What Is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation refers to the processes involved in recognising, responding to and managing emotional experiences.

Being emotionally regulated does not mean being calm or happy all the time.

People can experience strong emotions and still be supported to respond to them in ways that are safe, meaningful and appropriate for their individual circumstances.

Emotional regulation can involve:
  • Recognising emotions
  • Understanding what may be contributing to an emotional response
  • Communicating needs
  • Managing frustration
  • Coping with disappointment
  • Responding to unexpected changes
  • Managing uncertainty
  • Using strategies when becoming overwhelmed
  • Seeking help or support
  • Recovering after distress
  • Developing greater awareness of individual triggers and needs
The type and level of support someone needs varies considerably from person to person.
Signs of Emotional Dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation can look very different from one person to another.

Some people express distress in ways that are highly visible. Others may become quiet, withdraw or shut down.
Signs may include:
  • Frequent emotional outbursts
  • Difficulty coping with frustration or disappointment
  • Becoming overwhelmed easily
  • Difficulty calming after becoming upset
  • Withdrawal or shutdown
  • Aggressive responses when distressed
  • Impulsive reactions
  • Leaving situations
  • Difficulty managing unexpected changes
  • Increased anxiety or distress
  • Difficulty with transitions
  • Behaviours that create a risk of harm
These signs do not tell us why someone is distressed.

Understanding the reasons requires looking at the individual person, their communication, environment, experiences and the circumstances surrounding the behaviour.
Signs of Emotional Dysregulation in Children

Emotional dysregulation can look different from one child to another.

Some children externalise emotions through behaviours that are highly visible, while others internalise emotions and withdraw.
Common signs may include:
  • Frequent meltdowns
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Difficulty coping with disappointment
  • Aggressive responses when frustrated
  • Withdrawal or shutdowns
  • Difficulty calming after becoming upset
  • School refusal or avoidance
  • Challenges with transitions
  • Impulsive reactions
  • Increased anxiety
  • Behaviour that places themselves or others at risk
When children experience emotional dysregulation, behaviour can be an important signal that they are overwhelmed or require additional support.

The goal is to understand what is happening for the child, rather than simply labelling the behaviour as difficult.
Emotional Regulation Is More Than "Controlling Behaviour"

When someone becomes distressed, it can be easy for people around them to focus on the behaviour they can see.

But behaviour is only one part of what may be happening.
​
For example, someone who is yelling, refusing an activity or trying to leave may be experiencing:
  • Sensory overload
  • Anxiety
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Confusion
  • Frustration
  • An unexpected change
  • Too many demands
  • Fatigue
  • Fear
  • Loss of control
  • Difficulty understanding what is expected
  • A need for space or a break

Rather than asking only:
"How do we stop this behaviour?"

Positive Behaviour Support asks:
"What is happening for this person, and what support do they need?"

That shift can fundamentally change how behaviour is understood and supported.

To learn more about the underlying approach, explore What Is Positive Behaviour Support?.
Behaviour Is Communication

Behaviour can communicate important information about a person's needs, experiences and environment.
This can be particularly important where someone:
  • Does not use spoken language
  • Has limited expressive communication
  • Finds it difficult to identify or describe emotions
  • Has difficulty asking for help
  • Cannot easily explain pain or discomfort
  • Has difficulty communicating that something is overwhelming
  • Communicates differently when distressed

For example, leaving a noisy environment may communicate:
"This is too much."
Pushing an activity away may communicate:
"I don't understand what you want me to do."

Escalating when plans unexpectedly change may communicate:
"I need more predictability and preparation."

The exact meaning cannot simply be assumed from the behaviour.

Understanding behaviour requires looking at the individual person, the context in which behaviour occurs and the factors that may influence or maintain it.

Where a more detailed understanding is required, a Functional Behaviour Assessment can help explore why a behaviour may be occurring and the factors influencing or maintaining it.
Why Emotional Dysregulation Happens

Emotional dysregulation is rarely explained by one factor.

A person's ability to regulate emotions can be influenced by an interaction between their individual characteristics, communication, environment, experiences, health and support needs.

