Challenging Behaviour | Occupational Therapy Adelaide
Challenging behaviours, such as aggression or self-injury, can affect learning, relationships, and daily activities. At Thrive Health Therapies, we work with individuals and families to identify underlying causes and develop strategies to promote positive change, independence, and a better quality of life.
What is Challenging Behaviour?
Challenging behaviour is a term used to describe actions that are socially, culturally, or developmentally inappropriate and that hinder an individual’s ability to function in various settings. It is not a diagnosis but rather a way to describe behaviours that might result from underlying factors such as developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, or emotional difficulties.
Examples of challenging behaviour include tantrums, physical aggression, verbal outbursts, self-injury, or resistance to routines and transitions. These behaviours often arise when an individual lacks the skills or ability to communicate their needs effectively or when they feel overwhelmed by their environment. Recognising challenging behaviour is the first step in addressing it and helping the individual achieve better outcomes.
Why is Behaviour Important?
Behaviour is a form of communication. For children and individuals who may struggle with verbal communication, behaviour often becomes their primary means of expressing emotions, needs, or discomfort. Understanding behaviour allows caregivers and professionals to identify what an individual is trying to communicate and respond appropriately.
Behaviour also plays a crucial role in shaping social interactions, learning opportunities, and emotional well-being. Positive behaviours help individuals form relationships, navigate daily routines, and engage with their communities. On the other hand, challenging behaviours can create barriers to participation, increase stress for families and caregivers, and lead to feelings of frustration or isolation for the individual.
By addressing the root causes of challenging behaviour, occupational therapists and other professionals can support individuals in developing positive behaviours that enhance their ability to thrive in various aspects of life.
What Might Challenging Behaviour Look Like?
Challenging behaviour can vary greatly depending on the individual and their unique circumstances. Some common examples include:
Aggression: Hitting, kicking, biting, or throwing objects.
Tantrums: Intense emotional outbursts, including crying, screaming, or refusing to comply.
Self-injury: Behaviours such as head-banging, scratching, or biting oneself.
Non-compliance: Refusal to follow instructions, engage in activities, or transition between tasks.
Social withdrawal: Avoiding interaction with peers, family members, or caregivers.
Repetitive behaviours: Engaging in repetitive movements or rituals that interfere with daily functioning.
These behaviours often occur in response to specific triggers, such as sensory overload, difficulty with communication, changes in routine, or unmet needs. Identifying these triggers and patterns is essential to developing effective strategies to address challenging behaviour.
How Do Occupational Therapists Help with Challenging Behaviour?
Occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in supporting individuals and families dealing with challenging behaviours. Their approach is holistic, focusing on understanding the individual’s unique needs, strengths, and environment. Here are some ways our occupational therapists help:
1. Identifying Underlying Causes Occupational therapists work to uncover the root causes of challenging behaviour. This might involve assessing sensory processing difficulties, communication barriers, emotional regulation challenges, or environmental factors. By understanding what drives the behaviour, OTs can create tailored interventions to address the individual’s needs.
2. Sensory Integration Therapy For individuals with sensory processing challenges, certain environments or stimuli can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. Occupational therapists use sensory integration techniques to help individuals regulate their sensory experiences and respond more appropriately to their surroundings. This might include activities that promote calming, alerting, or organising sensory input.
3. Developing Communication Skills Many challenging behaviours arise from difficulties in expressing needs or feelings. OTs work with individuals to develop communication skills, whether through verbal language, sign language, visual supports, or alternative communication systems. Improving communication can significantly reduce frustration and prevent challenging behaviours.
4. Building Emotional Regulation Skills Occupational therapists teach strategies for recognising and managing emotions. This might involve practising deep breathing, using visual emotion charts, or engaging in calming activities. By building emotional regulation skills, individuals can learn to respond to stressors more effectively and reduce instances of challenging behaviour.
5. Supporting Daily Routines Challenging behaviours often emerge during transitions or when individuals struggle to follow daily routines. OTs can help create structured routines, visual schedules, and clear expectations to provide consistency and reduce anxiety. They also teach problem-solving skills to help individuals navigate unexpected changes in their routines.
6. Educating and Empowering Caregivers Occupational therapists work closely with families, educators, and other caregivers to provide education and support. They offer practical strategies for managing challenging behaviours at home, in school, or in the community. By empowering caregivers with knowledge and tools, OTs help create a supportive environment that fosters positive behaviour changes.
7. Enhancing Participation and Engagement The ultimate goal of occupational therapy is to improve the individual’s ability to participate in meaningful activities. Whether it’s attending school, joining a social group, or completing daily self-care tasks, OTs help individuals build the skills they need to engage more fully and independently in their lives.
How We Deliver Occupational Therapy at Thrive Health Therapies
Thrive Health Therapies offers community-based, clinic-based, and telehealth occupational therapy.
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based occupational therapy in your home, school or kindergarten, or a location convenient to you throughout metropolitan Adelaide. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based sessions at our Findon clinic.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Funding Options for Occupational Therapy
We accept a variety of funding options, making augmentative and alternative communication therapy accessible for everyone:
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Why Choose Our Occupational Therapy Services?
No wait time: We can start working with paediatric or adult clients straight away!
Experienced: Our occupational therapists have extensive experience working with individuals of all ages.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing occupational therapy services across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school or kindergarten, or at a location convenient to them.
Clinic space: Our Findon clinic has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.
NDIS Registered: We are proudly registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Home Care Package (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.
-
Challenging behaviour refers to actions or reactions that are socially inappropriate, disruptive, or difficult to manage. These behaviours may include aggression, self-injury, tantrums, refusal to follow instructions, or withdrawal from activities.
-
Challenging behaviour can result from a variety of factors, including:
Communication difficulties.
Sensory processing issues.
Emotional regulation challenges.
Underlying medical or developmental conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD).
Environmental factors, such as changes in routine or overwhelming stimuli.
-
Occupational therapy helps by:
Identifying the underlying causes of challenging behaviours.
Teaching self-regulation and coping strategies.
Addressing sensory processing issues that may contribute to behaviour.
Developing routines and environmental modifications to reduce triggers.
Building communication skills to express needs more effectively.
-
Yes, occupational therapy can support adults experiencing challenging behaviour due to sensory, emotional, or environmental factors. Strategies can be tailored to improve self-regulation, communication, and daily functioning.
-
Signs include:
Frequent meltdowns or tantrums.
Difficulty calming down after becoming upset.
Aggression towards others or self-injury.
Trouble transitioning between activities or handling changes in routine.
Overreaction or underreaction to sensory input (e.g., noise, touch, lights).
-
Yes, challenging behaviour is often linked to sensory processing issues. A child may exhibit behaviours such as avoiding noisy environments, seeking intense sensory input, or reacting strongly to textures or lights. Occupational therapy can address these sensory challenges and reduce associated behaviours.
-
Yes, occupational therapy for challenging behaviour is often covered under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) if it is part of a broader plan to address developmental or sensory needs. Speak with your therapist or provider for guidance on accessing funding.
-
No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
-
If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your child directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
-
Referring is easy! You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
-
Yes! As a registered NDIS provider, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we are also able to offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
-
As a registered NDIS provider, interpreter services are available free of charge for NDIS participants. Please inform us if you require this service, and we will arrange this for you.
-
We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
As a NDIS registered provider we are also able to accept participants who have chosen to have their funds managed by NDIA.
-
Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
FAQs About Challenging Behaviour
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
Your Trusted NDIS Registered Provider in Adelaide
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. As a registered NDIS provider in Adelaide, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
Ready to get started?
It’s easy!
Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
