Behavior as Communication: Understanding the Need Behind the Action

Understanding what a person is trying to communicate can sometimes be challenging, particularly when their message is expressed through actions or behaviors rather than words. Looking beyond the behavior itself and considering the need behind the action can help families, professionals, and direct support professionals respond with greater understanding, compassion, and effectiveness.

On September 15, the CLEP team welcomed Dr. Samantha Volpe, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Coordinator of Curriculum Development and Institutional Design with Endicott College and Acting Executive Director of Circle Haven, for an engaging webinar, “Behavior as Communication: Understanding the Need Behind the Action.” During the presentation, Dr. Volpe explored the important connection between behavior and communication, emphasizing that every behavior serves a purpose and communicates something.

Dr. Volpe encouraged attendees to look beyond what a person is doing and consider what they may be trying to express. A behavior may communicate a need, an emotion, a medical concern, an unmet request, or something else that a person may have difficulty communicating in another way. Rather than focusing solely on stopping or changing a behavior, understanding the why behind it can help supporters identify the function of the behavior and determine how best to respond.

Looking Beyond the Behavior

A key message throughout the webinar was the importance of identifying the underlying need behind a person’s actions. Behaviors do not happen in isolation, and taking the time to understand what may be triggering or contributing to a behavior can provide valuable insight.

Attendees learned how supporters can recognize potential triggers, consider medical concerns, and identify unmet needs or requests. By looking at the circumstances surrounding a behavior, supporters can begin to recognize patterns and develop responses that address the underlying need rather than simply reacting to the behavior itself.

This approach shifts the focus from asking, “How do we stop this behavior?” to asking, “What is this person trying to tell us, and how can we help?”

This shift from reaction to understanding can make a meaningful difference. When we recognize that behavior is information, we can respond to the underlying need rather than simply reacting to the action.

Ultimately, the goal is not to make communication look a certain way. The goal is to ensure that people have a reliable, accessible, and effective way to express what they want, feel, need, or do not want.

One of the key messages shared by Dr. Volpe was that when we understand the function of behavior, we can teach a better way to communicate the same message. By approaching behavior with curiosity, considering medical and environmental factors, and providing meaningful communication alternatives, we can empower people and those who support them to create more successful and supportive interactions.

Continuing the Conversation

The webinar reinforced an important principle: behavior is communication, and understanding the message behind it is essential to providing meaningful support. When we take the time to understand the “why,” we can move beyond simply responding to actions and instead focus on meeting a person’s needs, strengthening communication, and promoting greater understanding.

The CLEP team is excited to continue this important conversation with Dr. Samantha Volpe on October 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. for “Building Partnerships Between Families, Support Professionals, and Behavior Teams.”

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Volpe back as we explore how stronger collaboration among families, support professionals, and behavior teams can create more effective, consistent, and person-centered support.