As a Positive Behaviour Support Service Provider, one of the most common questions we hear from families and carers is:
“WHY IS THIS BEHAVIOUR HAPPENING?”
It’s an important question—and the answer is key to helping your loved one thrive.
In Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), we believe that all behaviour has a purpose. It’s not “bad” or “naughty” behaviour. It’s often a way for someone to communicate a need, especially if they have trouble using words to express themselves.
We call these reasons the functions of behaviour, and there are a few main ones:
Table of Contents
Functions of Behaviour
1. Access (to get something)
- The behaviour may help them get a toy, food, activity, or even a person’s attention.
- For example, a participant might cry loudly when being unable to access their favourite snack
2. Escape (get away from something)
- They might be trying to avoid something difficult, uncomfortable and/or overwhelming
- For example, a participant may refuse to engage in personal care tasks due to sensory overload from water touching their body
3. Attention
- Sometimes both positive and negative attention can reinforce a behaviour
- For example, if a participant is at school and their favourite teacher may be supporting another student, they may swear out loud as the teacher’s attention will shift to the participant
4. Sensory need
- The behaviour may feel good and/or help them cope with how their body feels
- For example, if a participant is overwhelmed, flapping their hands up and down may help to calm and regulate them.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Once the function is understood, we can:
- Teacher safer or more helpful ways to meet that same need
- Adjust the environment to reduce triggers
- Support skill-building over time
As someone who knows your loved one best, your observations are incredibly valuable. Together, we can look beyond the behaviour and focus on the why—so we can create strategies that truly support the person you care for.
To find out how Transform Life can support your loved one please click here Transform Life – Behaviour Support
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.
