Behaviour Assessment

Understand the ‘why’ behind behaviour—and build a plan that works at home, school, and in the community.

Our Behaviour Assessment helps families and educators make sense of behaviours of concern by identifying triggers, unmet needs, and skills to teach next. We combine functional behaviour assessment (FBA) methods with SLCN’s whole‑child developmental framework to deliver clear, practical strategies. Assessments are available in‑clinic (Derrimut), at home or school across Melbourne’s west and north, and via telehealth across Australia.

Who this is for

Consider a Behaviour Assessment if you’re seeing patterns such as:

• Big emotions or dysregulation (meltdowns, shutdowns, anxiety) that make everyday routines hard.
• Challenging behaviours (aggression, self‑injury, eloping, property damage) or behaviours that disrupt learning and participation.
• Executive‑function challenges (impulsivity, attention, organisation) affecting independence and relationships.
• School concerns where behaviour impacts your child’s learning or the learning of others.

If these patterns feel familiar, a structured, evidence‑based assessment can clarify what’s happening and what supports will make the biggest difference.

What the assessment involves

We follow Australian best‑practice guidance for behaviour support and FBA—human‑rights‑led, person‑centred, and neuro‑affirming—and we translate findings into a plan you can confidently use across settings.

1) Intake & goal‑setting

We start with a collaborative interview to understand your child’s history, strengths, daily routines, priorities, and safety or risk factors. Together we choose the most suitable setting (clinic, home/school, or telehealth).

2) Multi‑method Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

To find the function (purpose) of behaviour, we combine:

• Record review & interviews with caregivers/educators (indirect assessment).
• Direct observations in natural settings to analyse Antecedents–Behaviour–Consequences (ABC) and context.
• Data analysis to generate a clear hypothesis about “why this behaviour happens here.”
  This approach aligns with Victorian and Queensland education guidance and national disability practice standards.

3) Whole‑child formulation across SLCN’s eight developmental areas

We map how behaviour connects with communication, play, daily living, motor skills, executive functioning, social cognition, social‑emotional skills, and academic participation, so recommendations are practical and meaningful in everyday life.

4) Safety, dignity, and least‑restrictive practice

Our assessment and recommendations prioritise quality of life, skill‑building, and the proactive reduction and elimination of restrictive practices, consistent with national behaviour support policy.

5) Feedback & written plan

You’ll receive a plain‑language report explaining functions of behaviour, key triggers, protective factors, and a tailored Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan you can share with school, paediatricians, and other therapists. We include coaching tips so strategies are easy to use in daily routines.

What you’ll walk away with

• Clarity on why behaviours are happening—and what helps.
• Prevention strategies (environmental adjustments, visual supports, predictable routines).
• Teaching plans for replacement skills (communication, coping, social and executive‑function skills).
• Consistent responses for caregivers and educators (how to respond during and after behaviour).
• A comprehensive report & PBS plan to guide supports across home, school, and community services.

Our approach

• Flexible delivery: clinic, home/school visits in Melbourne’s west & north, or telehealth Australia‑wide.
• Collaborative & family‑centred: we partner with parents and educators so strategies generalise to real life.
• Evidence‑based & aligned with Australian guidance: Functional Behaviour Assessment within Positive Behaviour Support, consistent with NDIS and education sector frameworks.
• Integrated with SLCN services: access parent coaching, psychology, speech pathology, OT, and social groups as needed.

After the assessment: next steps

Depending on your goals, we can help you implement recommendations through:

• Parent Coaching to embed strategies into everyday routines.
• Targeted therapies (e.g., emotion regulation, communication, executive functioning) with our multidisciplinary team.
• School collaboration to co‑create function‑based classroom supports and monitor progress.

Availability & bookings

Appointments are available now across settings. Book online or contact our team to discuss whether a Behaviour Assessment is the right next step for your child.

Why families choose SLCN

Families value our clear steps, calm, child‑led sessions, and practical plans grounded in daily life—so skills learnt in sessions are used where they matter most: at home, at school, and in the community.