RFA Behaviour Position Statement
At Resources for Autism, we support autistic people in ways that honour their individuality, dignity and voice. We recognise that behaviour is a form of communication and our goal is always to understand what is being expressed and respond with compassion.
We work proactively to promote positive well-being and independence while reducing distress through strategies that are:
- Person-Centred: Tailored support that is unique to the needs, values, and preferences of the individual and their family.
- Proactive and Preventative: We have a proactive and preventative approach as opposed to reactive. We want to understand the underlying cause of behaviour and aim to adapt the environment and our communication to support regulation where required.
- Co-produced and collaborative: We prioritise the voices of autistic individuals and their families, ensuring that planning and support is guided by shared decision-making and mutual respect
Our staff have a diverse background of experiences, much of it is lived experience. Some also have received training in the following frameworks: Intensive Interaction, Attention Autism, Team Teach, and Positive Behaviour Support. Using these different models, we can draw on some of the elements that align with our approach such as sensory supports, visual aids, co-regulation strategies, structured routines and trauma-informed practices. We are always guided by professional judgement, creativity, and best practice.
We remain curious, inclusive and reflective — adapting our support to meet each person where they are and helping them thrive in ways that feel safe, meaningful, and affirming.
We do not endorse or use any practices that aim to suppress autistic identity, enforce compliance or encourage masking. Our approach is non-punitive; we do not use punishment or coercion. Our focus is on reducing distress—not eliminating the autistic traits of the person. We are committed to creating accepting environments which are safe and empowering where autistic children, young people and adults can thrive authentically and confidently.
Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Statement:
Embedding Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture at Resources for Autism
Our services provide short-term, play-based support for autistic individuals and individuals with learning disabilities. While we are not a CQC-registered service, as we do not provide regulated activities such as personal care as a core part of our offer, we are committed to embedding the principles of Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture (RSRCRC) to ensure high-quality, person-centred, and safe experiences for every individual.
Right Support
We provide support that is tailored to each individual need, preference and strength. This includes:
- A dedicated behaviour support team who work closely with the individuals we support, their families and other professionals to understand and respond to behaviours of concern in a proactive, positive, and respectful way.
- The use of support plans to promote engagement, choice, and communication.
- Environments and resources that are adapted to meet a wide range of sensory, communication, and developmental needs.
- Staff who are trained in autism-specific strategies, behaviour support, and inclusive play practices.
Right Care
We are committed to providing care that upholds each child’s dignity, safety, and rights:
- Personal care is not the core function of our services, but where it is required for an individual, it is delivered in line with an agreed plan developed in consultation with parents/carers and only with appropriate consent and safeguards in place.
- We ensure that care is delivered with dignity in a discreet, respectful way by staff who are appropriately trained and supported.
- We focus on building positive relationships with individuals, using trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
Right Culture
We actively foster a culture that values safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement:
- We have a team of safeguarding assistants (ADSL) and a Designated Safeguarding Lead DSL who are trained and available to support staff with any safeguarding concerns.
- Safeguarding is a standing item in team discussions, and staff are regularly updated and trained to recognise and respond to concerns, including contextual and low-level indicators.
- Families are key partners in everything we do. We communicate openly and regularly with parents and carers, and we seek their input when planning support, including in rare cases where personal care may be required.
- Our culture at RfA is service user-led, strengths-focused, and inclusive.
- We actively promote a safeguarding culture where staff feel confident to raise concerns and reflect on practice.
- We reject institutional or one-size-fits-all approaches, and constantly review how we can improve our provision for each individual.
- Families are involved in planning and feedback processes to ensure transparency and partnership working.
Summary
While our services are not required to register with the CQC, we hold ourselves to high standards of care and accountability. Embedding the values of Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture ensures our provision remains child-focused, safe, and respectful — and reflects our deep commitment to the rights and well-being of the individuals and families we support.
