Challenging behaviour and severe learning difficulties

In Chapter 2 ‘Severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)’ we talked about a working definition of severe learning difficulties and stated that most learners with SLD (certainly those in special schools) will be functioning at levels between P4 and the very earliest levels of the UK National Curriculum and other similar models such as the Australian National Curriculum or a US Common Core Standards Curriculum. All of those defined as having SLD will have (often very severe) communication difficulties, and all will have problems with learning – especially in retaining information, maintaining concentration and understanding abstract concepts.