What is Behaviour Support, Really?
Understanding the heart behind the strategies ❤️🩹
If you’ve ever heard the words “behaviour support” and pictured someone coming in with a clipboard to stop meltdowns or “fix” behaviour, you’re not alone. The truth is, behaviour support is so much more than that.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, or support worker, understanding what behaviour support actually is and isn’t can change everything about how you see the children and young people in your care.
It’s Not About ‘Bad Behaviour’ 🙅🏽♀️
First things first, behaviour support is not about punishing or managing “naughty” behaviour. That kind of thinking is outdated and unhelpful. Behaviour is simply communication. It tells us something important: that a person has a need that’s not being met in a way that feels safe or effective to them.
At its core, behaviour support is about listening, learning, and adapting. It’s about finding out why a behaviour is happening and supporting a person to meet that need more helpfully.
So What Does a Behaviour Support Consultant Do? 🧐
A behaviour support practitioner works collaboratively with the individual, their family, and their support team to understand the function of the behaviour. This involves looking at things like:
What happens before the behaviour (antecedents)
The behaviour itself (what it looks like, how long it lasts, how often it happens)
What happens after (consequences, both intended and unintended)
Using this information, we develop personalised strategies that are:
☑️ Respectful
☑️ Trauma-informed
☑️ Focused on skill-building
☑️ Designed to reduce harm and improve quality of life
What Behaviour Support Looks Like 👀
Real behaviour support might mean:
Helping a child use visuals to ask for help instead of yelling
Creating a predictable routine to reduce anxiety
Teaching a young person emotional regulation skills after years of survival responses
Supporting a care team to respond with compassion instead of control
It’s about connection over correction, and support over suppression.
It’s Not a Quick Fix – And That’s Okay 👌🏼
Behaviour support isn’t a “one-and-done” solution. It’s an ongoing process of learning, reflection, and growth for everyone involved. And the good news? When we shift the lens from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you, and how can I help?” the impact is powerful.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing to try, reflect, and keep showing up.
Final Thoughts 💭
Behaviour support is really about people. It’s about understanding, honouring someone’s story, and walking alongside them as they grow. If you’re in the trenches, parenting, caring, supporting, please know this:
You are not alone. The behaviours you see are not a reflection of failure. They are an invitation to connect, understand, and build something better, together.
Want to learn more about trauma-informed behaviour support or how I work with families and care teams? Click here to explore services, resources, and free downloads.
Rosie 🌹