Beyond the Behavior: Understanding and Responding to Intimate or Unexpected Behaviors for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Workshop Description

What do you do when a person with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) engages in private body-related behavior in a public space, touches others without permission, or engages in other intimate or unexpected behaviors that leave staff or family members unsure how to respond?

For educators and families, these situations can be especially challenging. People with I/DD may have fewer opportunities to learn these skills and may lack access to lessons adapted to their learning and communication needs. Too often, staff and family members are left reacting to behaviors rather than understanding what the person is trying to communicate or what skills they need to learn.

This interactive workshop moves beyond simply managing behaviors to understanding and teaching. Through real-life scenarios and group discussions, participants will explore what may be behind intimate or unexpected behaviors, including curiosity, sensory needs, communication challenges, and gaps in relationship and body education. You will learn practical, respectful strategies for responding in the moment and teaching essential skills related to public and private behaviors, body awareness, boundaries, and healthy relationships.

Whether you are a teacher, support professional, or family member, you will leave with greater confidence, practical teaching tools, and strategies you can use right away to support students' learning, dignity, safety, and personal development.

Learning Objectives

• Identify possible reasons behind intimate or unexpected behaviors, including unmet learning needs, sensory needs, and communication challenges, to guide appropriate responses.

• Demonstrate respectful, practical strategies for responding to private behaviors in public settings while supporting students' dignity, privacy, and safety.

• Identify and apply accessible teaching strategies to teach public and private behaviors, boundaries, and healthy relationships to students.

Workshop Date and Time

Tuesday, March 9, 2027

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Eastern Time (please note your time zone)

This is a 90-minute online event for professionals, administrators, self-advocates, parents, etc. We use Zoom to deliver the workshop. There will be an opportunity for questions and live engagement with the presenter

Access Instructions

After you register, you will get a confirmation email with instructions on how to access the workshop. You must have a stable internet connection to join, or you can call in via phone. Please check your spam folder if you do not get an email confirmation from us after you register.

Accommodation Requests

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all participants. If you require accommodations to fully participate in this training, please notify us at the time of registration by contacting us via email at helaine@elevatustraining.com or by calling 603-399-5777. Please note that accommodations requested within two weeks of the training start date cannot be guaranteed.