Behaviour vs Need Decision Tree

Is your school struggling to distinguish between behaviour driven by dysregulation, skills deficit, access barriers, and actual defiance?

This decision tree is designed for secondary schools with high SEND and mixed-ability classes. It helps staff move from “what does the behaviour look like?” to “what does the student actually need?” in three minutes.

What’s included:
• Laminate-ready A4/A3 decision tree flowchart
• Staff quick-reference card (summary of diagnostic questions)
• Full guidance including evidence base (neurodiversity-affirming practice, ABA, polyvagal theory, UDL)
• Step-by-step implementation guide
• Ready to print, train staff on, and use immediately

Why this matters:
In schools with high SEND populations, the same behaviour means different things for different students. Dysregulation looks like defiance until you understand the student is overwhelmed, not being difficult. This tool ensures your behaviour responses are targeted at the actual need, not just the surface behaviour.

Who should download this:
Secondary school SENDCos, inclusion leads, behaviour leads, senior staff responsible for SEND or behaviour strategy. Works at whole-school or departmental level.

Practical, evidence-based, and immediately usable. No video training or ongoing facilitation required.