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When it comes to behaviour support, one size definitely does not fit all. Every individual has unique needs, preferences, and circumstances that require tailored approaches. That’s why customised behaviour support training is so important. It equips practitioners and carers with the skills and knowledge to design and implement strategies that truly fit the person they are supporting. In this post, I’ll walk you through the essentials of customised behaviour support training,

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is founded on the principle that assessment should guide intervention. High-quality behaviour support is not developed from assumptions, personal experience, or subjective observations alone. Clinical decision-making requires systematic assessment that identifies an individual's strengths, support needs, adaptive functioning, and environmental influences. Evidence-based assessment provides an objective framework for understanding behaviour, en

When it comes to supporting individuals with diverse needs, I’ve found that the most effective approach is one that truly centres on the person. This means recognising their unique preferences, strengths, and challenges, and tailoring support accordingly. In this post, I want to share insights into individual-focused behaviour support and how it can transform the way we provide care and assistance. Whether you’re a behaviour support practitioner, allied health professional, e

I receive this message several times every day. My answer is always the same. You have a choice. You can apply for a role with an organisation and learn on the job. Some organisations provide excellent supervision, structured training and mentoring. Others expect you to learn as you go. The experience can vary significantly depending on where you work. Or... You can invest in yourself first. Join ConnectFirst Membership for just $55 until the end of July using the coupon code

Over the past few years, I've spoken to hundreds of people who are curious about becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner. Some are teachers looking for a career change. Others are psychologists, counsellors, nurses, occupational therapists, speech pathologists or support workers wanting to specialise in Positive Behaviour Support. Almost every conversation begins the same way. "I think I'd love this work... I just don't know where to start." It's a fair question because bec

Q: What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)? Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-informed approach that focuses on understanding why behaviour occurs and improving a person's quality of life. Instead of asking, "How do I stop this behaviour?", PBS asks, "What is this person trying to communicate, and how can we support them more effectively?" It combines psychology, learning theory, neuroscience and person-centred practice to build skills, increase independence and redu

Becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner is different from entering many other professions because there is an expectation that you already have a foundation of knowledge and experience working with people who have disability, complex support needs or behaviours of concern. Even at an entry level, you are not expected to be an expert, but you are expected to understand the fundamentals of human behaviour, communication, person-centred practice and working in a professional e

Parenting offers deep rewards, but it also demands a lot from those who take on the role. Many parents find themselves so focused on caring for their children and managing daily responsibilities that they forget to care for their own wellbeing. Between school schedules, therapies, appointments, work, family duties, emotional support, advocacy, and the constant mental load of planning, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from yourself.

Meg Hughes is the founder of ConnectFirst™ and brings over 20 years of experience supporting children, families, educators, and community services across Australia. Her work is grounded in the belief that behaviour is a form of communication and that meaningful support begins with connection, emotional safety, and understanding. Meg holds a Bachelor of Education and has completed further study across areas including Child-Centred Play Therapy, behaviour support, trauma-inform

A Connected Approach for Curious Minds An evidence-informed framework grounded in connection, regulation, engagement, and relational safety. Main Points of the ConnectFirst™ White Paper Behaviour is communication and must be understood within the context of the whole child, including relationships, regulation, environment, and wellbeing. Children engage and learn best when they feel safe, connected, understood, and supported. ConnectFirst™ encourages a shift from reactive and

Behavior management is a crucial aspect of creating a positive environment, whether in schools, homes, or workplaces. It involves strategies and techniques that help individuals understand and modify their behavior, leading to improved interactions and outcomes. This guide will delve into the principles of behavior management, its importance, and practical strategies to implement effective behavior management techniques.

Behavior management training is essential for educators, parents, and professionals who work with children and adolescents. It equips them with the skills to foster positive behavior, reduce disruptive actions, and create a conducive learning environment. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for behavior management training, providing practical examples and insights that can be applied in various settings.

Behavior improvement is a crucial aspect of personal and community development. In Australia, various resources are available to help individuals and organizations foster positive behavior changes. This blog post will explore some of the top resources for behavior improvement in Australia, providing practical information and specific examples to guide you on your journey.