A participants escalating behaviour may be influenced by a range of factors. All behaviour should NEVER be viewed in isolation or one single event.

Common Triggers

Triggers may include but not limited too:

• Changes to routine
• Waiting or delays
• Unfamiliar people or environments
• Noise, lighting or sensory overload
• Pain or illness
• Fatigue or hunger
• Medication changes or side effects
• Communication difficulties
• Feeling ignored or misunderstood
• Loss of control or limited choices
• Conflict with another person
• Demands that feel overwhelming
• Previous trauma or distressing experiences
• Environmental or contextual triggers (new staff, visitors,
• Medication changes
• Overstimulation

Triggers change overtime with age, needs and diagnose. Different environments and people.

The “Why” Behind the Behaviour

Instead of asking, “What is wrong with this person?” consider:

• What happened before the behaviour?
• What might the person be trying to communicate?
• Is there an unmet physical, emotional, sensory or communication need?
• Does the person feel unsafe, unheard or out of control?
• What response might help reduce distress?
• Does the person require aids & equipment?

The ABC Approach

The ABC model can assist with understanding incidents:

• A – Antecedent: What happened before the behaviour?
• B – Behaviour: What did the person do or communicate during the incident?
• C – Consequence: What happened immediately afterwards?

This information can help identify patterns and improve future support.