ABOUT OUR LEGEND

Primary Diagnoses:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 3) – requiring very high support across all areas of daily living

• Severe Intellectual Disability – functional impairment in adaptive, learning, and communication skills

• ADHD

• Global Developmental Delay

• Sensory Processing Disorder – strong sensory-seeking and avoidant behaviours

• Functional Bowel Concerns

Risk considerations:

• Autism Spectrum DisoBehavioural Triggers

  • Pinching, grabbing, hair pulling, and occasional sexualised behaviours (thrusting, lack of personal space) when dysregulated or overstimulated.

  • Escalation is likely when toileting support is required, especially during faecal smearing incidents.

  • Distress and aggression triggered by changes in routine, loud environments, or medical settings.

  • Resistance and unsafe behaviours during personal care tasks.

  Environmental Factors

  • Home environment subject to ongoing property damage.

  • High sensory-seeking behaviour (e.g. scratching walls, throwing food, over-eating) impacts safety and hygiene.

  Safety Concerns

  • Requires 2:1 staffing at all times for safe manual handling and behavioural support.

  • High risk of injury to staff or family during escalations due to adolescent’s size and strength.

  • Unsafe manual handling risks if untrained staff attempt toileting or mobility assistance without guidance.

  • Limited communication abilities → frustration often escalates to physical behaviours.

  Medical & Care-Related Risks

  • Ongoing leg injuries impacting mobility, increasing reliance on staff for transfers → heightened risk of falls or improper handling.

  • Encopresis and chronic constipation requiring continence management and increased personal care.

  • Requires staff trained in choking and feeding risks due to history of food refusal and sensory-driven food-seeking.

  • High risk of medical appointment failures due to behavioural escalation; sedation often required.

  Other Considerations

  • All staff must be trauma-informed, patient, directive, and confident in setting firm but safe boundaries.

  • Clear incident reporting is essential to track behavioural patterns and inform safe strategies.