Understanding Behaviours of Concern: Causes and Support Strategies
Behaviours of concern can affect many parts of a person’s life. They may impact relationships, daily routines, learning, work, and community participation.
For families, carers, and support workers, these situations can be stressful. It can be difficult to understand why certain behaviours happen or how best to respond.
The good news is that behaviours of concern rarely happen without a reason. In many cases, behaviour is a form of communication.
By understanding what a person is trying to communicate, it becomes easier to provide the right support. This is where Positive Behaviour Support can make a real difference.
What Are Behaviours of Concern?
Behaviours of concern are actions that may place a person or others at risk. They can also make it harder for someone to take part in everyday activities or build positive relationships.
Examples may include:
- Aggressive behaviour
- Self-injury
- Property damage
- Verbal outbursts
- Social withdrawal
- Running away from safe environments
- Repetitive behaviours that interfere with daily life
Every person is different. A behaviour that is concerning in one situation may not be concerning in another.
That is why it is important to understand the person, not just the behaviour.
Examples of Behaviours of Concern
Behaviours of concern can look different for every individual.
For one person, it may be yelling or refusing support. For another, it may involve physical aggression or self-injury.
Some common examples include:
- Hitting, kicking, or pushing
- Throwing objects
- Damaging property
- Refusing daily tasks
- Leaving safe areas without support
- Frequent verbal outbursts
- Avoiding social situations
It is important to remember that behaviour does not define a person.
Every behaviour has a reason. Finding that reason is often the key to creating positive change.
Behaviour Is a Form of Communication
One of the main principles of Positive Behaviour Support is that behaviour often communicates something important.
Some people find it difficult to express their thoughts, feelings, or needs. When this happens, behaviour may become their way of communicating.
A person may be trying to:
- Express discomfort or pain
- Communicate frustration
- Avoid a situation they find difficult
- Seek attention or connection
- Meet a sensory need
- Cope with stress or anxiety
Understanding the message behind the behaviour can help families and support teams respond more effectively.
Instead of asking, “How do we stop this behaviour?” it can be more helpful to ask, “What is this person trying to tell us?”
Why Understanding Behaviour Matters
When people focus only on stopping a behaviour, they can miss the real issue.
For example, a child may become upset in a noisy classroom. At first glance, this may appear to be one of many challenging behaviours. However, the real issue may be sensory overload.
Another person may become frustrated during conversations. Their behaviour may seem aggressive, but they may simply be struggling to communicate their needs.
Understanding the reason behind behaviour helps create better support strategies. It also helps people feel heard, respected, and understood.
Common Causes of Behaviours of Concern
Challenging behaviours are often influenced by more than one factor.
There is rarely a single cause. Instead, behaviour is usually shaped by a combination of personal, environmental, and social factors.
Difficulty communicating can lead to frustration.
When a person cannot express what they need, behaviour may become their way of asking for help.
Environmental Factors
Changes to routines, noisy environments, crowded spaces, or unfamiliar situations can sometimes trigger behaviours of concern.
Small changes to the environment can often reduce stress and improve outcomes.
Sensory Needs
Some people are sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or other sensory experiences.
Others may seek sensory input to help them feel calm and comfortable.
Physical Health Concerns
Pain, illness, poor sleep, fatigue, or medication changes can affect behaviour.
This is why it is important to consider a person’s overall health and wellbeing.
Emotional Wellbeing
Stress, anxiety, fear, and frustration can all influence behaviour.
Supporting emotional wellbeing is often an important part of reducing challenging behaviours.
How Positive Behaviour Support Can Help
Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding why behaviours happen.
Rather than reacting to behaviour, the goal is to identify the cause and develop practical solutions.
This approach looks at the whole person. It considers their strengths, goals, relationships, communication needs, and daily routines.
Support may include:
- Identifying triggers
- Building communication skills
- Teaching coping skills
- Creating supportive routines
- Improving social skills
- Adjusting the environment
The goal is to improve quality of life while reducing behaviours of concern.
Practical Behaviour Support Strategies
Effective support strategies are tailored to the individual. However, there are some approaches that can benefit many people.
Use Clear Communication
Simple and consistent communication can reduce confusion and frustration.
Visual supports and clear expectations can also help.
Create Predictable Routines
Many people feel more comfortable when they know what to expect.
Consistent routines can reduce anxiety and help prevent challenging behaviours.
Focus on Strengths
Every person has strengths and abilities.
Building on these strengths can improve confidence and encourage positive outcomes.
Teach New Skills
Learning new skills can help people manage situations more effectively.
This may include communication skills, problem-solving skills, or ways to manage emotions.
Celebrate Success
Recognising progress can build confidence and motivation.
Even small achievements deserve to be celebrated.
The Role of Families and Support Teams
Families, carers, teachers, and support workers all play an important role.
They often know the person best and can provide valuable information about routines, strengths, interests, and triggers.
When everyone works together, support strategies are more likely to succeed.
Consistency is also important. Using the same approach across home, school, work, and community settings can lead to better outcomes.
How NDIS Behaviour Support Works
NDIS behaviour support helps participants improve their quality of life and work towards their goals.
A Behaviour Support Practitioner works with the participant and their support network to understand what may be causing behaviours of concern.
The process often includes:
- Gathering information
- Identifying triggers
- Understanding the purpose of the behaviour
- Developing a behaviour support plan
- Teaching new skills
- Reviewing progress over time
NDIS behaviour support is tailored to the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
The focus is on building skills, increasing independence, and supporting positive outcomes.
Another important goal is reducing restrictive practices. Positive Behaviour Support aims to replace restrictive approaches with safer and more effective alternatives.
When to Seek Professional Support
Professional support may be helpful when behaviours of concern begin to affect daily life.
This may include challenges with:
- Safety
- Relationships
- School participation
- Employment
- Community involvement
- Independent living
A Behaviour Support Practitioner can help identify the causes of challenging behaviours and develop practical strategies that support the individual and their family.
Early support often leads to better outcomes.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Addressing behaviours of concern early can make a significant difference.
Early support may help:
- Improve communication
- Build independence
- Strengthen relationships
- Increase community participation
- Reduce stress for families and carers
- Improve quality of life
The earlier support is provided, the more opportunities there are to build skills and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are behaviours of concern always intentional?
No. Many behaviours of concern are a response to a person’s environment, emotions, health, or communication needs.
Can challenging behaviours improve?
Yes. With the right support, people can learn new skills and develop different ways to communicate their needs.
Who can access NDIS behaviour support?
NDIS participants may be able to access behaviour support when it is considered reasonable and necessary for their goals and needs.
What is the goal of Positive Behaviour Support?
The goal is to improve quality of life. This is achieved by understanding behaviour, teaching new skills, and creating supportive environments.
Looking Beyond Challenging Behaviours
Behaviours of concern are often a sign that something else is happening beneath the surface.
When people understand why a behaviour is happening, they can respond in a more helpful way. This often leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Positive Behaviour Support helps people learn new skills, improve communication, and feel more confident in daily life. Through NDIS behaviour support, individuals can increase independence, strengthen relationships, and participate more fully in their community.
With the right support, positive and lasting change is possible.
