When Behaviour Support loses its heart

Ever read a Behaviour Support Plan and thought: "This doesn't sound like a person... it sounds like a diagnosis with a management plan."

We’re meant to be supporting people, not writing academic essays about them.

A good BSP should feel like it was written with the person, not just about them. It should reflect their voice, their values, their quirks, their preferences, their humour—not just their ‘triggers’ and ‘functions.’

When we get too clinical, we lose something vital: humanity.

We write things like:
“Participant engages in attention-seeking behaviours when presented with non-preferred tasks.”

Instead of:
“When feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, [Name] might seek support through verbal or physical behaviours. They benefit from genuine connection and reassurance.”

One sounds like it belongs in a textbook.
The other sounds like someone cared.

A good BSP should read like it’s about a real person—not a case study.
Because behind every plan is someone trying their best to feel safe, understood, and supported.

Let’s not let the paperwork get in the way of the person.