If behaviors escalate into the peak/crisis phase, you should focus on calming and regulation.

• A. Punishment and control
• B. calming and regulation
• C. Confrontation and discipline
• D. Ignoring the behavior

Answer: (B)

During the peak or crisis moment, the priority is to calm and regulate the student’s nervous system. When arousal is high, reasoning and self-control are limited, so approaches that reduce intensity help keep everyone safe and set the stage for later problem-solving. Use a calm, steady voice, give brief, clear directions, offer space if safe, acknowledge feelings without judgment, and apply grounding or breathing techniques. Create a safer, quieter environment and remove immediate triggers if possible. Punishment or attempts at control tend to heighten fear and aggression and won’t de-escalate the situation. Confrontation and discipline increase tension and can provoke a corrective response that escalates the crisis. Ignoring the behavior can miss critical safety needs and delays the opportunity to help the student regain regulation. Focusing on calming and regulation is the most effective way to bring the situation back to a manageable level.