7 years old: NDIS Behaviour Support Plan Success

Leo (Name changed for privacy) is a bright and energetic 7-year-old who loves puzzles and sensory play. However, his parents sought help from daar due to escalating behavioural concerns that were affecting his ability to participate in school and family life. Leo had limited verbal communication skills, often relying on physical actions to express his frustration or needs.

The Challenge

The primary challenge for Leo and his family was frequent and intense aggressive outbursts. These behaviours were most common during transitions—specifically when he was asked to stop a preferred activity (like playing with his tablet or building blocks) to move to a necessary daily task (like bath time, school departure, or dinner).

Impact at Home & School:

• At Home: Daily routines were a constant struggle, often resulting in 45-minute tantrums involving throwing objects and self-injury.
• At School: Leo was frequently removed from the classroom due to disruptive behaviour, leading to social isolation and missed learning opportunities.
• Emotional Toll: His parents felt exhausted and unsure of how to de-escalate situations without giving in to his demands, creating a cycle of stress for the entire household.

We honestly didn't think we'd ever be able to go out to dinner or have a normal morning routine again. The plan from daar didn't just change Leo's behaviour; it gave us our family life back. We finally understand what he needs.

daar Therapy Approach

At daar, our team implemented a comprehensive Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach funded under his NDIS plan. The process began with a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) to understand the "why" behind Leo's actions. The assessment revealed that Leo’s aggression was a form of communication—he was expressing frustration at the sudden change and a lack of control over his environment.

Key Strategies Implemented:

• Visual Schedules & Timers: We introduced a visual schedule at home and school so Leo could see what was coming next. A visual timer was used to give him a clear 5-minute and 1-minute warning before transitions.
• Functional Communication Training (FCT): We taught Leo a replacement behaviour. Instead of acting out, he was taught to hand over a "Wait" card or sign "More time" to request a brief extension of his activity.
• Positive Reinforcement: A token economy system was set up where Leo earned tokens for safe transitions. These tokens could be exchanged for highly preferred sensory activities.
• Consistent Response Plan: Parents and teachers were trained to respond calmly and consistently, ensuring that aggressive behaviour did not result in him getting his way, while safe communication was immediately rewarded.

Results and Progress

The implementation of the Behaviour Support Plan yielded significant and measurable improvements within the first three months. By shifting the focus from punishment to skill-building, Leo learned that using his words and visuals was a more effective way to get his needs met than aggression.

Measurable Improvements:

• Reduction in Outbursts: Aggressive episodes dropped from 3-4 times daily to less than once per week.
• Improved Transitions: Leo began independently using his visual timer to monitor his own play sessions.
• School Participation: He is now able to stay in the classroom for full days and participates in group circle time without disruption.

Key Outcomes

The success of Leo’s NDIS behaviour support plan highlights the power of socialised behaviour therapy and consistent intervention.

• Empowered Communication: Leo now has a "voice" through his visual aids, reducing his frustration and anxiety.
• Family Harmony: His parents report a peaceful home environment and feel confident in managing minor behaviours before they escalate.
• Educational Inclusion: With his behaviour stabilised, Leo is making rapid academic progress and has begun to form friendships with his peers.

Conclusion

Leo’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of behaviour therapy for children when it is personalised and evidence-based. A well-structured Behaviour Support Plan doesn't just stop "bad" behaviour; it teaches children the skills they need to navigate the world with confidence.

If you are struggling with challenging behaviours and want to explore how positive behaviour support can help your child, don't wait.

Ready to see similar progress?
Contact daar today to speak with our team about developing a tailored NDIS Behaviour Support Plan for your child. Let’s unlock their potential together.