Behaviour Therapy
Evidence-based, compassionate support to understand and reduce challenging behaviours while building the adaptive skills that make daily life manageable.
FBA-first
every programme begins with a functional behaviour assessment
PBS
positive, trauma-informed approach — not punitive or compliance-only
Whole-system
family and school coached as partners in every behaviour plan
What is Behaviour Therapy?
Behaviour Therapy at DCCD uses Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) frameworks to understand the function of challenging behaviours and build positive alternatives. Rather than simply suppressing behaviours, we conduct a Functional Behaviour Assessment to identify the 'why' — whether a behaviour is driven by sensory need, a communication gap, escape, or attention — and address the root cause systematically. Our approach is trauma-informed, naturalistic, and always focused on improving quality of life rather than compliance alone.
Who benefits
- Children with autism and significant challenging behaviours
- Children whose aggression, self-injury, or meltdowns are impacting family functioning
- Children with demand-avoidance profiles (PDA)
- Children with ADHD and impulse control difficulties
- Children who elope, self-harm, or engage in repetitive self-injurious behaviour
- Families needing structured crisis and de-escalation support
- Children transitioning to new environments (new school, new sibling)
Our approach
Evidence-based methods selected and combined specifically for each child's profile — never a one-size-fits-all programme.
Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
Systematic analysis of antecedents, behaviours, and consequences to identify the function driving each challenging behaviour — the essential first step before any intervention.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
Comprehensive, antecedent-focused framework that redesigns the environment, teaches replacement skills, and builds family capacity — evidence-based and trauma-informed.
Naturalistic ABA
ABA principles (reinforcement, prompting, shaping) embedded in natural routines and motivating activities — not isolated drill. Goals are functional, not artificial compliance.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Strategies
Specialist, low-demand approaches for children with extreme demand avoidance — reducing anxiety-driven behaviour through autonomy, collaboration, and flexible boundaries.
Parent & Caregiver Behaviour Coaching
Parents and school staff are trained in the same strategies the therapist uses — because behaviour programmes only work when they are consistent across every setting.
What to expect
Behaviour Therapy begins with a comprehensive FBA (1–2 sessions) to map antecedents, functions, and current responses. A written behaviour support plan is then developed and shared with the family and school. Sessions are 40–60 minutes, split between direct child work and caregiver coaching — because consistency at home and school is where the plan succeeds or fails. Progress is reviewed every 6–8 weeks with updated data and plan adjustments.
Book an assessmentRelated conditions
Frequently asked questions
Ready to take the first step?
Our intake assessment gives our clinical team the information needed to build the right Behaviour Therapy plan for your child.