Factors that may be relevant include:
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Psychosocial disability
  • Trauma or adverse experiences
  • Communication difficulties
  • Sensory processing differences
  • Developmental disability
  • Intellectual disability
  • Neurological conditions
  • Fatigue and sleep difficulties
  • Pain or physical health conditions
  • Environmental stressors
  • Unexpected changes
  • Demands that exceed the person's current capacity
  • Relationships and social environments
The presence of a diagnosis does not automatically explain why a particular behaviour is occurring.

Assessment considers the individual person and their circumstances rather than assuming that everyone with the same diagnosis will experience emotional regulation in the same way.

Explore what causes emotional dysregulation for a more detailed look at factors that can contribute to emotional overwhelm and difficulties with regulation.

What Can Affect Emotional Regulation?

There is rarely one simple reason why someone becomes overwhelmed.

Emotional dysregulation can have many contributing factors, and the reasons can be different for every person.

Communication difficulties, sensory experiences, environmental demands, uncertainty, physical health, relationships, sleep and changes in routine can all influence someone's ability to regulate.
Communication

Difficulty understanding or expressing communication can increase frustration and distress.
Support may involve making communication clearer, increasing opportunities for choice and helping the person communicate needs such as:
  • "Stop"
  • "Help"
  • "I need a break"
  • "I don't understand"
  • "Not yet"
  • "Too loud"
Sensory Needs

Noise, light, touch, crowds, movement, smells, temperature and other sensory experiences can affect regulation.

Some people may become overwhelmed in particular environments while appearing comfortable in others.
​
Understanding these differences can help identify environmental adjustments and proactive supports.
Predictability and Routine

Unexpected changes can be difficult for some people.
Strategies may include:
  • Visual schedules
  • Preparing for transitions
  • Advance notice of changes
  • Clear expectations
  • Predictable routines
  • First-then supports
  • Choice within routines
The appropriate strategy depends on the individual rather than applying the same approach to everyone.
Demands and Expectations

Sometimes distress occurs when the demands placed on someone exceed their current skills, understanding or capacity.
A Behaviour Support Practitioner may consider:
  • Whether the person understands the task
  • Whether too much is being asked at once
  • Whether adequate support is available
  • Whether the environment makes the task harder
  • Whether the person has opportunities for breaks
  • Whether expectations are realistic
  • Whether the person has meaningful choices
Changing the environment or the way support is provided can sometimes be as important as teaching the individual new skills.
Physical Health, Pain and Wellbeing

Behaviour can change when someone is unwell, uncomfortable, tired or experiencing pain.

Physical health factors should be considered where relevant rather than assuming that a change in behaviour is purely behavioural.

Behaviour Support Practitioners do not diagnose or treat medical conditions, but can work collaboratively with participants, families and relevant health professionals where physical health may be influencing behaviour.
Relationships and Social Environment

Interactions with other people can affect emotional regulation.
Relevant factors may include:
  • Communication styles
  • Relationships
  • Conflict
  • Social expectations
  • Feeling misunderstood
  • Inconsistent responses between supporters
  • Lack of choice or control
  • Changes in support workers or carers
Positive Behaviour Support can help develop more consistent and supportive approaches across the person's support network.
Sleep, Fatigue and Daily Routine

Being tired can make regulation more difficult.
Changes in sleep, routine, activity levels or everyday demands may therefore be relevant when understanding patterns of behaviour.

How Positive Behaviour Support Helps Emotional Regulation

Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviour and developing practical, individualised strategies that reduce distress while supporting skills, participation and quality of life.

Rather than focusing only on the behaviour itself, PBS explores:
  • What happens before emotional responses
  • What the person may be communicating
  • What environmental factors may be contributing
  • What happens following the behaviour
  • What skills the person already has
  • What skills may need further development
  • How other people respond
  • How support teams can respond more consistently

Positive Behaviour Support may help by:
  • Identifying situations associated with distress
  • Recognising early warning signs
  • Reducing environmental stressors
  • Supporting communication
  • Developing coping and regulation skills
  • Supporting emotional awareness
  • Increasing meaningful choice
  • Improving consistency between supporters
  • Improving safety and participation
  • Supporting greater independence

​The strategies used depend on the individual and what assessment identifies.
Co-Regulation

People do not necessarily develop emotional regulation independently.

Co-regulation involves another person providing support that helps someone manage emotional experiences and move towards a more regulated state.

Depending on the individual, co-regulation might involve:
  • Remaining calm and predictable
  • Reducing verbal demands
  • Giving the person time to process information
  • Providing reassurance
  • Offering choices
  • Supporting communication
  • Changing the environment
  • Allowing appropriate space
  • Using familiar regulation strategies
  • Recognising early signs of distress
For children, co-regulation from parents, carers and other trusted adults can be particularly important.

Adults may also benefit from appropriate co-regulation and supportive relationships.

The goal is to provide the right level of support for the individual while developing independence where appropriate and meaningful to them.

Parents can explore our guide to Co-Regulating with Your Child: Foundation Skills for Self-Regulation for more information.
Recognising Early Signs of Distress

Behaviour often does not move instantly from regulated to highly distressed.

There may be early signs that someone is becoming overwhelmed.
These signs are individual and might include:
  • Changes in facial expression
  • Increased movement or pacing
  • Becoming unusually quiet
  • Repetitive questioning
  • Changes in communication
  • Increased vocalisation
  • Seeking reassurance
  • Trying to leave
  • Avoiding interaction
  • Increased repetitive movements
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Becoming more rigid about routines
  • Changes in breathing or body tension
Recognising an individual's early signs can create opportunities to provide support before distress escalates further.
​
A Behaviour Support Plan can document individual signs of escalation and provide guidance about strategies supporters can use.

Emotional Regulation Strategies

Emotional regulation strategies should reflect the individual person's needs, communication, abilities, environment and the reasons their behaviour is occurring.
​
Positive Behaviour Support commonly considers proactive strategies, skill-building strategies and appropriate responses during escalation.

Proactive Strategies
Proactive strategies aim to reduce the likelihood of distress and escalation before they occur.
Examples may include:
  • Predictable routines
  • Visual schedules
  • Transition warnings
  • Sensory breaks
  • Offering meaningful choices
  • Preparing for changes
  • Environmental adjustments
  • Adjusting demands
  • Communication supports
  • Access to preferred activities
  • Opportunities for breaks
  • Consistent support approaches

Skill-Building Strategies

Skill-building strategies support people to develop abilities that can increase independence and participation over time.
Examples may include:
  • Recognising body cues
  • Naming or identifying emotions
  • Using emotional scales where appropriate
  • Asking for help
  • Requesting breaks
  • Problem-solving
  • Developing communication skills
  • Using individual regulation strategies
  • Managing transitions
  • Making choices
  • Communicating discomfort

Reactive Strategies

Reactive strategies guide how supporters respond when distress or escalation is already occurring.

Depending on the individual's needs and Behaviour Support Plan, examples may include:
  • Remaining calm
  • Reducing verbal demands
  • Using clear and simple communication
  • Reducing unnecessary environmental stimulation
  • Removing avoidable demands
  • Supporting immediate safety
  • Providing appropriate space
  • Supporting access to established regulation strategies
  • Allowing recovery time
  • Returning to problem-solving when the person is ready
There is no single emotional regulation strategy that works for everyone.

Explore Examples of Positive Behaviour Support Strategies for more practical examples of proactive, skill-building and response strategies used within Positive Behaviour Support.
What Happens During Escalation?

When someone is already highly distressed, it may not be the best time to teach a new skill, explain consequences or provide large amounts of information.

Depending on the individual's needs and Behaviour Support Plan, supporters may instead need to:
  • Reduce demands
  • Reduce unnecessary communication
  • Maintain a calm approach
  • Provide space where appropriate
  • Support access to established regulation strategies
  • Reduce environmental stimulation
  • Prioritise immediate safety
  • Avoid unnecessary confrontation
  • Allow sufficient time for recovery
The appropriate response depends on the individual and the circumstances.

A Behaviour Support Plan can provide supporters with clear guidance about what to do before, during and after escalation.
What Happens After Someone Has Been Distressed?

Recovery is an important part of emotional regulation.
After significant distress, a person may need:
  • Time
  • Space
  • Reduced expectations
  • Reassurance
  • Familiar routines
  • Access to preferred activities
  • Support reconnecting with others
  • Help returning to everyday activities
Immediately asking someone to explain their behaviour or process what happened may not always be helpful.

The person's individual needs should guide how support is provided after an incident.

Later, the participant and Behaviour Support team may review what happened to understand whether strategies, environments or supports need to change.
Emotional Regulation Strategies for ADHD

People with ADHD may experience difficulties with areas such as emotional regulation, impulse control, attention, transitions, frustration and managing competing demands.

Helpful supports may include:
  • Predictable routines
  • Visual supports
  • Breaking tasks into smaller steps
  • Movement breaks
  • Appropriate sensory supports
  • Reducing cognitive overload
  • Building emotional awareness
  • Developing individual regulation strategies
  • Supporting organisation
  • Preparing for transitions
  • Developing ways to communicate frustration or ask for help

However, behaviour should not simply be attributed to ADHD.

Positive Behaviour Support considers the individual person and the function and context of their behaviour.
​
Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for ADHD
Emotional Regulation Strategies for Autism

Autistic people may experience emotional dysregulation when sensory, communication, social or environmental demands become overwhelming.

Support focuses on understanding the individual's needs rather than simply expecting them to "cope better".

Depending on the person, helpful supports may include:
  • Sensory regulation strategies
  • Visual supports
  • Predictable routines
  • Transition supports
  • Communication tools
  • Environmental adjustments
  • Emotional awareness supports
  • Co-regulation
  • Opportunities for breaks
  • Increased choice and control

Positive Behaviour Support should not aim to make an autistic person appear less autistic.
Support can instead focus on reducing unnecessary distress, increasing communication and choice, adapting environments and developing meaningful skills.

Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for Autism about individualised Behaviour Support for autistic children, adolescents and adults.
Emotional Regulation and Intellectual Disability

People with intellectual disability may require emotional regulation support that reflects their individual:
  • Communication
  • Understanding
  • Learning style
  • Developmental needs
  • Environment
  • Support network
Strategies may need to be concrete, consistent, visual or practised repeatedly across everyday environments.

Support should remain respectful and age-appropriate rather than assuming that a person's developmental or communication needs determine their interests, preferences or rights.
Emotional Regulation Support for Children

Children may benefit from Behaviour Support when emotional regulation difficulties significantly affect their everyday participation, relationships, wellbeing or safety.

This may include children who:
  • Experience frequent meltdowns
  • Struggle with transitions
  • Become overwhelmed easily
  • Experience difficulties at school
  • Have difficulty communicating emotions or needs
  • React strongly to frustration
  • Have difficulty recovering after becoming upset
  • Experience behaviours that create safety concerns

Behaviour Support for children may include:
  • Working collaboratively with parents and carers
  • Visual supports
  • Routine development
  • Emotional regulation strategies
  • Communication supports
  • School collaboration
  • Home-based strategies
  • Environmental adjustments
  • Skill development

Parents and carers may also find these resources helpful:
Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for Children.
Emotional Regulation Support for Teenagers

Adolescence can bring significant changes in:
  • Independence
  • Relationships
  • Expectations
  • School
  • Identity
  • Communication
  • Social environments
  • Daily routines
For teenagers with disability, these changes can interact with existing communication, sensory or regulation needs.

Support may focus on:
  • Recognising early signs of escalation
  • Managing stress and overwhelm
  • Improving communication
  • Developing coping strategies
  • Supporting increasing independence
  • Improving relationships
  • Managing transitions and changes
  • Reducing behaviours that create risk

Positive Behaviour Support should respect the young person's increasing autonomy, preferences and right to participate in decisions about their support.
Explore Positive Behaviour Support for teenagers.
Emotional Regulation Support for Adults

Adults may seek Behaviour Support when emotional dysregulation or behaviours of concern affect areas such as:
  • Home life
  • Relationships
  • Community participation
  • Employment or volunteering
  • Supported accommodation
  • Daily routines
  • Independence
  • Safety

​Support may focus on:
  • Recognising early signs of escalation
  • Managing stress and overwhelm
  • Improving communication
  • Developing individual regulation strategies
  • Building independence
  • Supporting relationships
  • Improving community participation
  • Reducing behaviours that create risk

This can be particularly relevant where emotional regulation difficulties occur alongside disability-related communication, sensory, cognitive or psychosocial support needs.

Support should recognise the adult's right to choice, control, dignity and participation.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support for adults.
Emotional Regulation Support for Older Adults

Changes in health, communication, cognition, environment, routine and support needs can influence behaviour and emotional regulation later in life.
Behaviour Support for older adults can involve collaboration with:
  • The participant
  • Family members
  • Carers
  • Support workers
  • Accommodation providers
  • Allied health professionals
  • Other healthcare professionals
Assessment considers what may be contributing to changes in behaviour rather than assuming behaviour is simply a consequence of ageing or disability.

