8 years old: Managing Behaviours of Concern with NDIS Support

Noah (Name changed for privacy) is a bright, affectionate boy with a remarkable memory for train schedules and a love for complex puzzles. However, his ability to process the world around him was often hindered by severe sensory sensitivities. When overwhelmed, Noah struggled to communicate his distress verbally, leading to what the NDIS classifies as "behaviours of concern."

Presenting Issues:
At the time of referral to daar, Noah’s behaviours were escalating in frequency and intensity.

• Self-Injurious Behaviour: Head-banging against walls or floors when frustrated or overstimulated.
• Physical Aggression: Hitting, scratching, and biting parents, siblings, and support staff.
• Property Destruction: Throwing objects or tipping over furniture during meltdowns.

The Challenge

The impact of these behaviours was profound, affecting every member of the family and Noah’s educational placement.

At Home:
Noah’s parents described their daily life as "living in survival mode." Simple tasks like going to the supermarket or having dinner together were impossible due to the risk of a public meltdown. The physical aggression towards his younger sister meant the siblings had to be constantly separated, creating a fractured family dynamic. His parents felt isolated, judged by onlookers, and unsure how to navigate their NDIS plan to get the right help.

At School:
The situation at school was critical. Noah was frequently being sent home or suspended due to safety concerns in the classroom. He was spending more time in the principal's office than in class, leading to severe academic regression and social isolation. The school staff, while well-meaning, lacked the specific training to manage his sensory triggers effectively.

We used to feel like we were just putting out fires every day, waiting for the next phone call from school. The team at daar didn't just give us a plan; they gave us our son back. We finally understand what he was trying to tell us all along.

daar Therapy Approach

The team at daar implemented a comprehensive, evidence-based approach funded through Noah’s NDIS plan. We moved away from punitive measures and focused on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)—understanding why the behaviour was happening to meet the underlying need.

Step 1: Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
Before intervening, we needed to understand the "function" of the behaviour. Our clinicians conducted observations at home and school and interviewed his support network.

• The Finding: We discovered that 90% of Noah’s aggression was triggered by sensory overload (loud noises, fluorescent lights) or unexpected transitions. The behaviour was not "naughty"; it was a panic response—a desperate attempt to escape a situation that felt physically painful to him.

Step 2: The Positive Behaviour Support Plan
Based on the FBA, we developed a multi-tiered support plan:

• Environmental Changes (Proactive): We worked with the school to create a "low-arousal" environment. This included providing Noah with noise-cancelling headphones during loud assemblies and creating a designated "quiet corner" with a weighted lap pad where he could retreat before a meltdown occurred.
• Functional Communication Training (FCT): We replaced the aggression with a functional alternative. Noah was taught to use a visual "Break Card." Handing this card to a teacher allowed him to escape the overwhelming situation immediately, removing the need to flip a desk to get out.
• Socialised Behaviour Therapy: To address his social challenges, Noah joined a small, supported peer group at daar. Here, he practiced turn-taking, emotional recognition, and conflict resolution in a safe, controlled setting, building the skills to interact with classmates without physical contact.
• Parent & Teacher Coaching: We upskilled Noah’s parents and teachers on "co-regulation." Instead of raising their voices during a meltdown (which added to the sensory load), they learned to use calm, quiet tones and minimal language to help Noah de-escalate safely.

Results & Progress

The shift from "managing behaviour" to "supporting needs" yielded remarkable results over a six-month period.

Month 1-2:
The introduction of the visual schedule and sensory tools at school resulted in an immediate drop in anxiety. Noah began using his "Break Card" with prompting, and the duration of his meltdowns decreased by half.

Month 3-6:
As Noah’s confidence grew, so did his ability to self-regulate. He began to recognise his own "rumble stage" (the feeling before a meltdown) and would independently seek out his headphones or a quiet space.

Key Outcomes

• Restored Safety: The most critical outcome was the cessation of self-injury. Noah is no longer hurting himself or others when frustrated.
• School Inclusion: Noah has returned to full-time schooling. He is participating in group activities and has even begun to make friends, thanks to the skills learned in socialised behaviour therapy.
• Family Reconnection: The family recently went on their first holiday in three years. His parents report a sense of peace in the home that they haven't felt since Noah was a toddler.
• Empowered Caregivers: His parents now feel confident in their ability to support him. They understand his triggers and have a toolkit of positive behaviour support strategies to use at home.

Conclusion

Identifying and managing behaviours of concern is a journey, but it is one that no family should have to walk alone. Noah’s story highlights that "challenging behaviour" is often just a barrier to communication. When we remove that barrier using NDIS-funded behaviour therapy for children, we unlock the child's true potential.

At daar, we specialise in turning child behaviour and progress goals into reality. We help families navigate the complexities of the NDIS to access the specialised support they need.

If you are struggling with behaviours of concern and need guidance, we are here to help. Contact daar today to discuss a personalised Positive Behaviour Support plan for your child.