When a person regularly shows behaviour that puts their safety, wellbeing or participation at risk, families and support workers often feel worried and unsure what to do next. The term used in disability support for this kind of behaviour is behaviours of concern. Understanding what the term means, and why behaviours happen, is the first step towards support that is respectful, practical and effective.
This guide explains what behaviours of concern are, some common examples, the reasons they can happen, and how positive behaviour support can help. It also explains when it may be time to seek support, and what that support can look like.
What does behaviours of concern mean?
Behaviours of concern are behaviours that can cause harm to the person, to others or to property, or that significantly limit a person’s ability to take part in everyday life. The behaviour itself is not the whole story. In positive behaviour support, behaviour is often understood as a form of communication, especially when a person has difficulty expressing needs, feelings or distress in other ways.
That perspective matters. If behaviour is seen only as a problem to stop, support can become focused on control. If behaviour is seen as communication, support can focus on understanding the message behind it and finding safer, more effective ways for the person to meet the same need. This approach also protects dignity: the person is not defined by a single behaviour, and support is built around their strengths, preferences and goals.
It is also important to remember that behaviours of concern can change over time. They may increase during periods of stress, illness, change or sensory overload, and decrease when routines are predictable, communication is supported and the environment feels safe.
Common examples of behaviours of concern
Examples can vary widely, and they do not all carry the same level of risk. Common examples include:
- Physical aggression towards others, such as hitting, pushing or biting.
- Self-injurious behaviour, such as hitting oneself, head-banging or skin picking.
- Property damage, such as breaking objects or throwing items.
- Verbal aggression or threats that cause distress to others.
- Running away or leaving a safe area without warning.
- Repetitive or intense behaviour that disrupts learning, work or community participation.
One incident does not necessarily mean a person needs a formal behaviour support plan, but a pattern of behaviour, or behaviour that creates ongoing risk, is worth discussing with a qualified practitioner. Early support can prevent behaviour from becoming more entrenched and can reduce stress for the person and their support network.
Why do behaviours of concern happen?
There is rarely a single cause. A functional behaviour assessment looks at the whole picture, including what happens before, during and after a behaviour. Some of the most common influences are:
Communication. A person may use behaviour to ask for help, request a break, express pain, seek attention or connection, or avoid a task or situation they find difficult. When communication supports are limited, behaviour can become the most effective way to be heard.
Unmet needs. Hunger, tiredness, boredom, anxiety or a need for routine, choice or sensory input can all increase the likelihood of behaviours of concern. Small changes, such as clearer schedules or more opportunities for rest and preferred activities, can sometimes make a noticeable difference.
Health. Pain, illness, medication changes, dental problems, sleep difficulties or undiagnosed health conditions can contribute to behaviour change. That is why health checks are an important part of assessment, and why sudden changes in behaviour should not be ignored.
Environment. Noise, crowding, bright lights, unexpected changes, unfamiliar people or a lack of structure can increase distress. An environment that is predictable, calm and adapted to the person’s sensory needs can help them feel safer and more in control.
Understanding these influences does not excuse behaviour that causes harm, but it does point to practical solutions. Support that addresses the underlying need is more likely to work than support that only responds after a behaviour has occurred.
How positive behaviour support helps
Positive behaviour support is an evidence-based approach that starts with understanding, not punishment. It is delivered by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner, and it usually involves several steps working together.
Functional behaviour assessment. The practitioner gathers information from the person, family and support team, observes behaviour in different settings, and looks for patterns. The aim is to understand the function of the behaviour: what the person may be trying to communicate, obtain or avoid, and what triggers or maintains it.
A behaviour support plan. Based on the assessment, the practitioner develops a plan with proactive strategies, skill teaching and clear response strategies. You can read more about this document in our guide to what a positive behaviour support plan is. The plan is shared with everyone who supports the person, so responses are consistent.
Training for family and support workers. A plan only helps if the people using it feel confident. Training covers the strategies in the plan, how to use communication supports, how to respond calmly when behaviour occurs, and how to record what happens so progress can be reviewed.
Regular review. Behaviour support is not set and forget. The practitioner reviews progress, checks whether strategies are working, and updates the plan as needs change. Review also helps identify when support can be reduced, or when new goals should be set.
Over time, this approach aims to reduce behaviours of concern by meeting underlying needs, teaching alternative skills and creating environments where the person can succeed. It also supports families and workers, who often feel more confident when they have a clear plan and a team to talk to.
A brief note on regulated restrictive practices
Regulated restrictive practices are practices that restrict a person’s freedom of movement or choice, such as seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint or environmental restraint. Under the NDIS, these practices are subject to strict requirements. They must be included in a behaviour support plan, authorised, reported and monitored, and there must be a plan to reduce and eliminate their use over time.
Positive behaviour support aims to reduce reliance on restrictive practices by addressing the reasons behind behaviour and teaching safer alternatives. If a restrictive practice is currently in use, it is important to discuss it with a behaviour support practitioner and ensure all authorisation and reporting requirements are met.
When to seek behaviour support
Consider seeking behaviour support if behaviours are happening regularly, are increasing, are causing harm or distress, or are limiting participation at home, school, work or in the community. Support is also worth seeking if family members or support workers feel unsure how to respond, or if current strategies are not working.
If you are in Campbelltown, Iconic Care Group can discuss your situation and the next steps. The team can talk through your NDIS plan, the assessment process and how positive behaviour support might help in your circumstances. You can also learn more about the practitioner role in our guide to what a positive behaviour support practitioner does.
Seeking support is not about labelling a person. It is about understanding them better, giving their support team practical tools, and helping them live with greater safety, confidence and choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are behaviours of concern always a sign of disability?
No. Anyone can show behaviour that causes concern when they are distressed, unwell or unable to communicate a need. In disability support, the term is used when behaviour creates ongoing risk or limits participation, and when assessment and support can help address the underlying causes.
Can positive behaviour support stop behaviours of concern completely?
Progress looks different for each person. Positive behaviour support aims to reduce the frequency and impact of behaviours of concern, teach safer alternatives and improve quality of life. Some behaviours may reduce significantly, while others may still occur at times and need a consistent response plan.
Who should be involved in behaviour support?
The person should be at the centre of support, along with family members, carers and support workers who know them well. A behaviour support practitioner coordinates assessment and planning, and may also work with therapists, teachers, employers and other providers where relevant.
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