If you require mental health crisis support, please contact your local mental health services, your GP, or telephone 111 or the emergency services.

The needs and feelings behind behaviours

Behind the behaviour

Once we understand the ‘function’ (or reason behind using) a behaviour which challenges we can reduce the likelihood of a child using it to get their needs met by enabling them to get their needs met in a socially appropriate way.

Behaviours that challenge tend to be linked with needs:

  • Sensory seeking behaviour.
  • Attention needs.
  • Escape or avoidance needs.
  • Need for tangible gains.
an angry face stress ball.