Understanding a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)

Autistic children often show distress through challenging behaviours, not because they are difficult but because their needs are not being met in the usual ways.

Therefore, when discussing children with autism or other complex disabilities in schools and other settings, it’s important to approach their behaviour with empathy and support.

Understanding behaviours of concern

Behaviours of concern can include a range of actions, from emotional outbursts like shouting and screaming to physical reactions such as aggressive behaviour or even running away. Recognising that these behaviours stem from unmet needs rather than intentional disruption is key. Children may display these behaviours due to challenges with communicating or regulating their emotions. Often, certain behaviours are a way of communicating wants and needs, such as hunger, thirst, or discomfort from being too hot. Factors like sensory overload, anxiety, or fatigue often trigger these behaviours. It's important to see these as responses to stress, and not as reflections of the child’s character.

The role of a positive Behaviour Support Plans

A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) offers a structured approach to help manage and adapt these behaviours. It focuses on using positive strategies to support the child and reduce the occurrence of challenging behaviours by addressing their root causes.

Creating an effective BSP is a collaborative effort involving teachers, parents, and sometimes healthcare professionals. This ensures the plan is comprehensive and considers all aspects of the child’s environment and daily interactions.

One of the first steps in creating a BSP is conducting a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA), which helps identify the specific causes behind the behaviours. This might include physical discomfort, difficulties with schoolwork, or environmental stressors like bullying or changes in routine.

Key features of a behaviour support plan

A good BSP should clearly outline the following:

• Trigger identification: Pinpointing events or interactions that lead to challenging behaviours.
• Mitigation strategies: Methods to reduce or eliminate triggers.
• Positive reinforcement: Encouraging desired behaviours through positive feedback.
• Response guidelines: Instructions on how to react effectively and safely if challenging behaviours occur.
• Evaluation and adaptation: Regularly review the effectiveness of the plan and make necessary adjustments.

Implementing the plan in schools

In a school setting, specific staff members, such as the assistant principal or the Inclusion support teacher, usually oversee the implementation of BSPs. It’s important that this plan aligns with the school’s wider strategies for behaviour and learning.

It’s also essential for the school to maintain consistency by following one comprehensive plan per child, even if the child is receiving support from various sources. This ensures all staff members are on the same page and the child receives consistent support.

Putting a behaviour support plan into action isn't always a smooth process. Sometimes, a child's behaviour might get worse at first as they get used to new ways of doing things and what's expected of them. During this time, it's important to use positive reinforcement early and consistently to encourage change. Additionally, it’s important to give the plan a reasonable amount of time to see changes in behaviour and avoid making changes prematurely.

Behaviour support policies by state and territory

The different states and territories in Australia have their own specific policies and guidelines regarding Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) for children, particularly within educational settings. This variation is primarily due to the decentralised nature of Australia’s educational system, where state and territory governments are responsible for managing and funding public schools, leading to differences in how student welfare and behaviour are managed.

Visit your state or territory Department of Education website below to find out more: