What is a Behaviour of Concern?
A behaviour of concern is any behaviour that may place a person or others at risk of harm, limit a person’s access to everyday activities, or reduce their quality of life . These behaviours can look different for each individual and may occur in response to unmet needs, communication difficulties, environmental stressors, or changes in routine.
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The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission defines behaviours of concern as behaviours that are of such intensity, frequency, or duration that they impact a person’s safety, wellbeing, or participation in daily life. Importantly, behaviours of concern are not who a person is—they are a way of communicating that something isn’t working.
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At Positive Rhythm, we focus on understanding the meaning behind behaviour. Rather than trying to “stop” behaviours, we work to identify the underlying needs and provide positive, respectful supports that help people feel safe, heard, and supported in all areas of their life.
Types of Behaviours of Concern
Behaviours of concern as defined by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission can vary widely between individuals and may change over time or across environments They can include, but are not limited to:
Physical aggression
Actions that may cause harm to others, such as hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, or throwing objects.
Property damage
Destroying or damaging personal or shared property, including breaking objects or furniture.
Verbal aggression
Yelling, swearing, threats, or other verbal behaviours that may cause distress to others.
Absconding or unsafe wandering
Leaving a safe environment without support or supervision, placing the person at risk.
Self-injurious behaviours
Behaviours that may cause harm to the person themselves, such as head banging, scratching, biting, or hitting their body.
Sexually inappropriate behaviours
Behaviours that are unsafe, non-consensual, or not appropriate to the setting or context.