This session provides practitioners with practical strategies for engaging and communicating effectively with non-verbal young people who display fire-setting behaviour. It explores how behaviour can act as a form of communication, the barriers non-verbal young people may face, and how fire-setting may reflect unmet needs, distress, sensory seeking, curiosity, or difficulties with emotional regulation. The session promotes a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach that prioritises safety, trust, and understanding.
How To Use
This session is designed for professionals working with children and young people, including Fire and Rescue Service staff, youth practitioners, social workers, education professionals, and safeguarding teams.
Practitioners should:
- Use the session to develop confidence in communicating with non-verbal young people.
- Focus on understanding the function and meaning behind fire-setting behaviour rather than simply addressing the behaviour itself.
- Incorporate visual supports, objects, choice boards, emotion cards, and other alternative communication methods throughout discussions.
- Allow additional processing time and look for non-verbal indicators of understanding and engagement.
- Adapt activities to the young person's communication needs, sensory preferences, and developmental level.
- Use a calm, predictable, and trauma-informed approach that promotes emotional and psychological safety.
- Work collaboratively with parents, carers, and other professionals who understand the young person's communication style.
- Use the FSI Communication Toolkit for support during the session - linked as 'Resource 1'.
The session can be delivered as a standalone intervention, incorporated into a Fire Safety Education programme, or used as part of a wider multi-agency assessment and support plan for young people displaying fire-setting behaviour. The guidance notes linked below contain more details to support delivery of this session.
