6 min read
Key Takeaways
- Behaviour support services help people with behaviours of concern live safer, more independent lives
- Plans are developed by trained practitioners in consultation with families and carers
- The focus is on positive strategies, skill-building, and reducing restrictive practices
- Services are funded under the Improved Relationships category in your NDIS plan
- Number 1 Care Provider offers personalised behaviour support across all ages and
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported, especially when it comes to navigating behaviours that can be challenging for the individual, their family, or their support team. That’s where behaviour support services come in. These services are designed to help people living with disability who display behaviours of concern that may impact their quality of life, relationships, or daily routines. Through personalised strategies and compassionate guidance, behaviour support focuses on building skills, improving wellbeing, and reducing the need for restrictive practices.In this guide, we’ll explore what behaviour support involves, who it’s for, and how you can access it through the NDIS.
Who Are Behaviour Support Services For?
Behaviour support services are for NDIS participants of any age who may display behaviours that are considered unsafe, high risk, or significantly affect their ability to engage in everyday life.
This might include behaviours such as:
- Aggression
- Self-injury
- Property damage
- Withdrawal or shutdown
- Verbal or physical outbursts
These behaviours are often a response to something deeper, frustration, pain, communication barriers, sensory overload, or trauma. Behaviour support aims to understand the cause, not just manage the outcome. Families, carers, and support workers also play a key role. They’re often involved in developing and implementing the support plan alongside the practitioner, ensuring consistency across home, school, and community settings.
What Is a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?
A Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP) is a personalised document created by a behaviour support practitioner after completing an in-depth assessment.
The plan includes:
- Strategies to support the person in a proactive and respectful way
- Environmental adjustments to reduce triggers
- Communication tools or sensory supports
- Clear goals for skill-building and emotional regulation
- Steps to reduce or eliminate restrictive practices, if in place
This plan is designed around the individual’s needs, preferences, strengths, and goals. It focuses on improving quality of life, encouraging positive behaviours, and creating a safe and consistent environment. PBSPs are also living documents, they’re regularly reviewed and updated as the person’s needs change.
What Is the Role of a Behaviour Support Practitioner?
A Behaviour Support Practitioner is a trained professional approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to deliver specialist behaviour support services.
Their role includes:
- Conducting assessments and observations
- Gathering information from families, carers, and professionals
- Writing the Positive Behaviour Support Plan
- Supporting the implementation of strategies
- Monitoring outcomes and making adjustments
- Reporting to the NDIS Commission if restrictive practices are used
Practitioners also work closely with support teams to build understanding and confidence in using person-centred approaches. At Number 1 Care Provider, our practitioners focus on open communication, collaboration, and empowering the individual wherever possible. You can learn more about our behaviour support services here.
Are Restrictive Practices Involved?
Restrictive practices are any interventions that limit a person’s rights or freedom. These might include physical restraint, seclusion, or restricting access to objects or activities. The goal of behaviour support is to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of restrictive practices, and to ensure that if they are used, it’s only ever as a last resort and under strict guidelines. In fact, under NDIS regulations:
- Restrictive practices must be clearly documented in a behaviour support plan
- They must be reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- They must be monitored and regularly reviewed
- Consent and transparency are essential
Reducing restrictive practices takes time, consistency, and a deep understanding of the individual’s triggers, communication style, and preferences. It’s not about quick fixes, it’s about long-term positive change.
How Do You Access Behaviour Support Through the NDIS?
If you think you or someone you support might benefit from behaviour support, here’s how to get started:
- Check your NDIS plan
Behaviour support is usually funded under the Improved Relationships category. - Talk to your Support Coordinator or planner
They can help identify needs and link you with an appropriate provider. - Book an assessment
A behaviour support practitioner will assess the participant and begin developing a tailored plan. - Implement the plan
The practitioner will guide support workers, families, and others through the strategies and help monitor progress.
If you don’t yet have behaviour support funding in your plan, your support coordination team can help request it as part of a plan review.
Behaviour Support at Number 1 Care Provider
At Number 1 Care Provider, we deliver respectful, evidence-based behaviour support services for people of all ages and needs.
Our approach includes:
- Personalised assessments
- Experienced, NDIS-registered practitioners
- Development of Positive Behaviour Support Plans
- Collaborative work with families, carers, and schools
- Regular progress reviews and reporting
We aim to create a safe, stable, and positive environment that helps every individual reach their potential.
Need Help Getting Started?
Behaviour support is not about controlling behaviour, it’s about understanding it, supporting the person behind it, and creating the conditions for long-term growth and wellbeing. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help. Contact our team to ask a question, request more information, or book a consultation. Make a referral online and we’ll be in touch to discuss next steps.
Together, we can build a support plan that works for you and those around you.