Support can focus on maintaining dignity, communication, meaningful participation, relationships, choice and quality of life.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support for older adults.
Functional Behaviour Assessment and Emotional Regulation

When emotional responses or associated behaviours are frequent, complex or significantly affecting participation, a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) may be appropriate.
An FBA can help investigate:
  • What the behaviour looks like
  • When and where it occurs
  • What happens before it
  • What happens afterwards
  • Environmental influences
  • Communication factors
  • What the individual may be communicating
  • Possible functions of behaviour
  • Factors that make behaviour more or less likely
This helps move support away from assumptions and towards individualised, evidence-informed strategies.

Assessment findings can then inform Behaviour Support planning and ongoing strategies.
​
Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessment and how it can contribute to understanding behaviours of concern.
Behaviour Support Risk Assessment

Where behaviours create a potential risk of harm, a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment may also form part of the broader assessment process.
Risk assessment can consider:
  • What the potential risk is
  • Who may be affected
  • Likelihood
  • Potential consequences
  • Situations associated with increased risk
  • Protective factors
  • Existing safeguards
  • Additional strategies that may reduce risk
The assessment is specific to the participant, rather than relying on a generic list of risks associated with a diagnosis or disability.

Learn more about ​ NDIS Behaviour Support Risk Assessments and how risk assessment can contribute to Positive Behaviour Support planning.
Behaviour Support Plans and Emotional Regulation

A Behaviour Support Plan can bring assessment findings and strategies together into a practical plan for the participant and the people supporting them.
Depending on the participant, the plan may include:
  • The person's strengths and goals
  • Behaviours being addressed
  • Factors influencing behaviour
  • Communication needs
  • Early signs of distress
  • Proactive strategies
  • Environmental strategies
  • Skill-building strategies
  • Guidance for responding during escalation
  • Recovery strategies
  • Roles for supporters
  • Monitoring and review
The plan is individualised to the participant rather than using a generic set of emotional regulation strategies.

Learn more about NDIS Behaviour Support Plans
Emotional Regulation and Restrictive Practices

When behaviours create significant risk, restrictive responses can sometimes become part of a person's support arrangements.

Positive Behaviour Support seeks to understand the reasons behind behaviour and develop proactive alternatives that support the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices.
​
Regulated restrictive practices under the NDIS include:
  • Seclusion
  • Chemical restraint
  • Mechanical restraint
  • Physical restraint
  • Environmental restraint
Restrictive practices are subject to specific safeguards, Behaviour Support Plan requirements and applicable authorisation processes.
Learn more about Restrictive Practices and Positive Behaviour Support.
Emotional Regulation at School

School environments can involve:
  • Noise
  • Crowds
  • Transitions
  • Social demands
  • Academic expectations
  • Changes in routine
  • Waiting
  • Unstructured periods
  • Sensory demands

Where appropriate and with consent, Behaviour Support Practitioners can collaborate with schools and families to better understand what contributes to distress and support consistent strategies.

The aim is not simply to make a child "behave at school".
The aim is to understand what the child needs to participate, communicate, learn and feel supported within their environment.
Emotional Regulation in SIL and Supported Living

For participants living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) or other supported accommodation, multiple support workers may be involved across the week.

Consistency can therefore be particularly important.
Behaviour Support may assist teams to:
  • Recognise early signs of distress
  • Understand individual needs
  • Use consistent communication
  • Implement proactive strategies
  • Respond consistently during escalation
  • Support recovery
  • Record useful behaviour information
  • Review strategies over time
Positive Behaviour Support can also help support teams understand why strategies are being used rather than simply providing a list of instructions.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support in Supported Independent Living (SIL).
Emotional Regulation in the Community

Community environments can be unpredictable.

Shopping centres, appointments, public transport, social activities and unfamiliar locations can introduce sensory, communication and environmental demands.

Positive Behaviour Support can help identify what makes community participation easier or harder and develop strategies that support greater independence and meaningful participation.
NDIS Behaviour Support for Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation support may be funded through the NDIS where it relates to the participant's disability-related support needs, goals and applicable NDIS funding requirements.

