Australian children with disability often communicate their feelings through their actions. However, they are mis-identified as having ‘behaviours of concern’ or ‘disruptive behaviours’. These children continue to face unique risks to their psychological safety due to stigma, exclusion, and a limited understanding within the community, of behaviour as a means of communication. They may be disciplined or excluded instead of supported, leading to distress and long-term harm. While schools, disability service providers, and community organisations aim to create inclusive environments, including positive behavioural support policies, many struggle to recognise the psychological safety needs of children with disability when ‘behaviours of concern’ arise. Centring lived experience, this project aims to bring together a diverse team to co-design a research proposal that will address the pressing need for targeted research to better understand and address the unique psychological safety needs of children with disability identified as having ‘behaviours of concern’ using a trauma-informed, affirming approach.

This project is funded by the National Disability Research Partnership and is led by Sarah Knight and Nicole Merrick from the Healthy Trajectories Hub and Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, and partnering with the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, Yellow Ladybugs and Heads Together for Brain Injury.

Click here to watch “Australia’s Disability Strategy Forum: NDRP Poster presentations – read aloud overview”.