When someone experiences an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), life can change in ways that are hard to predict. The person may seem different — not just in their abilities, but in their emotions, reactions, and behaviour. For families, friends, and support workers, this can feel overwhelming. But with understanding, patience, and the right strategies, we can offer hope and positive change.
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What is ABI and Why Does It Affect Behaviour?
Acquired Brain Injury refers to damage to the brain that happens after birth. It can be caused by things like a traumatic accident, stroke, infection, lack of oxygen, or substance use.
The brain controls everything we do — from our speech and movement to how we manage feelings, make decisions, and interact with others. So, when injury occurs, it’s no surprise that behaviours of concern can appear. These behaviours aren’t “bad” — they’re often the person’s way of coping with confusion, frustration, or changes they don’t fully understand.
Common Behaviour Challenges After ABI
People with ABI may experience:
- Frustration and anger outbursts — often linked to fatigue, pain, or confusion
- Impulsivity or risky behaviour — difficulty stopping to think before acting
- Emotional ups and downs — sudden mood changes that feel out of the person’s control
- Aggression (verbal or physical) — especially when the person feels scared or overwhelmed
- Social difficulties — inappropriate comments or behaviour, reduced empathy
- Poor memory or difficulty following instructions
👉 Imagine waking up in a world that feels unfamiliar — where your body and mind don’t always do what you want. For many people with ABI, this is their daily reality.
Why Behaviour Support Can Be Complex in ABI
No two brain injuries are the same. The impact depends on:
- Where the injury is in the brain
- How severe the injury is
- What life was like before the injury
People with ABI may also have reduced insight — they might not realise their behaviour is concerning or risky. And recovery isn’t straightforward — good days and tough days can come and go.
Positive Behaviour Support After ABI: What Works
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on understanding behaviour, not punishing it. It’s about creating supportive environments, building skills, and reducing the need for “behaviours of concern.”
Here’s what helps:
✅ Get to know the person, not just the behaviour. What do they enjoy? What triggers stress?
✅ Look for triggers — common ones after ABI include noise, crowds, fatigue, or fast-paced demands.
✅ Create clear routines and expectations. Predictability reduces anxiety.
✅ Use memory aids — such as visual schedules or written reminders.
✅ Communicate simply and calmly. Give one instruction at a time.
✅ Plan for crises. Make sure support staff and families know how to respond safely and respectfully.
✅ Celebrate small wins. Progress might be slow — but every step forward counts.
Balancing Safety, Rights, and Dignity
When behaviours are risky or dangerous, people sometimes turn to restrictive practices — like locking doors or using medications to calm someone down. But in Australia, under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, these are a last resort.
👉 We must always aim for approaches that keep people safe while protecting their rights, dignity, and freedom. That’s the heart of true behaviour support.
How Families and Supporters Can Help
💬 Be patient. Healing and adaptation take time.
💬 Stay curious. Ask: What’s this behaviour telling me?
💬 Get support. Connect with services like Brain Injury Australia, Carer Gateway, or local behaviour specialists.
💬 Look after yourself. Supporting someone after ABI is challenging — and carers need care too.
Final Thoughts: There Is Hope
Behaviour support after ABI isn’t about controlling a person — it’s about helping them feel safe, understood, and empowered. With the right strategies, families and support teams can make a huge difference in improving quality of life — for the person with ABI, and for themselves.
Transform Life is a NDIS registered organisation that provide support for you and your family.
Book your consult with an experienced Therapist at Transform Life to explore how OT, PBS and Speech Therapy can support you and your family.