Positive Behaviour Support may include:
  • Functional Behaviour Assessments
  • Behaviour Support assessment
  • Behaviour Support Plans
  • Participant and family consultation
  • Carer and support team consultation
  • Strategy development
  • Implementation support
  • Monitoring
  • Review
The supports required depend on the participant's individual circumstances.

Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support NDIS and NDIS Behaviour Support Plans.

How Belong Health Can Help

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support for children, adolescents, adults and older adults across Perth, Mandurah, the Peel Region and wider Western Australia.

Depending on the participant's needs, our Behaviour Support Practitioners can assist with:
  • Emotional regulation difficulties
  • Behaviours of concern
  • Autism and ADHD-related Behaviour Support
  • Functional Behaviour Assessments
  • Behaviour Support Risk Assessments
  • Behaviour Support Plans
  • Proactive Behaviour Support strategies
  • Communication-focused strategies
  • Environmental strategies
  • Skill development
  • Family and carer consultation
  • School consultation
  • Support team consultation and implementation
  • Monitoring and review
  • Restrictive practice reduction strategies where relevant
  • Telehealth Behaviour Support where appropriate

We work collaboratively with participants, families, schools, Support Coordinators, support teams, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Psychologists and other relevant professionals to develop practical, person-centred strategies.

You can also explore our Positive Behaviour Support Hub for more Behaviour Support information and resources.
Positive Behaviour Support Across Perth, Mandurah and WA

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support for children, adolescents, adults and older adults.

Perth Metro

Our Behaviour Support Practitioners provide Positive Behaviour Support across Perth and surrounding areas, including home and community-based support where appropriate.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support Perth and the areas our practitioners support.

Mandurah and Peel

We provide Positive Behaviour Support in Mandurah, Peel and surrounding areas for children, adolescents, adults and older adults.
Explore Positive Behaviour Support Mandurah.

Telehealth Across Western Australia

Positive Behaviour Support can also be delivered through telehealth across Western Australia, depending on the participant's individual circumstances and the service required.

Telehealth can support participants in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas of WA.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support Telehealth.

Not sure which practitioner services your area?
Find a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner near you and explore the locations supported by our Behaviour Support team
How to Get Started with Positive Behaviour Support

Taking the first step towards Positive Behaviour Support can feel overwhelming, particularly if you're new to the NDIS or have never accessed Behaviour Support before.

Our team aims to make the process as straightforward and supportive as possible.

Whether you're a participant, parent, family member, Support Coordinator or healthcare professional, we'll take the time to understand your situation and help you determine the most appropriate next steps.
​
Every person's journey is different, so the process may vary depending on individual goals, funding arrangements and support needs.

Step 1 - Contact Our Team
The first step is to contact Belong Health by phone, email or through our online enquiry form.
We'll discuss:
  • Who the support is for
  • The participant's goals and current support needs
  • Emotional regulation or behaviours of concern
  • Where services are required
  • Funding arrangements, including NDIS or private services
  • Any questions you may have about Positive Behaviour Support
If you're unsure whether Positive Behaviour Support is the right service, we're happy to talk through your situation and help guide you.

Step 2 - Free 20-Minute Connect Session
We offer a free 20-minute Connect Session to help you make an informed decision.
This is an opportunity to:
  • Discuss your situation
  • Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support
  • Ask questions about the process
  • Understand how services may be delivered
  • Determine whether Positive Behaviour Support is the most appropriate service
There is no obligation to proceed following the Connect Session.

Step 3 - Matching You with the Right Behaviour Support Practitioner
If you decide to proceed, we'll recommend the Behaviour Support Practitioner who best matches your individual needs.
When making this recommendation, we consider factors such as:
  • Age
  • Support needs
  • Goals
  • Preferred service location
  • Availability
  • Practitioner experience and areas of interest
Our aim is to ensure you are connected with the practitioner who is the best fit for your circumstances.

Step 4 - Assessment and Planning
Your Behaviour Support Practitioner will work collaboratively with you and your support network to better understand the individual's strengths, goals, communication, routines, environments and emotional regulation needs.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
  • Gathering background information
  • Meeting with the participant
  • Speaking with family members or carers
  • Consulting with schools, support teams or other professionals where appropriate
  • Reviewing behaviour information or data
  • Completing a Functional Behaviour Assessment where required
  • Considering environmental, communication, sensory and other contributing factors
The assessment process helps guide recommendations that are individualised, practical and meaningful.

