Understanding Dysregulation & Behaviour of Concerns

Behaviour is communication

Behaviours of concern do not happen “out of nowhere.”They are a form of communication that tells us something important about what a person is experiencing.

When a person becomes dysregulated, their behaviour is often expressing:

• Overwhelm

• Stress

• Sensory overload

• Fear or anxiety

• Frustration or unmet needs

• Difficulty communicating or coping

This is especially true for autistic individuals and people with disability, where behaviour is often the most reliable way distress is expressed.

What is dysregulation?

Dysregulation occurs when the nervous system becomes overloaded and the person can no longer cope with the demands being placed on them.

When this happens, the brain shifts into survival mode.In this state, reasoning, problem-solving, and emotional control are reduced.

Dysregulation may look like:

• Aggression or hitting

• Yelling, swearing, or verbal outbursts

• Property damage

• Refusal or withdrawal

• Meltdowns or shutdowns

• Self-injury

• Running away or avoidance

These behaviours are not deliberate and not manipulative.They are signs that the person’s system is struggling to cope.

Common causes of dysregulation

Dysregulation is often the result of multiple factors building over time, not a single trigger.

Common contributors include:

• Sensory overload (noise, lights, touch, crowds)

• Too many demands or expectations

• Sudden changes or transitions

• Communication difficulties

• Fatigue, hunger, pain, or illness

• Emotional stress or past trauma

• Feeling rushed, judged, or misunderstood

Understanding why dysregulation is happening is essential before trying to change behaviour.

Why punishment does not work

When a person is dysregulated, their nervous system is focused on survival.Punishment, raised voices, or consequences at this stage often:

• Increase fear and distress

• Escalate behaviour

• Damage trust and relationships

• Increase the likelihood of future incidents

Behaviour change cannot occur when the person feels unsafe.

A Positive Behaviour Support approach

Positive Behaviour Support focuses on:

• Understanding the function of behaviour

• Reducing stress and environmental triggers

• Teaching skills from a regulated state

• Supporting safety, dignity, and quality of life

Instead of asking“How do we stop this behaviour?”

PBS asks“What is this behaviour telling us, and how can we better support the person?”

What helps reduce dysregulation

Effective support focuses on prevention and regulation, not control.

This may include:

• Creating predictable routines

• Reducing sensory overload

• Adjusting expectations and demands

• Using clear, respectful communication

• Supporting transitions

• Teaching alternative ways to communicate needs

• Responding early to signs of stress

• Ensuring carers and staff remain calm and regulated

As regulation improves, behaviours of concern often reduce naturally.

The role of carers and support workers

Supporters play a vital role in regulation.Calm, consistent, and attuned responses help the nervous system settle.

When carers understand dysregulation, they are better able to:

• Respond early

• Prevent escalation

• Maintain safety

• Support learning and engagement

• Reduce burnout for everyone involved

Summary

Behaviours of concern are not the problem. They are the signal.

When we understand and support the nervous system, behaviour changes follow in a way that is:

• Safer

• More respectful

• More sustainable

• Aligned with human rights and dignity

Positive Behaviour Support is not about controlling behaviour. It is about supporting people to feel safe, understood, and capable.