The ‘STAR Approach’ to the management of dysregulated behaviour first appeared in Problem Behaviour and People with Severe Learning Disabilities: The STAR Approach by Ewa Zarkowska and John Clements (1994).
We use the tool to identify the learner’s strengths and patterns of dysregulation before we formulate an understanding of what factors contribute to emotional dysregulation and the purpose of associate behaviours. This analysis will include:
- a description of typical dysregulated behaviours
- the results the behaviour appears to achieve
- apparent triggers for emotional dysregulation
- environmental setting
- personal context
- related skill deficits which contribute to dysregulated behaviour.
The STAR Observation Tool should be followed with the STAR Analysis of Dysregulated Behaviour. These observations can be used to inform Emotional Regulation or Stress Management Plans and Individual Risk Assessments.