Step 5 - Ongoing Positive Behaviour Support
For many participants, Positive Behaviour Support is an ongoing collaborative process rather than a single appointment.
Your Behaviour Support Practitioner may continue working alongside you, your family and your broader support network to:
  • Review progress
  • Adjust strategies as goals evolve
  • Support implementation across different environments
  • Develop emotional regulation and communication skills where appropriate
  • Collaborate with other professionals
  • Update recommendations as circumstances change
Our goal is to provide support that continues to reflect the participant's needs over time.

free 20min PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.
Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner  is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
​Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

    Positive behAviour supports ENQUIRY FORM

Frequently Asked Questions - Emotional Regulation Strategies & Behaviour Support

What is emotional regulation?
Emotional regulation involves the processes used to recognise, respond to and manage emotional experiences.
It does not mean remaining calm all the time. People can experience strong emotions while developing ways to communicate their needs and respond to those emotions safely and meaningfully.

What is emotional dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation is a term used to describe difficulties regulating emotional responses.
It can look different between individuals and may involve intense emotional responses, difficulty recovering from distress, withdrawal, impulsive responses or other changes in behaviour.
Explore what causes emotional dysregulation for more information.

What are signs of emotional dysregulation in children?
Signs can include frequent meltdowns, emotional outbursts, difficulty coping with disappointment, withdrawal, difficulty with transitions, school avoidance, impulsive reactions and difficulty calming after becoming distressed.
The behaviour needs to be understood within the individual child's circumstances rather than interpreting any one behaviour as proof of emotional dysregulation.

Is emotional dysregulation a behaviour of concern?
Not automatically.
Experiencing strong emotions is not itself a behaviour of concern. However, behaviours occurring during distress may become concerning where they significantly affect the person's safety, participation or quality of life.

Is a meltdown the same as a tantrum?
These terms are sometimes used inconsistently.
Rather than relying on a label, Positive Behaviour Support considers what is actually happening for the individual, the context, what precedes the behaviour and what the behaviour may be communicating or achieving.

Why does my child become upset over small things?
What appears small to another person may not feel small to the child.
Communication demands, sensory experiences, uncertainty, accumulated stress, fatigue, unexpected changes and other factors can influence how someone responds.

Why does someone behave differently at home and school?
Different environments have different demands, sensory experiences, relationships, routines and expectations.
Differences in behaviour between environments can provide useful information about factors that may be influencing it.

What is co-regulation?
Co-regulation involves another person providing support that helps someone manage emotional experiences and move towards a more regulated state.
It can include calm communication, predictability, reducing demands, supporting communication and recognising early signs of distress.

What are emotional regulation strategies?
Emotional regulation strategies can include proactive environmental supports, communication strategies, skill development, co-regulation and individual strategies for responding when distress begins.
The appropriate strategies depend on the individual and the reasons their behaviour is occurring.
Explore Examples of Positive Behaviour Support Strategies.

Should we ignore behaviour when someone is dysregulated?
There is no universal rule to ignore behaviour.
The appropriate response depends on the individual, the behaviour, its function, the circumstances and any safety concerns.

Should there be consequences after a behaviour?
Positive Behaviour Support does not apply a generic consequence to every behaviour.
Responses are informed by the individual's needs, the function of behaviour, safety and what will support learning and wellbeing.

Should I talk to someone while they are highly distressed?
Sometimes reducing verbal information can be helpful because a highly distressed person may have difficulty processing language.
However, this varies between individuals and should be guided by the person's needs and Behaviour Support strategies.

What are triggers?
The word "trigger" is commonly used to describe events or circumstances associated with distress or behaviour.
Behaviour Support generally looks more broadly at antecedents, setting events, environmental factors and other influences rather than assuming that one trigger explains the behaviour.

Can sensory overload affect behaviour?
Yes. Sensory experiences can influence regulation for some people.
Noise, lighting, touch, crowds, movement, smells and other environmental factors may make participation easier or more difficult.

Can communication difficulties contribute to emotional dysregulation?
Communication differences can contribute to distress when someone has difficulty understanding other people or communicating their needs, preferences, discomfort or desire for a break.

