Behaviour support
Specialist Behaviour Support
Understanding behaviour as communication, reducing distress, improving quality of life and supporting least-restrictive practice.
Behaviour as communication
Behaviour may communicate pain, fear, sensory overload, confusion, trauma, unmet needs, communication barriers, loss of control or unsafe environments. Assessment looks for patterns and context rather than blame.
The goal is not compliance. The goal is better quality of life, safer support and environments that make sense for the person.
Service boundaries
This is not crisis response, emergency mental health support, 24/7 behaviour response, medical care or immediate safeguarding authority.
Functional assessment process
Submit referral/enquiry
Tell us the service, goals, safety considerations and safe contact method.
Initial contact
We confirm service fit, scope and availability.
Consent and information
Consent/authority is confirmed and relevant reports are gathered.
Service agreement
Scope, funding, cancellation terms and privacy are confirmed.
Assessment and planning
We meet the person and supporters, assess needs and co-develop goals.
Support and review
Sessions, plans, reports, coaching and reviews are completed as agreed.
Plans, reports and implementation
Functional assessment
Interviews, observation, file review, incident review, sensory/communication review and recommendations.
Interim BSP
Immediate guidance where urgent safeguards or restrictive practices are involved.
Comprehensive BSP
Detailed proactive strategies, skill building, support responses and reduction pathways.
Implementation
Coaching, easy-read/visual resources, review meetings and team collaboration.
Next step
Make a behaviour support referral
Include current safety concerns, reports and any restrictive practice information.