Mia (Name changed for privacy) lives with her parents and younger brother in the Liverpool area. She was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a mild speech delay shortly after her third birthday. While affectionate at home, her parents noticed she struggled significantly with emotional regulation and social interactions compared to her peers.
Presenting Issues:
- Frequent, intense emotional outbursts (meltdowns) lasting up to 45 minutes.
- Difficulty with transitions (e.g., moving from home to childcare, or changing activities).
- Physical aggression (biting and hitting) directed at other children when frustrated.
- Limited functional communication, often resorting to screaming to express needs.
The Challenge
Mia’s parents were exhausted and worried. The primary challenge was her behaviour at childcare. Due to frequent incidents of biting and aggression towards other children, Mia was at risk of being excluded from her centre. The educators reported that Mia would become overwhelmed during group times and would lash out when she couldn't communicate her wants.
Impact at Home & School:
- Childcare: Mia was isolated from her peers. Educators were struggling to manage her safety and the safety of other children.
- Home: Mornings were a battleground. The anxiety of leaving the house caused severe distress for the whole family. Her parents felt they were "walking on eggshells" to avoid triggering a meltdown.
- Development: Her inability to regulate her emotions was hindering her ability to learn social skills and participate in educational activities.
We didn't know how to help her tell us what she needed. The team at daar didn't just give us a plan; they showed us how to be the support Mia needed. It changed our whole family dynamic.
daar Therapy Approach
Mia’s family engaged daar for NDIS behaviour support. Our approach focused on early intervention strategies designed to build skills rather than just manage behaviour. We utilized a positive behaviour support (PBS) framework, which is evidence-based and person-centred.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA): We first conducted observations at her childcare centre in Liverpool to understand the "why" behind her aggression. We identified that her biting was largely driven by frustration due to communication barriers and sensory overwhelm.
- Visual Communication Tools: We introduced a visual schedule for both home and childcare to help Mia predict what was happening next, reducing her anxiety around transitions.
- Functional Communication Training (FCT): Working with her speech therapist, we implemented strategies to teach Mia to use simple words or picture cards to request "help" or "break" instead of resorting to aggression.
- Socialised Behaviour Therapy: We facilitated small, structured play sessions where Mia could practice turn-taking and sharing in a low-pressure environment, guided by a therapist.
- Parent & Educator Coaching: We provided training for her parents and childcare staff on how to spot the "rumble stage" (early signs of distress) and intervene with co-regulation strategies before a meltdown occurred.
Results & Progress
Over a period of 6 months, the consistent application of these behaviour therapy for children strategies yielded significant results. Mia began to understand that she had a voice and that she could control her environment without aggression.
Measurable Improvements:
- Reduction in Aggression: Incidents of biting at childcare dropped from 3-4 times per week to zero incidents in the last two months.
- Improved Transitions: Morning drop-offs went from 45-minute ordeals to quick, tear-free goodbyes 90% of the time.
- Communication: Mia now uses verbal requests or visual cards to ask for a "break" when she feels overwhelmed, replacing the screaming behaviour.
- Social Engagement: She has begun to initiate play with peers, moving from parallel play to associative play.
Key Outcomes
The success of Mia’s early intervention plan highlights the power of addressing behaviours of concern early in a child's development.
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- School Readiness: Mia is now on track to transition to primary school with a solid foundation of emotional regulation skills.
- Social Inclusion: She is fully integrated into her childcare group activities and has made her first "best friend."
- Family Quality of Life: Her parents report a significant reduction in stress and a happier, more connected home environment.
Conclusion
Mia’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of positive behaviour support when applied early and consistently. By identifying the root cause of the behaviour and teaching new skills, we can change the trajectory of a child's life.
If you are a parent in Liverpool or surrounding areas and are concerned about your child's behaviour or development, don't wait. Early intervention is the key to unlocking your child's potential.
Ready to see positive change?
Contact daar today to speak with one of our NDIS behaviour support practitioners and start your journey toward a happier, more supported future.