Can pain cause changes in behaviour?
Yes. Pain, illness, discomfort, fatigue and other physical factors can influence behaviour.
Significant or unexplained changes in behaviour may warrant consideration of health factors and appropriate medical or allied health input.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help with emotional regulation?
Where Positive Behaviour Support is appropriate for the participant, it can help identify factors influencing distress and behaviour and develop individualised proactive, environmental, communication and skill-building strategies.

Does Positive Behaviour Support teach coping strategies?
It can.
Depending on the person's needs, Positive Behaviour Support may involve developing communication, coping, problem-solving, transition and regulation skills alongside changes to environments and the way support is provided.

What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment is a systematic assessment process used to understand behaviour, including the circumstances influencing or maintaining it and the function the behaviour may serve.
Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessment.

Does everyone with emotional regulation difficulties need an FBA?
No.
Whether a Functional Behaviour Assessment is appropriate depends on the behaviours occurring, their complexity and impact, and the person's individual circumstances.

Can a Behaviour Support Plan include emotional regulation strategies?
Yes. Where relevant to the participant, a Behaviour Support Plan can include proactive regulation strategies, communication supports, environmental strategies, early signs of distress and guidance for supporters.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help autistic people with emotional regulation?
Yes, where Positive Behaviour Support is appropriate for the person's individual circumstances.
Support should recognise the autistic person's communication, sensory, environmental and regulation needs and focus on wellbeing, participation, autonomy and quality of life.
Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for Autism.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help people with ADHD?
Yes. Positive Behaviour Support can be relevant where behaviours associated with disability-related support needs affect quality of life or participation.
Assessment focuses on the individual rather than assuming behaviour is caused solely by ADHD.
Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for ADHD.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help children with emotional regulation?
Yes. Behaviour Support Practitioners can work collaboratively with children, families and other important people to understand what contributes to distress and develop individualised strategies.
Parents can also explore our Emotional Regulation Strategies for Children.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help teenagers and adults?
Yes. Positive Behaviour Support can support teenagers and adults where behaviours of concern or disability-related regulation needs affect everyday life, relationships, participation, independence or safety.
Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for Teens and Adults.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help at school?
Where appropriate and with consent, Behaviour Support Practitioners can collaborate with families and education teams to understand behaviours and support consistent strategies.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help in Supported Independent Living?
Yes. Behaviour Support Practitioners can work with participants and SIL support teams to develop and implement individualised and consistent Positive Behaviour Support strategies.

Can emotional dysregulation lead to restrictive practices?
Where behaviours create significant risk, restrictive responses can sometimes become part of support arrangements.
Positive Behaviour Support seeks to develop proactive alternatives and work towards reducing and eliminating restrictive practices within the applicable NDIS framework.

Can Positive Behaviour Support be provided by telehealth?
Yes. Positive Behaviour Support can be delivered via telehealth where appropriate.
The suitable service-delivery method depends on the participant's circumstances and the assessment or support required.

Do you provide Positive Behaviour Support in Perth?
Yes. Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support across Perth Metro and surrounding areas.

Do you provide Positive Behaviour Support in Mandurah?
Yes. Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support across Mandurah, Peel and surrounding areas.

What if I don't know whether Positive Behaviour Support is the right service?
You don't need to determine that yourself.
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Contact Belong Health or book a free 20-minute Connect Session. Our team can discuss what is happening and help determine the most appropriate next step.
Related Resources

​Emotional Regulation Support Positive Behaviour Support Diagnosis-Specific Supports Assessments
Looking for Positive Behaviour Support?

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support for children, adolescents, adults and older adults across Perth, Mandurah and surrounding areas, with telehealth available across Western Australia where appropriate.

Our Behaviour Support Practitioners work collaboratively with participants, families and support teams to understand behaviour and develop practical, individualised strategies that support quality of life, participation, independence and everyday wellbeing.

✓ Registered NDIS Provider
✓ Children, Adolescents, Adults and Older Adults
✓ Perth, Mandurah and surrounding areas
✓ Telehealth across Western Australia where appropriate
✓ Free 20-Minute Connect Session
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Book a Free 20-Minute Connect Session
Find a PBS Practitioner Near Me

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message

​Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is reviewed periodically to reflect current evidence, clinical practice and relevant NDIS guidance.
© COPYRIGHT 2026. BELONG HEALTH ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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