Building Connections: A Guide to Socialised Behaviour Therapy and NDIS Support

Raising a child with unique behavioural needs is a journey filled with both challenges and profound rewards. As a parent, you want to see your child confident, happy, and capable of navigating the world around them. However, when a child struggles with social interactions or emotional regulation, it can feel isolating for the whole family.

You might be hearing terms like Positive Behaviour Support or wondering how to best utilize your NDIS plan. Perhaps you are looking for ways to help your child make friends and keep them. This is where the concept of Socialised Behaviour Therapy comes into play.

This guide is designed to demystify these terms and show you how modern, evidence-based therapies can empower your child to build meaningful connections and develop essential life skills.

What is Socialised Behaviour Therapy?

While individual therapy is crucial for addressing specific needs, children do not live in a bubble. They live in a dynamic, social world—classrooms, Playgrounds, and family gatherings. Socialised Behaviour Therapy bridges the gap between one-on-one learning and real-world application.

It involves therapeutic interventions delivered in a group setting or a natural social environment. The goal is not just to teach a child how to behave, but to help them practice interacting with others in a safe, supported space.

Why Social Context Matters

A child might learn to "take turns" perfectly when playing a board game with an adult therapist. But does that skill translate to a chaotic schoolyard with five other shouting children? Socialised Behaviour Therapy provides the "live practice" needed to generalize these skills. It focuses on:

• Peer Interaction: Learning to read social cues from children their own age.
• Conflict Resolution: Navigating disagreements without aggression or withdrawal.
• Cooperative Play: Working together toward a shared goal.

The Foundation: Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

At the heart of effective therapy is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). Gone are the days of focusing solely on punishment or "stopping" bad behaviour. PBS is a proactive, compassionate approach that seeks to understand why a behaviour is happening.

Understanding Behaviour as Communication

PBS operates on the belief that all behaviour serves a function. Is your child acting out because they are overwhelmed? Are they seeking connection? Or are they trying to avoid a difficult task?

• Proactive Strategies: Changing the environment to reduce triggers (e.g., using visual schedules).
• Skill Building: Teaching the child a replacement behaviour (e.g., asking for a break instead of throwing a toy).
• Reinforcement: Celebrating and rewarding the positive steps the child takes.

When combined with Socialised Behaviour Therapy, PBS ensures that children aren't just being "corrected" in social settings—they are being supported to succeed.

Navigating the NDIS: Funding Your Child’s Support

For Australian families, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a vital resource. Understanding how to use your funding effectively can open doors to high-quality care.

Capacity Building: Improved Relationships

Most behavioural therapies fall under the "Capacity Building" budget, specifically under "Improved Relationships." This funding is designed to help participants develop positive behaviours and interact with their community.

If your child’s NDIS goals include making friends, managing emotions, or participating in community activities, you can likely use this funding for Socialised Behaviour Therapy programs.

When Do You Need Specialised Behaviour Support?

While many children benefit from general behavioural guidance, some situations require a more intensive approach. Specialised Behaviour Support is a specific category under the NDIS designed for participants with complex needs or behaviours of concern.

What Defines "Specialised" Support?

This level of support is required when a child’s behaviour poses a risk to themselves or others or significantly limits their quality of life. It involves:

1. Specialist Behaviour Practitioners: Highly trained professionals who assess the situation.
2. Functional Behaviour Assessment: A deep dive into the triggers and consequences of the behaviour.
3. Behaviour Support Plan: A formal, legal document outlining strategies to reduce restrictive practices and improve quality of life.

If you believe your child requires Specialised Behaviour Support, it is crucial to discuss this during your NDIS planning meeting to ensure the correct line items are included in your plan.

The Benefits of Group-Based Interventions

Moving from individual therapy to Socialised Behaviour Therapy groups can be a game-changer for many children. Here is why:

1. Real-Time Feedback

In a group, children get immediate feedback from their peers. If they stand too close, a peer might step back. Therapists can guide the child through this interaction in the moment, turning a potential awkwardness into a learning opportunity.

2. Shared Experiences

Children often feel they are the "only one" who struggles. Being in a group with peers who have similar challenges builds a sense of belonging and reduces anxiety.

3. Fun and Motivation

Let’s face it—playing with friends is more fun than sitting in a clinic. When therapy looks like play, children are more engaged, motivated, and willing to try new things.

Conclusion

Helping your child navigate the social world is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Whether through the proactive strategies of Positive Behaviour Support or the interactive learning of Socialised Behaviour Therapy, the goal remains the same: to equip your child with the tools they need to connect, communicate, and thrive.

By understanding your NDIS plan and accessing the right level of care—whether that is general therapy or Specialised Behaviour Support—you are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more inclusive future for your child.

 Contact us today to book a consultation or call daar at 02 9133 2500 to discuss how we can support your child’s journey toward confidence and connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use NDIS funding for social skills groups?
Yes, in most cases. If the group program is facilitated by a professional (like a psychologist, speech pathologist, or occupational therapist) and aligns with your child’s NDIS goals regarding social participation or emotional regulation, it is typically claimable under Capacity Building.

2. What is the difference between Positive Behaviour Support and traditional discipline?
Traditional discipline often focuses on what a child did wrong and applies a consequence (punishment). Positive Behaviour Support focuses on prevention and teaching. It asks, "What skill is this child missing?" and seeks to teach that skill so the negative behaviour is no longer necessary.

3. How do I know if my child needs Specialised Behaviour Support?
Specialised Behaviour Support is usually recommended for behaviours that are high-risk (aggression, self-harm, property damage) or when restrictive practices (like physical restraint or environmental seclusion) are being used. If standard therapy hasn't reduced these risks, a specialist practitioner is needed.

4. Is Socialised Behaviour Therapy suitable for children with autism?
Absolutely. It is highly effective for neurodivergent children who may find the nuances of social interaction challenging. The structured nature of these groups provides a safe "lab" to experiment with social rules before applying them in the wider world.

5. How long does it take to see results?
Behavioural change is a marathon, not a sprint. While you might see small wins quickly, deep-seated patterns take time to shift. Consistency between the therapy sessions, home, and school is the biggest predictor of success.