A key moment of the day was the formal launch of the guide by Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland’s Children’s Commissioner, who spoke about the importance of early support, inclusion, and recognising the strengths within every family.

The ‘Let’s Explore Behaviour’ Parent Guide was co‑designed by parents, carers, practitioners, and members of the CYPSP Northern Area Outcomes Group Disability Working Group. Over recent years, families highlighted a growing need for accessible, compassionate guidance to help them understand their child’s behaviour, particularly for children with additional needs.

This guide represents a collective response to that need: practical, reassuring, and firmly rooted in lived experience.

The guide is a reflective toolkit designed to help parents understand what their child’s behaviour may be communicating and how small, consistent steps can make a difference. It includes:

• Practical explanations of behaviour as communication
• The CAPE framework (Communication, Action, People, Environment)
• SMART planning tools to help families set achievable goals
• Helpful visual supports, activities, and worksheets
• Dedicated sections on sleep, toileting, screen time, outings, transitions, and physically challenging behaviours
• Signposting to Northern Ireland specific supports and services

It reinforces three key messages: You are not alone. Your child is capable. You are doing better than you think.

By building parents’ confidence and offering clear, workable strategies, the guide aims to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and promote consistent support across home, school, and services. It represents strong partnership working across health, education, and the community sector.

The ‘Let’s Explore Behaviour’ Parent Guide is available free of charge and can be downloaded at: https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/443/lets-explore-behaviour/47769/naog-lets-explore-behaviour.pdf