Martyn is a boy with special needs. He has problems which include:

• A short attention span
• Off task behaviour.
• Being inattentive and easily distracted.
• Seeing no consequence to his actions and not learning from his mistakes as other children do.
• Finding change of routine and change of personnel very difficult to cope with.

On the playground, and when he is eating Martyn finds it difficult to cope with the stimulation of other children around him.

When you are dealing with Martyn:-

• Be firm and consistent with him.
• Explain clearly the behaviour you require. You may have to show him.
• Praise him when he is conforming - every child likes this!
• Notice him and intervene early so that the situation does not escalate. You can do this by diverting, e.g. move him to another area and separate him from pupils who are antagonistic towards him (and vice versa).
• Diffuse the situation, e.g. talk about something else - TV, videos, cars etc.; hold his hand and walk him away until he is calm.
• Get to know him so that if you have to deal with him it will be easier as the relationship will be established.
• If he hurts another pupil send him to Mrs .....
• Be aware that he is not made a scapegoat by other pupils who know how to wind him up.