Communication Strategies to Reduce Challenging Behaviours: An NDIS Family Guide

Challenging behaviours can significantly impact the lives of NDIS Participants and their families. Often, these Challenging behaviours are a form of communication, a way of expressing unmet needs or frustrations when other avenues are unavailable. Understanding this connection between communication and behaviour is crucial for developing effective support strategies. This guide aims to provide families with practical communication strategies that can help reduce challenging behaviours in NDIS Participants. See our complete NDIS Complex Behaviour Support guide for more in-depth information.

Key NDIS Considerations: Laying the Groundwork

Before diving into specific strategies, it’s important to understand how the NDIS supports behaviour support and communication.

• Funding for Behaviour Support: The NDIS can fund various supports to address challenging behaviours. This may include Behaviour Support Practitioners, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals. The key is to demonstrate the need for these supports in the Participant's NDIS Plan.

• Behaviour Support Plan: A Behaviour Support Plan is a crucial document outlining strategies to address challenging behaviours and promote positive alternatives. It should be developed in collaboration with a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner, the Participant (where possible), their family, and other relevant Support Workers. The Plan should be evidence-based, person-centred, and focus on reducing or eliminating restrictive practices.

• Relevant NDIS Support Categories: When advocating for funding, understand the relevant support categories within your NDIS Plan. These typically include:

  • Improved Relationships: This category can fund behaviour support services, including the development and implementation of Behaviour Support Plans.
  • Improved Daily Living Skills: This category can support therapy and training to improve communication skills, social skills, and emotional regulation.
  • Assistive Technology: Communication aids, visual supports, and sensory equipment can be funded under this category if they are deemed necessary and reasonable.

• The Importance of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): PBS is an ethical and evidence-based framework that focuses on understanding the function of behaviour and teaching alternative, more appropriate ways for the Participant to communicate their needs. It's a proactive approach that prioritises the Participant's quality of life.

• Restricted Practices: The NDIS has strict guidelines regarding the use of restricted practices (e.g., physical restraint, seclusion). These practices should only be used as a last resort, with appropriate authorisation and oversight, and with the primary goal of protecting the Participant and others from harm. The Behaviour Support Plan must clearly outline any necessary restricted practices and how they will be implemented safely and ethically.

Practical Steps: Implementing Communication Strategies

Here are practical communication strategies that can be implemented to reduce challenging behaviours:

1. Identify the Function of the Behaviour: Challenging behaviours often serve a purpose. Is the Participant seeking attention, escaping a task, obtaining a desired item, or responding to sensory overload? Keeping a detailed ABC chart (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence) can help identify patterns and understand the triggers and reinforcers of the behaviour. Record what happened before the behaviour (antecedent), the behaviour itself, and what happened after the behaviour (consequence).

2. Enhance Communication Skills: Work with a speech pathologist to develop and implement strategies to improve the Participant's communication abilities. This could involve:

   • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC includes a range of tools and techniques to support communication, such as picture exchange systems (PECS), communication boards, and speech-generating devices.
   • Sign Language: Learning basic sign language can provide a visual means of communication, especially for Participants who have difficulty with verbal communication.
   • Visual Supports: Visual schedules, social stories, and visual cues can help the Participant understand expectations and routines, reducing anxiety and potential frustration.

3. Create a Communication-Rich Environment: Make communication accessible and engaging. This includes:

   • Labelling Items: Label common household items with words and pictures to help the Participant associate objects with their names.
   • Providing Opportunities for Choice: Offer choices whenever possible to give the Participant a sense of control and autonomy.
   • Responding Promptly and Positively to Communication Attempts: Reinforce any attempt to communicate, even if it's imperfect. This encourages further communication efforts.

4. Teach Alternative Behaviours: Once you understand the function of the challenging behaviour, teach the Participant an alternative, more appropriate way to meet the same need. For example, if the Participant engages in aggressive behaviour to escape a task, teach them how to request a break or ask for help.

5. Implement Proactive Strategies: Prevention is key. Identify potential triggers for challenging behaviours and implement strategies to minimise or eliminate them. This might involve:

   • Modifying the Environment: Reducing sensory overload (e.g., dimming lights, reducing noise) can help prevent sensory-related behaviours.
   • Establishing Clear Routines: Predictable routines can reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
   • Providing Regular Breaks: Incorporating regular breaks into activities can help prevent fatigue and frustration.

6. Train Support Workers and Family Members: Consistency is essential. Ensure that all Support Workers and family members are trained in the implementation of the Behaviour Support Plan and communication strategies. This includes understanding the Participant's communication style, triggers, and alternative behaviours. Consider utilizing the "Improved Relationships" support category in the NDIS plan to fund training for family members.

7. Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Regularly monitor the effectiveness of the communication strategies and Behaviour Support Plan. Collect data on the frequency and intensity of challenging behaviours and adjust the strategies as needed. Collaborate with the Behaviour Support Practitioner to review and update the plan regularly.

Conclusion: Empowering Communication, Enhancing Lives

Reducing challenging behaviours requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritises understanding, communication, and positive reinforcement. By focusing on identifying the function of the behaviour, enhancing communication skills, creating a communication-rich environment, and teaching alternative behaviours, families can empower NDIS Participants to communicate their needs effectively and improve their overall quality of life. Remember to leverage the supports available through the NDIS, including Behaviour Support Practitioners, speech pathologists, and funding for training and Assistive Technology. With patience, persistence, and a collaborative approach, you can create a positive and supportive environment for your loved one.