ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at how adults can minimise the difficulties involved when someone responds to a 'match' or 'trigger' and when the beginnings of an angry outburst could escalate into an aggressive incident. The escalation stage is the time at which the body is preparing itself physiologically for 'fight or flight'. Adrenalin is released into the body, the muscles tense, breathing becomes rapid and blood pressure rises. The crisis stage is the stage at which the pupil is completely unable to make rational judgements or to demonstrate any empathy with others. Intervening in the early stages of an outburst stands a much better chance of averting a crisis than leaving things to develop. This is where identifying early warning signs could be helpful in reducing the likelihood of things escalating. Children who have little or no anger control are trying to meet these needs, but in doing so are less likely to meet them without violating best interests of others.
