What Is Behaviour Support and How Can It Help?

Many families, carers, and even professionals hear the term Behaviour Support but are unsure what it actually means. Some worry it focuses only on “fixing behaviour,” while others are unsure when or why they might need it. In reality, Behaviour Support is not about control or punishment — it is about understanding a person’s needs, teaching skills, and improving quality of life. 

What Is Behaviour Support?

Behaviour Support, often referred to as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), is an evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviour and developing strategies that promote independence, safety, and wellbeing. Rather than asking “How do we stop this behaviour?” Behaviour Support asks, “What is this behaviour communicating, and what skills or supports are needed instead?”

Research has consistently shown that behaviour support approaches that focus on skill-building and environmental adjustments lead to more sustainable outcomes than punitive or reactive methods (Carr et al., 2002). 

What Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Do?

A Behaviour Support Practitioner works collaboratively with the individual, their family, and their support network to understand behaviour and create meaningful, practical strategies.

This process often includes:

• Conducting Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA)
• Developing Behaviour Support Plans tailored to the person
• Teaching emotional regulation and communication skills
• Supporting sensory and environmental adjustments
• Providing training and guidance to carers, educators, and support workers
• Monitoring progress and adjusting strategies over time

The goal is not to change the person — it is to change the supports around them so they can have the best quality of life. 

Who Can Behaviour Support Help?

Behaviour Support is not limited to one age group or diagnosis. It can support:

• Children and adolescents experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges
• Adults working on independence, social skills, or community access
• Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• People experiencing mental health challenges
• Families and carers seeking guidance and consistency

Behaviour Support is also helpful in settings such as homes, schools, childcare centres, workplaces, and community environments. 

How Does Behaviour Support Help?

Behaviour Support focuses on prevention, skill-building, and empowerment. Rather than reacting only when behaviour occurs, practitioners work proactively to reduce triggers and teach replacement skills.

Support strategies may include:

• Emotional regulation tools
• Communication supports and visuals
• Routine and structure planning
• Sensory regulation strategies
• Social skill development
• Collaborative problem-solving

When behaviour is understood and skills are taught, individuals often experience increased confidence, improved relationships, and greater independence. Evidence indicates that Positive Behaviour Support improves long-term quality of life and reduces the likelihood of restrictive or punitive practices (Gore et al., 2013). 

A Collaborative and Respectful Approach

Behaviour Support is most effective when it is collaborative and person-centred. Families, carers, and support teams play a crucial role, as they provide insight into the individual’s daily experiences, strengths, and goals. Behaviour Support is not about blame — it is about partnership and shared understanding.

At its heart, Behaviour Support asks one powerful question:

How can we create environments and teach skills so this person can succeed?