What is Behaviour of Concern? [With 10 Examples]

Behaviour of concern is when a person acts in a way that might hurt themselves or others. This can include shouting, hitting, or refusing to follow instructions. These behaviours can happen for many reasons, like feeling upset, scared, or not being able to communicate needs.

Understanding behaviour of concern is important. It helps families, support workers, and carers respond in a safe and kind way. In disability support, aged care, and mental health settings, knowing why these behaviours happen can make a big difference. With the right support, people can feel safe, understood, and included.

What is Behaviour of Concern?

Behaviour of concern is when a person acts in a way that may cause harm to themselves or others. This behaviour is often a way of communicating something they cannot say with words. A person might be feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or in pain, and their actions help show what they need.

There are many reasons why behaviours of concern happen. Some common causes include changes in the environment, loud noises, bright lights, medical conditions, or feeling unwell. A person might also act out if they are hungry, tired, or feeling strong emotions like stress or fear.

The NDIS and support professionals play an important role in helping people with behaviours of concern. They work to understand the reasons behind the behaviour and provide the right support. This might include creating a safe environment, improving communication, or teaching coping skills. With the right help, people can feel more in control and supported in their daily lives.

Check our Behaviours of Concern FACT SHEET

10 Different Behaviours of Concern

1. Physical Aggression

Physical aggression is when a person hurts others by hitting, kicking, biting, or pushing. This behaviour can happen when someone feels upset or overwhelmed.

Some common reasons for physical aggression include:

• Feeling frustrated when they cannot express their needs

• Being scared or feeling unsafe

• Experiencing pain or discomfort

• Feeling overwhelmed by noise, lights, or too many people

Support workers can help by staying calm, understanding the person’s feelings, and using gentle communication. Helping the person feel safe and understood can reduce physical aggression.

2. Verbal Aggression

Verbal aggression is when a person uses words to hurt or upset others. This can include yelling, making threats, calling people names, or using offensive language.

Some common reasons for verbal aggression include:

• Feeling angry, scared, or frustrated

• Not knowing how to cope with strong emotions

• Copying behaviour they have seen from others

• Struggling to communicate their needs

Support workers can help by staying calm, listening to the person, and finding better ways for them to express their feelings. Teaching positive communication skills can also reduce verbal aggression over time.

3. Self-Injurious Behaviour (SIB)

Some people hurt themselves when they feel overwhelmed or stressed. This can include head-banging, scratching, or biting themselves.

Why does this happen?

• Sensory issues – the person might enjoy or need certain feelings on their skin

• Feeling frustrated or not being able to express emotions

• Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression

Support workers can help by finding safer ways for the person to cope, such as using sensory tools or teaching new ways to communicate feelings.

4. Property Damage

Sometimes, a person might break or throw things when they are upset. This can include tearing paper, smashing furniture, or throwing objects.

Why does this happen?

• Sensory overload – too much noise, light, or movement

• Feeling stressed, angry, or out of control

• Not knowing how to express emotions in a safe way

Support workers can help by creating a calm space, teaching coping strategies, and using positive reinforcement.

5. Absconding (Running Away or Wandering Off)

Some people may leave safe areas without telling anyone. This is called absconding. It can be dangerous because they might get lost or hurt.

Why does this happen?

• Feeling scared, anxious, or overstimulated

• Looking for something they enjoy, like a quiet space or a favourite place

• Conditions like autism or dementia that make it hard to understand risks

Support workers can help by using safety plans, supervision, and calming strategies to reduce the need to run away.

6. Socially Inappropriate Behaviour

Some people may act in ways that others find unusual. This can include touching others without permission, asking personal questions, or removing clothes in public.

Why does this happen?

• Not understanding social rules

• Cognitive or developmental disabilities

• Struggling to manage emotions

Support workers can help by teaching social skills in a positive way and setting clear, gentle boundaries.

7. Repetitive Behaviours (Stimming or Ritualistic Actions)

Some people do the same movement or action over and over. This can include hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating words (echolalia).

Why does this happen?

• Helps with feeling calm and safe

• A way to handle stress or excitement

• Common in autism and anxiety disorders

Support workers can help by allowing safe stimming and finding ways to reduce stress if needed.

8. Eating Non-Food Items (Pica)

Some people eat things that are not food, like dirt, paper, or soap.

Why does this happen?

• A need for certain textures or tastes

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Developmental conditions like autism or intellectual disabilities

Support workers can help by providing safe alternatives and checking for health concerns.

9. Excessive Dependence on Caregivers

Some people rely too much on others for help, even when they can do things on their own. They may always ask for reassurance or refuse to make decisions.

Why does this happen?

• Anxiety or fear of making mistakes

• Learned helplessness from past experiences

• Low confidence in their abilities

Support workers can help by encouraging independence, building confidence, and using step-by-step support.

10. Sleep Disturbances and Night-Time Behaviours

Some people have trouble sleeping. They might wake up often, walk around at night, or refuse to sleep.

Why does this happen?

• Sensory sensitivities – too much noise, light, or an uncomfortable bed

• Anxiety or feeling unsafe

• Medical conditions like epilepsy or restless leg syndrome

Support workers can help by creating a calming bedtime routine, reducing sensory triggers, and checking for medical issues.

Strategies for Managing Behaviours of Concern

Person-Centred Approaches

Every person is different, and their behaviour has a reason. A person-centred approach means understanding what they need and what triggers their behaviour. By knowing their likes, dislikes, and routines, we can create a support plan that helps them feel safe and in control.

Communication Strategies

Some people may find it hard to express their needs or feelings with words. This can lead to frustration and behaviours of concern. Using pictures, symbols, sign language, or speech devices can help them communicate better. Clear and simple communication makes it easier for them to understand and feel heard.

Environmental Modifications

The space around a person can affect how they feel and behave. A noisy, crowded, or messy place can cause stress and anxiety. Creating a calm, quiet, and structured environment can make a big difference. Using clear routines, safe spaces, and reducing bright lights or loud sounds can help people feel more comfortable.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

PBS focuses on teaching and encouraging positive actions instead of punishing behaviours of concern. This means helping the person learn new ways to cope with their feelings, rewarding good behaviour, and giving them choices. By understanding and supporting them, we can reduce stress and improve their well-being.

Seeking Professional Help

Sometimes, extra support is needed. Behaviour specialists, therapists, and disability support workers can help create the right strategies for managing behaviours of concern. They can work with the person, their family, and support workers to develop a plan that meets their needs. Contact Scope Au if you are looking for professionals.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing behaviours of concern is important. These behaviours are a way of communicating needs, feelings, or frustrations. With patience, the right support, and expert knowledge, we can help individuals feel safe, respected, and valued.

Training and professional support play a big role in helping people with behaviours of concern. Support workers, therapists, and families can learn skills to create positive and safe environments. With the right approach, individuals can build confidence, learn new skills, and live fulfilling lives.

If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. We at Scope are here to help. Our disability support professionals and behaviour specialists provide the right support for people with behaviours of concern. We work with individuals and families to create safe, positive, and inclusive environments. If you need support, reach out to Scope today.