Behaviour Therapy
Behaviour Therapy is a common component of early intervention for children with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as neurotypical children with behavioural challenges. It aims to increase adaptive, or helpful, behaviours and reduce behaviours that are harmful or have a negative impact on learning. Effective and evidence-based Behaviour Therapy is underpinned by the science of human behaviour.
Sophie Carrington – Paediatric Behaviour Consultant
BA BPsych, M.Ed(ABA), CBA
Sophie Carrington is an experienced Paediatric Behaviour Consultant, having worked with neurodiverse and neurotypical children and teens for over 10 years. She is a Certified Behaviour Analyst, holding a Master’s degree in Education (specialising in Applied Behaviour Analysis) from Monash University. Sophie is passionate about utilising the science of behaviour to build essential life skills, promoting joy and independence for all learners. Her practice is grounded in compassion, and prioritises safety, dignity and fun!
Sophie’s areas of expertise include:
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Early Intervention for Developmental Delay
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Intellectual Disabilities, Physical Disabilities & Complex Needs
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Functional Behaviour Assessment & Severe Behaviour Management
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Functional Communication
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Safety Skills Development
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Parent & Family Support
Sophie consults Tuesday-Wednesday, and offers sessions in-clinic, at your home, in the community (including preschool or school settings), and via telehealth. Educational workshops and one-off consultations are also offered, for both parents and professionals, on a wide range of topics including compassionate behaviour management, skill-building, toilet training, sleep training, and navigating the NDIS.
Behaviour Therapy FAQs
What is Behaviour Therapy?
Behaviour Therapy is a common component of early intervention for children with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as neurotypical children with behavioural challenges. It aims to increase adaptive, or helpful, behaviours and reduce behaviours that are harmful or have a negative impact on learning. Effective and evidence-based Behaviour Therapy is underpinned by the science of human behaviour.
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis? (ABA)
ABA is the science of human behaviour and learning, backed by decades of research across a wide range of populations and across the lifespan. The science of ABA is built on the understanding that all behaviour is learned, is affected by the environment, and can change over time. ABA is data-driven, breaking down complex skills into their component parts and creating repeated practice opportunities to build fluent skills. The science of ABA provides many principles and procedures that can be used to shape or change behaviours and teach new skills.
I’ve heard negative things about ABA. Is it harmful?
Negative perceptions of ABA are grounded in genuine, adverse experiences of people who have received ABA therapy that was not grounded in compassion, and often focused on compliance over all else. Historically, this was a significant problem in the field and many disability advocates worked tirelessly to raise awareness. At Coral Tree Kids, we practice “Today’s ABA” which takes the effective principles and procedures from the science of ABA, and delivers it in a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming and trauma informed model. We prioritise safety, dignity and self-advocacy for all.
What skills can Behaviour Therapy teach?
Behaviour Therapy can teach any skills that are meaningful to your family, but must have skills for independence and quality of life should be the priority. These include: Reducing dangerous or problem behaviours Communication Safety skills Tolerance & cooperation (including emotional regulation) Daily living skills (including toileting) Leisure and play skills Health and hygiene routines Sleep Other skills that Behaviour Therapy might work on include group learning skills, school readiness and academics, language skills, social skills and motor skills practice.
What does Behaviour Therapy look like in practice?
Service delivery will look different for each family. Behaviour Therapy should be flexible and individualised to the unique needs of each person. It can be delivered: At the clinic At home At school, preschool or daycare In the community (e.g. at the shops, the library, the playground) Via telehealth (if appropriate for your child’s needs and skill level) The Behaviour Consultant works closely with each family to determine your concerns, needs, and what is relevant and meaningful for you. Recommended therapy hours will differ based on this information and may occur with the Behaviour Consultant only or be supplemented by sessions with a Behaviour Therapist or Allied Health Assistant.
What funding sources are available for Behaviour Therapy?
For NDIS participants, NDIS funding can be used to access Behaviour Therapy services at Coral Tree Kids. This can be drawn from the Capacity Building Supports in your child’s NDIS plan, under either Improved Daily Living Skills or Improved Relationships, depending on how your plan is managed. If your child is not an NDIS participant, you may choose to pay for services privately. Behaviour Therapy cannot be accessed through private health insurance or Medicare rebate systems. We offer one-off consults and short-term consult models for clients with limited funding, focused on 1-2 specific, must-have goals. There is always some good we can achieve, even if the focus is narrow!
Who should supervise a Behaviour Therapy program?
Behaviour Therapy programs should be supervised by a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA). This is the gold-standard certification in Australia, indicating the practitioner has completed a Masters degree and then a minimum of 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience, as well as meeting ongoing professional development requirements each year. The equivalent North American certification is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
PBS is a service delivery model for Behaviour Therapy, one which is commonly funded by the NDIS for individuals with behaviours of concern. PBS is still grounded in the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis, however the education and certification requirements for PBS practitioners are less stringent than those required by a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA). A PBS professional is known as a Behaviour Support Practitioner (BSP). Their education and qualifications vary widely, with some practitioners highly experienced and others entry-level. There are growing numbers of practitioners who hold both the CBA and BSP credentials, like our Senior Behaviour Consultant, Sophie. There are certain types of NDIS funding that can only be used with a particular professional, so if you are unsure what services you can access or might benefit from, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information.
My child doesn’t have Autism or a developmental disability. Is Behaviour Therapy a good fit?
The magic of behaviour science is that it applies to everyone, regardless of age, diagnosis or skillset. Yes, behaviour therapy is widely used for children with developmental disabilities, but it is also highly effective for individuals with ADHD, genetic or chromosomal disorders, acquired brain injury, physical or intellectual disabilities, multiple complex needs, and sensory processing disorders, amongst others. Neurotypical individuals also benefit, as well as those yet to receive a diagnosis. The most important consideration is whether your child might benefit from greater support and increased practice opportunities to learn new or emerging skills more quickly.
How does Behaviour Therapy fit in with Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and other Allied Health?
Behaviour therapy is a great accompaniment to other Allied Health services, including speech, OT and physio. There may be some overlapping goals between providers, but they will likely target them in different ways. This will be different for every child, and collaboration between providers is a must. In many cases, Behaviour Therapy can be a great asset to build must-have skills like tolerance & cooperation, or reduce behaviours of concern, such that children can then benefit more from their sessions with all Allied Health providers.