Understanding the function behind a behaviour is essential for developing effective intervention strategies. The four basic functions of behaviour are: escape, attention, access to tangibles, and sensory/automatic. A child may engage in a behaviour to escape a task they find unpleasant, such as schoolwork. They may seek attention from parents, teachers, or peers by acting out. Access to tangibles refers to behaviours aimed at getting something they want—like a toy or food. Finally, some behaviours serve a sensory or automatic function, meaning they provide internal stimulation or relief (e.g. hand-flapping, rocking). Behaviour therapists use this understanding to teach alternative behaviours that meet the same need in a safer, more appropriate way. This approach is central to NDIS-funded Behaviour Support Plans, ensuring strategies are ethical, effective, and tailored to each child.
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