Positive Behaviour Support & NDIS: Empowering Your Child to Thrive

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can often feel like learning a new language. Terms like "Capacity Building," "Core Supports," and various therapy models are thrown around in planning meetings, leaving many parents feeling overwhelmed.

If your child lives with a disability—such as Autism, ADHD, or an intellectual disability—and experiences challenges with emotional regulation or social interaction, you have likely heard the term Positive behaviour support. But what does it actually mean in practice? And how does it differ from traditional Behaviour therapy?

The goal of any NDIS-funded therapy should be to increase your child's independence and quality of life. It isn't about "fixing" them; it's about understanding them.

In this guide, we will demystify these concepts, explore the benefits of Socialised behaviour therapy, and show you how to use your NDIS funding to build a happier, more connected life for your family.

What is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is widely considered the gold standard for supporting people with disabilities who display challenging behaviours. Unlike traditional discipline, which focuses on punishment (what happens after a behaviour), PBS focuses on prevention and quality of life.

At its core, PBS is based on the understanding that behaviour is communication.

When a child hits, screams, withdraws, or refuses to participate, they are rarely doing it to be "naughty." They are often communicating an unmet need. They might be saying:

• "I am overwhelmed by the noise in here."
• "I don't understand what you want me to do."
• "I want you to look at me."
• "I am in pain."

The Proactive Approach

A PBS practitioner acts like a detective. They look for the "function" of the behaviour. Once they understand why the behaviour is happening, they create a plan that:

1. Modifies the Environment: Removing triggers (like dimming lights or using a visual schedule) to prevent the stress in the first place.
2. Teaches New Skills: Giving the child a safer, more effective way to get their needs met (e.g., handing over a "break card" instead of flipping a desk).
3. Reinforces Positives: Celebrating when the child uses the new skill, making them want to do it again.

How is it Different from General Behaviour Therapy?

While Positive behaviour support is a specific framework, Behaviour therapy is a broader umbrella term.

Behaviour therapy generally refers to interventions that help children change their actions. It includes a wide range of techniques, such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helping children understand the link between their thoughts, feelings, and actions (great for anxiety).
• Play Therapy: Using play to help children express emotions and learn problem-solving.
• Skill Building: Breaking down tasks like tying shoelaces or making a sandwich into small steps.

Under the NDIS, both PBS and general Behaviour therapy are typically funded under the "Improved Daily Living" (Capacity Building) budget. The right choice depends on your child's specific needs. If the primary concern is safety or severe challenging behaviour, PBS is usually the recommended path. If the goal is general emotional regulation or anxiety management, general Behaviour therapy may be a perfect fit.

The Power of Socialised Behaviour Therapy

One of the most common frustrations parents face is that their child learns a skill in the clinic but can't use it in the real world. They might be able to share a toy with the therapist in a quiet room, but on the busy school Playground, they fall apart.

This is where Socialised behaviour therapy becomes a game-changer.

Socialised behaviour therapy involves practicing behavioural strategies in real-world, social settings. It bridges the gap between "knowing" and "doing."

What Does it Look Like?

• Group Programs: Small groups of peers (often matched by age and interest) practicing turn-taking, losing a game gracefully, or decoding facial expressions.
• Community Access: A therapist accompanying a child to the park, shops, or a café to practice safety skills, waiting in line, and handling sensory overload in public.
• School Support: Working within the classroom to help the child navigate peer pressure and social dynamics in real-time.

This approach ensures that the skills learned in therapy "generalise"—meaning the child can actually use them to make friends and participate in their community.

Using Your NDIS Funding Effectively

Understanding your NDIS plan is the first step to accessing these supports.

• Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity): This is the most common funding source for therapy. It is flexible and can be used for psychologists, occupational therapists, and behaviour support practitioners. It covers assessments, therapy sessions, and parent training.
• Improved Relationships (CB Relationships): This category is specifically for Specialised Behaviour Support. If your child has a formal Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) or requires restrictive practices (like safety gates or medication management) to keep them safe, this funding is essential.

Tip: You can often use your "Core Supports" funding to pay for a support worker to take your child to Socialised behaviour therapy groups, while the "Capacity Building" funding pays for the therapist running the group.

Conclusion

Raising a child with behavioural challenges can feel isolating, but you are not alone. The NDIS provides a framework for support that can change your family’s life.

Whether you need Positive behaviour support to reduce meltdowns at home, general Behaviour therapy to manage anxiety, or Socialised behaviour therapy to help your child make friends, the right help is out there. By focusing on strengths, understanding the "why," and prioritizing connection, you can empower your child to reach their full potential.

We specialize in providing high-quality, NDIS-registered support. From Positive behaviour support plans to engaging Socialised behaviour therapy groups, our team is here to advocate for your child.

Contact us today for a consultation or call daar at 02 9133 2500 to discuss your NDIS goals and find the right therapist for your family.

FAQ: Common Questions for Parents

Is Positive Behaviour Support just for Autism?

No. While PBS is highly effective for autistic children, it is a universal framework. It works for children with ADHD, intellectual disabilities, trauma backgrounds, and even neurotypical children. It is simply a respectful, human-rights-based way to support behaviour.

How do I find a provider who uses PBS?

Look for registered NDIS providers who explicitly state they use a Positive behaviour support framework. You can ask them during the intake call: "Do you focus on proactive strategies and quality of life?"

Can I do therapy at home?

Yes! In fact, home is often the best place for Behaviour therapy. Therapists can see the triggers in the child's natural environment and coach you on how to manage the morning routine, meal times, and bedtime battles.