Behaviour as Communication:
Meeting Needs, Not Just Managing Behaviour
What You’ll Learn
The difference between person-centred and person-directed support—and why it matters.
How to reframe “challenging behaviour” into behaviour that challenges us to listen differently.
How curiosity helps us uncover what a person is really communicating.
The ways people communicate beyond words—and how behaviour often becomes a last resort.
Person-directed communication through the how, what, who, when, and where of interaction.
How to use MEATS (Medical, Escape, Attention, Tangible, Sensory) and the ABC model to understand the function of behaviour so we can support the underlying needs.
About the Course
Learn through videos, real world case studies, and practical activities.
Includes printable tools and resources you can put to use right away.
Takes 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.
Section 1: Building the Foundation
In this section we explore the difference between person-centred and person-directed support, reframing “challenging behaviour”, and the importance of curiousity.
Activity:
Case study exploring person-directed approaches and the assumptions we can make.
Resources:
Building My Good Life workbook
Person-Directed Planning Cards
Section 2: Person-Directed Communication
In this section we explore how people communicate, how communication that missed, misunderstood, or not honoured can lead to behaviours that challenge, and person-directed communication.
Activity:
Exploring the different ways both joy and distress can be communicated, and how this awareness can prevent behaviours that challenge.
Resources:
My Communication Workbook
Webinar: Visual Support Strategies
Tips for Supportive Communication
Section 3: Understanding Behaviour as Communication
In this section we explore the functions of behaviour through the MEATS (Medical, Escape, Attention/Connection, Tangible, and Sensory) framework. We also explore how to understand behaviour through the ABC model.
Activity:
Case Study: Exploring the function of a behaviour (the underlying need) through the ABC tool.
Resources:
Editable ABC Template
Visual Supports for Communicating Needs