Withdrawal from Supports Resources
What is Withdrawal from Supports?
A sign of overwhelm or unmet needs
When someone stops engaging with therapy, school supports, programs, or trusted helpers, it’s often misunderstood as being “unmotivated” or “non-compliant.” In reality, withdrawing from supports usually signals emotional overwhelm, past negative experiences, a lack of trust, or that the current approach doesn’t feel safe or helpful. This withdrawal isn’t failure — it’s communication. With understanding, patience, and adjustments to how support is offered, people can feel safe again, rebuild trust, and re-engage in ways that work for them.
It looks different for everyone
Withdrawal can happen in many ways. Cancelling or avoiding therapy sessions or appointments. Refusing to participate during support sessions. Disconnecting from helpers or avoiding communication. Engaging in masking (appearing fine while shutting down internally). Showing increased distress or reluctance when support is mentioned. Everyone’s reasons for withdrawing are different. Exploring these reasons with curiosity — not judgment — is essential to creating meaningful, lasting support.
Support should reconnect, not push harder
Forcing someone back into supports without understanding their experience often leads to more withdrawal. True support means slowing down, listening, and adapting approaches to meet the person’s emotional, sensory, and relational needs. With trust and collaborative planning, individuals can reconnect with the right supports, feel genuinely understood, and regain a sense of safety in accepting help.
Championing People who Withdraw from Supports
Withdrawing from support is a sign that something isn’t working — not that someone doesn’t need help. We work alongside individuals, families, and professionals to rebuild trust and create support plans that truly meet each person’s needs.
Offering choice and control in support plans
We involve individuals in decisions about their care, giving them a say in what feels comfortable and achievable.
Creating safe, pressure-free environments
We adapt settings and approaches so supports feel calm, predictable, and non-threatening.
Supporting emotional regulation and confidence
We provide calming tools, reassurance, and small, positive experiences with support to rebuild engagement gradually.
Building trust and strong relationships
We focus on gentle, consistent connections that show support workers are safe and reliable allies.
Collaborating with all supports for consistency
We work with therapists, teachers, and families to ensure everyone responds in ways that build trust, not pressure.
How we can help with Withdrawal from Supports
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to understand why withdrawal is happening
Tools to gently reintroduce support without creating pressure
Guidance for siblings and carers to maintain connection and reassurance
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to understand barriers to accessing or maintaining support
Recommendations for service adjustments and communication tools
NDIS planning to include tailored and flexible support options
Skill-Building and Relationship Development →
Coaching to improve communication and self-advocacy with support providers
Activities to rebuild comfort and positive experiences with services
Gradual, step-by-step pathways to return to supports safely
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans that address triggers leading to disengagement
Strategies to build trust and make support sessions feel safe
Training for professionals to adapt their approach and reduce overwhelm
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy focused on anxiety, past negative experiences, or burnout
Building self-confidence and coping strategies for re-engagement
Support for processing trauma or distrust in service settings
Regional Intensives →
In-home support for families in rural and remote areas
Hands-on guidance to reintroduce supports naturally and gently
Collaboration with local providers to ensure consistent approaches
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.