What is it?

Behaviour of a person is the voluntary action or reaction of a person in relation to the environment.

Why is it important?

Societal norms of behaviours exist and people are expected to fit into these norms. For a child there is a point where behaviour is required for optimum learning.

Building blocks necessary to develop appropriate Behaviour:

• Appropriate speech and language skills.
• Understanding of social circumstances.
• Efficient sensory integration.

You tell there are problems with appropriate Behaviour if the child:

• Has poor self esteem.
• Lacks the ability to concentrate.
• Doesn't mix well with peers. (e.g. may prefer playing with younger children).
• Shows immature social behaviour.
• Is excessively aggressive, or shy and timid, or disruptive at school or kindergarten.
• Is more oppositional than typical.

When Behaviour is less than ideal, you might also see difficulties with:

• Learning.
• Attention, listening and concentration.
• Sensory processing.
• Social and emotional development.
• Play.
• Understanding what is being said.
• Talking and being understood (e.g. how they are using words, clarity of their speech).

What can be done to improve Behaviour?

• Increase awareness of self and behaviour in various environments.
• Determine the underlying cause of the behaviour difficulties, whether they are related to poor sensory processing, difficulty planning and sequencing or understanding instructions.

Activities that can improve Behaviour include:

• Routine and clear expectations.
• Social Stories
• Look out for “good” behaviours and reinforce them by giving specific praise (e.g. “You packed away your pencils- well done” etc).