An integrated, evidence-informed neuro-behavioural model, practice and training framework for understanding behaviour within its context.
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The CALMER Framework
We all behave. We all have CALMER.
Behaviour and CALMER are unique to each of us. Understanding CALMER helps us understand behaviour with empathy.
Evidence-informed · Co-designed · Made for everyday use
Anyone who wants to understand behaviour without judgement.
Learn the idea here. Then ask about training or support if you want help putting it into practice.
How CALMER works in practice
Co-create supportive environments where people can be safe and feel safe.
The environment is the focus of change. The person’s capacity is the focus of support.
Build shared understanding
Learn how behaviour emerges through CALMER and the Frannogram, which explores the relationship between emotions and behaviour.
Understand behaviour in context
Ask what contributed to this behaviour, what changed, and why it is happening now.
Find shared meaning
Explore why the behaviour happened and what it means. Everyone’s perspective matters.
Co-plan support
Work together on practical, accessible and safe support.
Activate and sustain the plan
Bring the plan to life through consistent practice, monitoring and ongoing support.
Monitor, learn and improve
Use shared learning to keep adapting and improving the support.
CALMER brings together Cortex, Amygdala, Limbic, Memory and Emotional Regulation. The approach is neuro-affirming, co-designed and grounded in human rights.
Start with understanding
C · A · L · M · ER: five parts of one framework. Each person brings their own experience.
Understand the context
Brain functions, emotions, experiences and environments interact to influence behaviour. The same behaviour can have different reasons.
Safety and connection
Everyone needs to be safe and feel safe, connected, heard and understood with empathy and authenticity.
Support, not behaviour management
CALMER promotes curiosity, shared understanding, environmental adaptation and capacity building. The environment is the focus of change; the person’s capacity is the focus of support.
The framework is for learning. Our services are training and neurobehaviour support.
The CALMER journey
From a question in disability support to a practical framework for understanding human behaviour.
Beginnings
The CALMER journey began with a desire to rethink how human behaviour is understood, particularly within disability support.
A practical framework
Through knowledge translation, CALMER took its current form as an evidence-informed neuro-behavioural practice and training framework. Professional training has been offered since 2022.
Putting the framework into practice
CALMER became the foundational practice framework for The CALMER Approach Limited, an Australian not-for-profit and NDIS-registered provider delivering specialist behaviour support and other disability services.
Developed by Francisco and Amy de Paula, CALMER has been applied across homes, schools, day programs and disability support services, and shared through national and international conferences.