Behaviour is communication — especially for neurodivergent children. This category explores inclusive, compassionate strategies for supporting pupils who express their needs through behaviours that challenge.
You’ll find trauma-informed approaches, low-demand parenting ideas, classroom de-escalation techniques, and sensory-aware behaviour support plans. Whether you’re a teaching assistant, SENCO, or parent, these resources help you respond to behaviour with curiosity, not control.
In today’s classrooms, verbal communication is often emphasised while non-verbal communication takes a backseat. However, as more children with special educational needs (SEN) are integrated into mainstream settings, there is a need to utilise both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication. Combining these methods can improve the delivery of messages and facilitate understanding while promoting … Read more
Why Do Children Eat Glue? Children eating glue can seem like a perplexing and concerning behaviour for parents and classroom staff alike. While it may appear harmless, at least initially, understanding the underlying reasons is crucial to addressing this habit effectively. This article will explore the factors contributing to glue-eating and provide practical strategies to … Read more
The Debate on Behaviour Contracts for Autistic Children: Perspectives and Controversies Introduction Behaviour contracts are widely used in various educational and therapeutic settings to address challenging behaviours and promote positive change. When it comes to autistic children, the use of behaviour contracts has sparked both support and criticism. In this debate, we’ll explore different opinions … Read more
What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)? A functional behaviour assessment (FBA) is a comprehensive process used to understand the underlying reasons or “functions” that explain why an individual engages in a particular behaviour. It involves gathering information from multiple sources to identify the specific antecedents (triggers) and consequences that may be maintaining the behaviour. … Read more
Low Self-Esteem in Autistic Children Self-esteem is crucial in a child’s emotional well-being and overall development. When children have low self-esteem, it can affect their behaviour, relationships, and academic performance. In this article, we explore the behaviours associated with poor self-esteem and provide practical ways to support children, including autistic children. We need to focus … Read more
Boundaries, Discipline and Behaviour Navigating the complex landscape of child discipline and behaviour management is a challenge faced by parents, educators, and caregivers alike. Ever since started teaching and then even more so when I had children this question has been asked in some form “Should we rely on punishments and sanctions to teach children … Read more
Sensory Processing Disorder Links to Childhood Behaviour As behaviour lead one of the most frequent questions that I often get asked is: “How does sensory input impact behaviour?” To answer this question I need the support of Sensory OTs and assessment tools. To support the child we need to delve into the intricacies of sensory … Read more
How Sand Timers Can Help Autistic Children One tool that can help autistic children to deal with time-related issues is a sand timer. A sand timer is a simple device that consists of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow tube, filled with sand that flows from one bulb to the other. Sand timers can … Read more
Understanding the Cycle of Challenging Behaviour: A Guide for Teachers As teachers, we often encounter a range of behaviours in our classrooms, some of which can be challenging and disruptive. Understanding the cycle of challenging behaviour is crucial in managing these behaviours effectively and providing supportive learning environments for all students. This understanding can help … Read more
Lessons on Relationships, Connection and Supporting Behaviour This post is based on the book The Art of Kid Whispering by Jamie Chambers. Most address outward behavior in conflicted youth. To help, grasp their inner thoughts, feelings. This book aids counselors, parents, teachers, and youth workers connecting with challenging young people. Authors explain “Kid Whispering” and … Read more
How To Support Students With Trauma: The Impact of Trauma on Children’s Development The topic of childhood trauma and its long-term effects on development has received increasing scholarly attention in recent decades. Pioneering work in this field has been done by Dr. Bruce Perry, an American psychiatrist and neuroscientist specialising in child trauma. Dr Perry’s … Read more
Parenting a Child with Intense Emotions: A Relational Perspective Parenting a child who feels intense emotions can be a challenge. It’s normal for children to experience a wide range of emotions, from fear and embarrassment to anxiety and joy. As parents, it’s crucial to help our children learn how to manage these emotions in healthy … Read more
The Case Against Restraint and Seclusion Restraint and seclusion are controversial practices in the field of behaviour support. Historically, these tactics have been employed as last-resort measures to manage challenging behaviours in individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, or neurodivergent conditions. There is growing opposition to restraint and seclusion. Based on the point that these … Read more
The Use of Psychological Restraint with People With Learning Difficulties In recent years, we have seen growing awareness regarding the importance of mental health and its impact on overall well-being. As a result, there is an increasing emphasis on understanding the ethical implications of various psychological interventions. One such area of concern is the use … Read more
Biting: Don’t Just Look At The Behaviour When a child displays a certain behaviour or action it is highly likely to be a response to an interaction or the environment. It may also be indicative of a medical or physical need. Before asking “How can I stop a pupil biting?” it is essential that you … Read more
A Reformed Functionalist. Acting in a certain way to get out of something is commonplace for many children and young people. And adults come to that. If you have attended a PBS (positive behaviour support) course or any behaviour training you may have heard the term “functions of behaviour”. Attempts to get away from, out … Read more
I have been leading behaviour in schools for nearly 10 years now. My approach and ethos has evolved over that time. One area that I haven’t changed is the idea that relationships are the key element in effective behaviour support. I know this is sometimes not enough, but if a strong trusting relationship (not friendship!) … Read more
Personalisation and Purpose of Reward Systems at Home and School I am a fan of personalised reward systems in schools as a way to achieve a very specific goal. As a behaviour modification strategy, I have struggled to find a suitable system. I have found star charts or token economy systems a good way for … Read more
All children tend to display oppositional behaviour at times. After 13 years working with children with Autism, ADHD, ODD and other needs I have seen a range of reasons for opposition. With my own children I can identify factors that can lead to oppositional behaviour. This doesn’t make it easier to deal with, and often … Read more
Waiting: Strategies for use at home & school Waiting can be a challenge for many children. As a teacher and a parent, I have had to find ways to teach children to wait for a whole range of things. Throughout the day in the SEN classroom, there are natural lulls in planned activity. This may … Read more
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