Every person experiences and responds to the world differently. Behaviour may be influenced by communication abilities, sensory needs, health, emotions, relationships, past experiences, and the surrounding environment. Positive behaviour support services help identify what a person may be communicating through their behaviour and develop individualised strategies that promote safety, participation, independence, and an improved quality of life.

Recognise That Every Person Is Different

Two individuals may show similar behaviours for completely different reasons. One person may leave a room because the noise feels overwhelming, while another may leave because they do not understand the activity or need a break.

Effective support should never be based on assumptions or a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires an understanding of the individual’s:

Learning about the whole person helps supporters develop strategies that are relevant, respectful, and practical.

Understand Behaviour as Communication

Behaviour often communicates information that a person cannot easily express through words. Refusing an activity may mean that it feels confusing, painful, or overwhelming. Repeatedly asking the same question may be an attempt to gain reassurance.

Other behaviours may communicate:

Instead of focusing only on stopping the behaviour, supporters should ask what the person may need and how that need can be addressed.

Identify Possible Triggers

A trigger is an event, feeling, situation, or environmental factor that may contribute to a behaviour. Triggers can be immediate or may build gradually over time.

Common triggers include:

Observing what happens before, during, and after a behaviour can help identify patterns. Supporters should record facts rather than labels. For example, “the person left the table after being asked to begin the task” provides more useful information than “the person was uncooperative.”

Use Individualised Communication

Communication should match the person’s understanding, abilities, and preferred method. Some individuals communicate through speech, while others may use signs, gestures, pictures, written words, facial expressions, or communication devices.

Helpful communication strategies may include:

Supporters should respond consistently when the person communicates appropriately. If a request for help or a break is repeatedly ignored, the person may rely on behaviour that has previously gained a response.

Create Predictable Routines

Predictability can reduce uncertainty and help individuals understand what is happening throughout the day. This can be particularly helpful for people who find unexpected changes difficult.

Supporters can create predictable routines by using:

Predictability does not mean that every day must be identical. It means preparing the person for what will happen and providing enough information to manage changes more comfortably.

Offer Meaningful Choices

Having choice and control is important for dignity and independence. A person may become distressed when decisions are constantly made for them or when their preferences are not respected.

Choices can be offered about:

Choices should be genuine and manageable. Offering too many options may feel overwhelming, so two clear alternatives may be more helpful for some individuals.

Adjust the Environment

Environmental conditions can strongly influence behaviour. Noise, lighting, crowding, temperature, and visual distractions may affect a person’s ability to feel comfortable and participate.

Possible adjustments include:

Environmental changes are not about lowering expectations. They remove unnecessary barriers and create better conditions for participation.

Teach Practical Alternative Skills

If a behaviour helps a person communicate or meet a need, they require another effective way to achieve the same outcome. Simply asking the person to stop may leave the underlying need unresolved.

Alternative skills may include:

Skills should be taught when the person is calm and able to learn. They should also be practised regularly and reinforced consistently.

Respond Calmly During Distress

When a person is distressed, supporters should remain calm and focus on immediate safety. Speaking loudly, arguing, or providing lengthy explanations may increase pressure.

Depending on the individual and the situation, helpful responses may include:

The person’s individual support plan should guide responses whenever one is available. Urgent assistance should be sought if there is an immediate risk of serious harm.

Recognise Early Warning Signs

Behaviour often develops gradually. Recognising early warning signs allows support to be offered before distress becomes more intense.

Early signs may include:

The appropriate response may involve offering a break, reducing demands, providing clearer information, or changing the environment.

Apply a Person-Centred Approach

Positive behaviour support considers the person’s entire life rather than viewing behaviour as an isolated problem. It examines communication, health, relationships, daily routines, sensory needs, environmental conditions, and personal goals.

The person should be involved in decisions wherever possible. Their views may be gathered through conversation, observation, gestures, pictures, supported decision-making, or communication technology.

A person-centred approach focuses on improving quality of life. Reducing behaviours of concern is important, but so are increasing choice, building relationships, developing skills, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation.

Maintain Consistency Across Supporters

Individuals may receive support from family members, carers, educators, and other professionals. Very different responses can create confusion and make it harder for the person to understand what to expect.

A positive behaviour support plan may help everyone understand:

Consistency does not mean responding rigidly. Support should remain flexible enough to reflect changes in the person’s health, emotions, preferences, and circumstances.

Support Everyday Independence

Support should help the person participate rather than completing every task for them. Complex activities can be divided into smaller, achievable steps.

For example, preparing a snack may involve selecting the food, collecting the required items, following simple instructions, and cleaning the area afterwards. The person may initially need support with every step.

As their confidence grows, assistance can be reduced. Progress may involve completing one additional step, asking for help appropriately, or remaining involved for longer.

Review and Adjust Strategies

Behavioural needs can change over time. A strategy that was effective several months ago may no longer suit the person’s circumstances or goals.

Regular reviews should consider:

The purpose of reviewing support is to improve future outcomes, not to blame the person or their supporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the same strategy work for everyone?

No. Behaviour can have different causes and functions for different people. Strategies should be based on an individual assessment of the person’s needs, communication, environment, and goals.

What should I do if behaviour changes suddenly?

Consider possible pain, illness, medication changes, poor sleep, emotional distress, sensory overload, or changes in routine. Seek appropriate healthcare or professional advice if the change is significant or unexplained.

How can family members and carers help?

They can share information about the person’s routines, strengths, preferences, communication, triggers, and early warning signs. They can also apply agreed strategies consistently and report changes.

Conclusion

Supporting individuals with different behavioural needs requires patience, observation, flexibility, and respect. Behaviour should be viewed as meaningful information about what a person may be experiencing or communicating.

By recognising triggers, improving communication, adapting environments, teaching practical skills, and maintaining consistent support, families and support teams can reduce preventable distress. These strategies can help individuals experience greater safety, choice, confidence, participation, and independence in everyday life.

 


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