International conferences. Chris has written a number of training programs covering various topics of interest to persons in the human services and education fields.

Chris has worked with a number of industries around violence in the workplace including developing specialized training programs for the airline industry on responding to unruly passengers and the issue of air rage.

Chris is an 'advocate' for his friend ('Mac' from chapter 1 of this book) who lives in a group home in Terrace, BC.

He lives in a small community nestled in the mountains on the northwest coast of BC with his wife, Melanie, and their flock of exotic parrots. He is active in a number of community groups including the Greater Terrace Beautification Society. His relaxation hobby is gardening.