Behavior Strategy

 Challenging Behavior - Emotional Dysregulation

Strategy - The Scream Box

As Behavior Professionals, we are always looking for positive strategies and tools to provide to the people we support and their teams. This month we would like to share one of our favorite strategies from our staff for one aspect of Emotional Dysregulation - Anger and Frustration.  It’s called “The Scream Box”

The scream box is a safe, healthy and even sometimes fun way to let out all of the build up anger and/or frustration from someone’s body.  Here is what you will need and how it works:

You will need

• Use one medium size cardboard box (the size will vary, depending on the size of the person).

• Packing or painting tape to be sure it is securely closed.

• If the supported person wants to write or draw on it, you will need pens or crayons, as well. If they want to decorate it in some other way, you will need the decorative supplies.

How to use it

Be proactive - talk about the scream box and how to use it. 

• It is best if the supported person uses the box in a location is away from others and is safe for the person to throw the box, if they want to.

• Practice with the box.  If it would be helpful, scream in a box with them to normalize the process.

• Have the box or boxes in a place that is easily accessible for when  needed.

• Prompt - when the supported person starts showing the beginning signs of frustration or anger, ask them if they would like to use their Scream Box.

• They can scream into it, smash it, and throw it (if it is safe to do in the area they are in).

• They can dispose of the box however they would like.

• Once they are done allow them to de-escalate, thank them for using the strategy and offer one of the following:

• To talk about what they were angry/frustrated by.

• A drink or favorite snack.

• Time alone to process (if it is safe for them to do so.

• To do a soothing activity, or any other activity that helps bring them back to baseline.