All behaviour is a way of communication. People use behaviour to show what they want, express a need, seek comfort, or cope with something that feels hard or overwhelming.
Sometimes, behaviours can become unsafe or affect a person’s quality of life. They may limit independence, create stress, or impact relationships with family members, carers, or support workers. When this happens, they are often called challenging behaviours or behaviours of concern.
By understanding why challenging behaviours occur and what supports are available, we can create safer, more supportive environments where people feel heard, respected, and able to thrive. This can also help reduce behaviours of concern through effective strategies.
What are challenging behaviours?
Challenging behaviours (also known as “behaviours of concern”) are actions that may place a person or others at risk, limit participation in daily life, or impact relationships.
Challenging behaviours look different for everyone and can include:
- Finding it hard or refusing to shower, get dressed, eat, or go out
- Pulling away from others or not wanting to take part in activities
- Feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or having emotional outbursts
- Repetitive or disruptive behaviours that are difficult to manage
- Aggression towards others or self-injury
- Damaging property when frustrated or distressed
It is important to remember that challenging behaviours are not a diagnosis. They are a response to something happening in a person’s body, environment, or life experience.
Why do challenging behaviours occur?
All behaviour has meaning. When a person shows challenging behaviour, it is often because they are trying to communicate a need that is not being met in another way. These behaviours are not deliberate misbehaviour; they are signals that something needs to change around the person, or that they have an unmet need that requires support.
People with disability may use behaviour to communicate because of a range of factors, which include:
- Communication difficulties
When someone has limited verbal communication, behaviour may be their way of expressing:
- Pain or discomfort
- Frustration, fear, or stress
- A need for help, rest, or connection
- Sensory or environmental factors
Busy, noisy, or unpredictable environments can feel overwhelming. This is especially for people with disability, autism, or mental health challenges.
- Physical or mental health needs
Challenging behaviours may be linked to:
- Undiagnosed pain or illness
- Anxiety, trauma, or emotional distress
- Side effects from medication
- Lack of choice or control
Everyone needs to feel heard and have some control over their life. When a person feels rushed, ignored, or controlled, behaviour may be a way of expressing distress or trying to regain control.
Understanding the purpose of behaviour, what the person is trying to communicate, is key to providing meaningful and effective support.
What supports are available?
The most effective supports focus on prevention, understanding, and skill building, rather than punishment or restriction. One of the most effective approaches is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Under the NDIS, behaviour support focuses on understanding the reason behind the behaviour and using positive strategies to improve quality of life, dignity and safety.
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can help you understand what is causing a behaviour and how to better support the person.
It is an approach that aims to:
- Understand the reasons behind behaviours (triggers)
- Create supports and strategies that make challenging behaviours happen less often (proactive and reactive strategies)
- Teach alternative skills and coping strategies (upskilling)
- Teaching your support staff how to understand you better (training)Improve quality of life for individuals and those around them
PBS focuses on strengths, dignity, and inclusion, ensuring support strategies are respectful and tailored to the individual.
How our Positive Behaviour Support practitioners can help?
Positive Behaviour Support service works collaboratively with individuals, families, and support networks to create meaningful, sustainable change.
We provide:
- Interim or Comprehensive behaviour assessments to understand triggers and needs, depending on what stage of the PBS journey you are.
- Individualised Behaviour Support Plans based on person goals
- Skill-building strategies to support communication, emotional regulation and independence
- Support and guidance for families and carers
- Training for support staff to ensure consistent and confident support
- Assessment of the least restrictive approaches, including the analysis of potential restrictive practices.
Related Read: Crisis Management in Positive Behaviour Support: Understanding what is means and why it matters.
Supporting positive outcomes together
Challenging behaviours can be complex, but with the right support, understanding, and compassion, positive change is possible.
Positive Behaviour Support is not about “stopping” behaviour. It’s about:
- Listening without judgement
- Understanding unmet needs
- Creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and understood
- Supporting the person to use their own voice
If you or someone you support is experiencing challenging behaviours, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our PBS team at Mosaic Community Care is here to listen, guide, and support your or you or your loved ones every step of the way.
Contact us today on (08) 9314 8900 to learn more about our Positive Behaviour Support service and how we can support you to create positive, lasting outcomes.