Course Overview
Children can display a wide range of behaviours as part of their development, but when distress is prolonged or intense it may signal deeper challenges that require understanding and support. This fully online course introduces learners to distressed behaviour in children and how it can present in different ways.
Designed for beginners, the course explores the possible causes of distressed behaviour, including emotional wellbeing, mental health, learning disabilities, and sensory processing or autism spectrum conditions. You’ll gain insight into how these factors can influence behaviour and why early, appropriate support is important for a child’s long-term wellbeing.
The course also examines practical principles for working with children who display distressed behaviour, focusing on supportive, ethical, and child-centred approaches. You’ll develop awareness of how professionals and carers can respond effectively while maintaining safety, dignity, and inclusion.
An important element of the course is understanding how current UK legislation and guidance underpin approaches to supporting children. This helps learners recognise responsibilities, boundaries, and best practice when working with children in a range of settings.
Delivered entirely online, the course allows you to study flexibly from anywhere, at a pace that suits you. It is suitable for parents, carers, support workers, or anyone looking to build knowledge and confidence when supporting children who may be experiencing distress.
Entry Requirements:
No formal qualifications are required
Course Highlights
Course Units
• Awareness of distressed behaviour in children
• Principles of intervention when working with children who display distressed behaviour
• Distressed behaviour and mental health in children
• Distressed behaviour and learning disabilities in children
• Distressed behaviour, sensory processing conditions, and autism spectrum conditions in children
• Legislation and guidance for supporting children displaying distressed behaviour
Course Breakdown
Course Structure
This course is delivered 100% online, allowing you to study independently at your own pace. Learning takes place through digital materials and assessments, with no requirement to attend college in person. You can access the course from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for flexible learning around work or personal commitments.
Progression & Next Steps
After completing this course, learners may choose to progress onto other Phoenix Future Skills online courses to further develop knowledge in education, health, or child development. You could also explore full-time or part-time courses at Hull College to gain recognised qualifications that support further study or career development.