Communication shapes the quality of every relationship in our lives — with partners, family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and our wider community.
At FABIC, we remind ourselves of a core truth: all behaviour is communication. That means it’s not only the words we say; it’s also our tone, body language, actions, our every movement and even our lack of words and action … all contribute to the quality of our communications.
For behaviour support specialists, understanding communication is an important part of understanding behaviour. Whether we are supporting a child, teenager or adult, communication can provide valuable information about what a person is experiencing, needing, feeling or trying to express.
When we understand communication this way, we stop seeing ‘behaviour’ as problems to shut down — and start seeing every movement as information that is IN-FORMING us about how a person is experiencing life.
This is at the heart of positive behaviour support (PBS): looking beyond the behaviour itself to understand what the person may be communicating and what skills, strategies or environmental changes may support them.
Communication Isn't Just About Talking
Communication is how we share our life experiences… how we share our needs, feelings, boundaries, and ideas — and how we connect or even disconnect.
When communication breaks down, people can feel misunderstood, isolated, ignored, overwhelmed, anxious, angry, and upset. Over time, this can show up as stress, conflict, withdrawal, or challenging behaviour.
For families, carers, educators and support teams, recognising communication as more than spoken words can be especially important when supporting someone who has difficulty expressing themselves verbally or processing spoken language.
Open, honest and clear communication can support:
Connection – feeling understood, embraced, accepted, seen, heard, and valued
Clear Expectations – knowing what to expect and what’s expected
Confidence – expressing needs and making choices
Problem-solving – clearing misunderstandings before they grow
Quality of interactions – everyone being on the same page
Behaviour Is Communication
Sometimes words are not possible, and behaviour is the mode of communication in that moment.
Behaviour may be communicating:
“I need help.”
“This is too much.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’m tired/hungry/anxious.”
“I want a connection.”
“I want to share what’s happening in my life.”
This is why behaviour support is not simply about stopping behaviours we may find difficult or concerning. It is about understanding what the behaviour may be communicating and supporting the person to develop effective ways of expressing themselves.
When we pause and ask, “What is this behaviour telling us?” we move from projection and blame to understanding and realising other people’s experiences of life … and that’s where change can occur.
A positive behaviour support approach can help families, carers and support teams understand these messages, identify unmet needs and teach practical communication and life skills that can support lasting behaviour change.
A Gentle Reminder
Sometimes, the quality of our behaviour, relationships and everyday life can give us an important clue about the quality of our communication.
If your behaviours are not where you want them to be, check your COMMUNICATION.
If your relationship is not the quality you would like, check your COMMUNICATION.
If your quality of life is not where you would like it to be, check your COMMUNICATION.
And if someone else’s behaviour is not the quality that supports them, rather than asking, “How do we stop this behaviour?”, ask:
WHAT IS THEIR BEHAVIOUR ATTEMPTING TO COMMUNICATE?
This simple shift in perspective can help us move away from blame, assumptions and judgement, and towards curiosity, understanding and meaningful behaviour change.
Simple Ways to Strengthen Communication This Week
Slow down when anxiety, behaviours and emotions increase; reduce words. Use a settled voice tone, short sentences, visuals where possible and allow extra processing time.
Name what you see (without judgment). Try: “I can see your body is tense,” or “It looks like this feels hard right now.”
Offer choices. Choices contribute to perceived control and reduce power struggles: “Do you want a break, or help first?”
Check understanding. Instead of “Do you get it?” try: “Can you tell me in your own words what you heard me say?”
Use visuals and routines. Visual schedules, checklists, and predictable routines reduce stress and reduce the need for repeated verbal reminders.
Check intended message vs interpreted message. Is the message received the same or different to the message sent? See more on this episode on FABIC.TV.
These simple communication strategies can be useful at home, at school, in the workplace and within everyday support environments. Small changes to the way we communicate can make a meaningful difference to connection, understanding and behaviour.
Communication Is a SKILL – and It Can Be Taught
If communication is difficult for you, your child, your teen, or someone you support, you’re not alone — and support is available.
Communication skills can be strengthened with the right strategies, practice, and environment.
At FABIC, our behaviour support specialists and multidisciplinary team work with individuals, families, carers, educators and support teams to understand behaviour, develop communication skills and support positive behaviour change.
FABIC provides support in-clinic, online (telehealth), and via home visits. Our team includes behaviour specialists, psychologists, counsellors, speech pathologists and allied health professionals who focus on practical, respectful strategies that support effective communication in everyday life.
Our behaviour support services are available across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, with online telehealth support available Australia-wide. This means you can access behaviour support and practical strategies regardless of where you live in Australia.
If you are looking for a behaviour support specialist, positive behaviour support practitioner or NDIS behaviour support service, our team can help you explore practical options based on your individual needs.
Resources
EVERYTHING IS A COMMUNICATION
BUT ARE WE EQUIPPED TO LISTEN?
Need Support?
Our team supports individuals, families, carers and educators to better understand behaviour, emotional wellbeing and skill development.
FABIC’s behaviour support specialists provide practical, respectful support across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, as well as online via telehealth Australia-wide. Our multidisciplinary team can help you better understand behaviour as communication and develop skills that support greater connection, independence and quality of life.
If you or someone you support could benefit from behaviour support, communication strategies or positive behaviour support, contact the FABIC team to discuss how we can help.
