Behaviour Support

Practical, strengths-based support for children and families

Behaviour is a form of communication. It can tell us that a child is overwhelmed, seeking connection, avoiding something that feels unsafe, trying to meet a sensory need or lacking an effective way to communicate what they need.
Naomi works alongside children, families and educators to understand what may be contributing to behaviours of concern. Support focuses on reducing distress, strengthening regulation and communication, and developing realistic strategies that can be used consistently in everyday life.
The aim is not to make a child appear compliant. It is to understand their needs, reduce barriers, and help them participate more safely and confidently at home, in educational settings, and within the community.

When behaviour support may help:

Behaviour support may be helpful when a child:
 

• Experiences frequent or intense dysregulation 
• Hits, kicks, bites, scratches or throws objects 
• Runs away or has difficulty remaining safe 
• Becomes overwhelmed during transitions or unexpected changes 
• Finds everyday demands difficult to manage 
• Has difficulty communicating needs, boundaries or discomfort 
• Experiences distress in busy, unfamiliar or sensory-demanding environments 
• Struggles with waiting, flexibility or ending preferred activities 
• Withdraws, shuts down or avoids participation 
• Requires consistent support across home, kindergarten or school 

These behaviours are not viewed as a child being “naughty” or deliberately difficult. They are explored within the context of the child’s development, communication, sensory needs, relationships, environment and experiences.

Looking beneath the behaviour

Behaviour rarely happens without a reason. Naomi works with families and educators to explore what happens before, during and after a behaviour, as well as the child’s communication, sensory experiences, relationships, routines and environment.
This may involve:
 

• Listening to the child and family’s perspective 
• Observing the child within everyday environments 
• Identifying patterns, triggers and early signs of dysregulation 
• Considering sensory, communication and developmental needs 
• Exploring whether expectations match the child’s current capacity 
• Identifying what the child may be trying to access, avoid or communicate 
• Recognising environmental barriers and opportunities for adjustment 
• Building on the child’s interests, strengths and existing skills 

Understanding the purpose and context of behaviour helps us respond with support, rather than punishment or shame. It also allows adults to intervene earlier, reduce unnecessary stress and teach skills when the child is regulated and ready to learn.

What support may include

Strategies are individualised and may include:
 

• Co-regulation strategies for parents and educators 
• Identifying and responding to early signs of overwhelm 
• Visual schedules, timers and transition supports 
• Adapting language, instructions and expectations 
• Supporting functional communication, including gestures, visuals or AAC 
• Sensory and movement strategies 
• Increasing predictability, choice and control 
• Developing safe alternatives for meeting the same need 
• Practising emotional awareness and regulation skills 
• Adjusting environments to reduce barriers 
• Creating consistent responses across home and education settings 
• Building adult confidence in responding calmly and safely 

Strategies are designed to fit into the child’s actual routines and environments. Families and educators are supported to understand why a strategy may help, how to use it and when it may need to be adjusted.

What the process looks like
 

Inital Discussion

Naomi begins by talking with the family about their concerns, the child’s strengths, current routines, previous strategies and priorities for support.
 

Observation and Information Gathering 

Where appropriate, Naomi may observe the child at home, kindergarten, school or within the community. Information may also be gathered from educators and other professionals with parent consent.

Collaborative Planning

Together, Naomi, the family and relevant educators identify practical strategies that address the child’s needs, environment and current capacity.
 

Putting Strategies into Place

Support may involve modelling strategies, coaching adults, creating visuals and practising new approaches within everyday routines.
 

Review and Adjustment

Strategies are reviewed over time and adjusted according to the child’s response, changing needs and family or educator feedback.

Written recommendations or a practical support summary may be provided when agreed as part of the service. The emphasis remains on helping the adults around the child understand and confidently use the strategies.

Scope of behaviour support

Behaviour support through Future Proof Early Intervention uses neuro-affirming early intervention and Positive Behaviour Support principles to understand behaviour, strengthen regulation and build the capacity of families and educators.
This service does not include regulated restrictive practices or the development of NDIS Specialist Behaviour Support Plans. If a child requires formal specialist behaviour support, restrictive-practice oversight or services outside Naomi’s scope, the family will be supported to seek an appropriately registered or authorised practitioner.
Naomi can collaborate with specialist behaviour support practitioners and other professionals, with family consent, to support consistency across the child’s everyday environments.

What families say

“Future Proof Early Intervention has helped our son communicate his feelings and emotions more effectively. He is now able to recognise when his brain is going too fast and understands when he needs support to regulate. These are just some of the positive changes we have seen.”
— Parent of an early intervention client

Ready to discuss your child’s behaviour and regulation?

Complete the enquiry form and tell us about your child’s strengths, current concerns, environments and any strategies you have already tried. Naomi will contact you to discuss whether this service is the right fit, current availability and the next steps.