One of the most important steps in providing effective and compassionate support is this: understanding the function of the behaviour. So, it’s crucial for staff teams to understand the function of behaviours of concern.
In other words, asking why the behaviour is happening.
In support services—whether in schools, supported living or residential services, teams may support people who display behaviours of concern. These behaviours might include, self-injury, withdrawal, or property damage or hitting out at others. Understandably, they can be challenging for the teams to manage and to understand.
All Behaviour Has Meaning
Behaviours of concern don’t happen randomly or “just because.” They are often a person’s way of communicating a need, especially when they don’t have the skills, words, or support to express it differently.
By identifying the function of the behaviour, staff teams can stop reacting to just the surface behaviour—and start addressing the real cause underneath.
What Do We Mean by “Function” of Behaviour?
In Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), the function is the reason a person engages in a particular behaviour. Most behaviours serve one (or more) of these functions:
- To Escape or Avoid something unpleasant (e.g., difficult tasks, loud environments)
- To Gain Attention (positive or negative)
- To Access something they want (e.g., food, items, preferred activities)
- To Meet Sensory Needs (e.g., self-soothing or stimulation)
Why This Understanding Matters
- It Prevents Misinterpretation and Blame
Without understanding function, staff may label behaviours as “manipulative,” “attention-seeking,” “bad behaviour” or personalise the situation —which can lead to frustration, punishment (unacceptable in PBS), and potentially abusive practices. But when we understand why someone is behaving that way, we can respond with empathy and insight.
- It Leads to Better Support Plans
Behaviour support plans based on function are more effective. They allow us to:
- Modify environments to reduce triggers
- Teach alternative skills that meet the same need
- Change our responses to avoid reinforcing unhelpful behaviour
This results in more lasting, positive change.
- It Builds Consistency Across the Team
When all staff understand the why, they can respond in the same, consistent way. This helps the person feel safer and more understood and prevents mixed messages that can make behaviours worse.
- It Supports the Person’s Rights and Dignity
Understanding function keeps the focus on the individual’s needs and humanity—not just on “stopping” behaviours. It aligns with trauma-informed and person-centred practices, giving people control and choice wherever possible.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Abdul hits out at staff when asked to clean up. Without knowing the function, staff might use consequences like time alone, or ignoring. But if we discover that the function is to escape a demand that feels overwhelming, we can:
- Give advance warnings and visual cues
- Break the task into smaller steps
- Offer choices to increase control
- Teach Abdul to ask for help or a break instead
Now we’re not just reducing the hitting—we’re empowering Abdul with new tools to manage stress.
Understanding Leads to Growth—for Everyone
When staff teams take time to understand the function of behaviours, it benefits everyone:
- The person supported feels seen and respected.
- Staff feel more confident, safe, and capable.
- Teams work more cohesively and compassionately.
- Outcomes improve, not just in behaviour, but in overall quality of life.
Final Thought
Behaviours of concern are often cries for help or signals of unmet needs. It’s therefore crucial for staff teams to understand function, because by understanding the reason behind the behaviour, we unlock the key to meaningful, respectful support.
Redstone Tip
Make sure that any PBS training that your staff teams are having spends a good amount of time talking about function and helping the participants to think these through in relation to the people they support. Looking at an analysis of behaviour incidents using a simple ABC form can support with this.
If you’re looking to commission PBS training, you can download our brochure here. Our PBS Coaching in Practice programme, which is aimed at team leaders and service managers, includes a PBS Awareness session that they can use with their teams focussing on the main elements including functions of behaviour.
Get in touch on 0161 327 4511 or info@redstonepbs.co.uk to find out how we can support you and your teams with our range of training solutions.
Author
Kate Strutt – Director of Redstone PBS and Clinical Psychologist.
Kate has over 20 years’ experience of working with adults and children with intellectual disabilities and those who are autistic, both within statutory services and the independent sector. Kate is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Bsc Psychology, D.Clin Psyc, MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis.
