Specialised Behaviour Support: Key Principles and Practices

Introduction

When someone displays complex behaviours that impact their learning, safety, or participation, standard support may not be enough. This is where specialised behaviour support can make a genuine difference. This NDIS-funded approach uses Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) principles to understand the root causes of behaviours and develop personalised strategies. The goal is not just to manage behaviours but to improve an individual's overall quality of life by teaching new skills and creating supportive environments where they can thrive.

Key Highlights

• Specialised behaviour support uses tailored strategies to reduce challenging behaviours and enhance a person's quality of life. Common examples of restrictive practices in behaviour support can include physical restraints, seclusion, chemical restraints (such as medication used to manage behaviour), mechanical restraints, and environmental controls that limit a person's freedom of movement. These practices are typically considered only when necessary and must be monitored and reviewed as part of a comprehensive support plan. The NDIS provides funding for these crucial services, turning assessments into a practical and individualised behaviour support plan.

• The NDIS provides funding for these crucial services, turning assessments into a practical and individualised behaviour support plan.

• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a key approach that focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern to create positive change. Specialised behaviour support services for people with disabilities typically include assessment and analysis of behaviours of concern, development of individualized behaviour support plans, training for carers and support staff, monitoring and reviewing interventions, and providing ongoing guidance to encourage positive behaviour. Eligibility for these services is based on a person's specific needs and the presence of behaviours that affect their daily life.

• Eligibility for these services is based on a person's specific needs and the presence of behaviours that affect their daily life.

• A qualified behaviour support practitioner collaborates with you and your support network to implement and monitor the plan effectively.

Understanding Specialised Behaviour Support in the NDIS

Specialised behaviour support within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a service for participants who show complex or high-risk behaviours of concern. It aims to improve your quality of life by understanding why these behaviours happen and creating a support plan to manage them effectively.

Unlike general therapies, these support services dig deeper into the triggers behind actions. A trained practitioner works with you, your family, and other support networks to ensure your plan is used consistently, leading to meaningful improvements. The following sections will explore who can benefit and what this support looks like.

Definition and Core Concepts of Specialised Behaviour Support

Specialized behaviour support is a collaborative process for individuals with challenging behaviours. Its main goal is to understand the reasons behind these actions rather than simply react.

Central to this is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), an evidence-based approach that creates positive change. PBS involves working with you and your support network—family and support workers—to develop a comprehensive plan guided by a dedicated practitioner.

This approach focuses on improving overall well-being. By understanding each behaviour’s purpose, practitioners teach new, effective ways to communicate needs, promoting greater independence and participation in daily life.

Who Can Benefit from Specialised Behaviour Support in Australia?

Do you or someone you support struggle with challenging behaviours that affect daily life? Specialized behaviour support is designed for people with complex needs whose actions may impact learning, community participation, or safety. It is especially helpful for those with disabilities, developmental delays, or autism.

This support focuses on the functional impact of behaviour—not just a diagnosis—and offers a personalized, systematic approach to encourage positive change. It benefits individuals with:

• Neurological, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Dual diagnoses or high and complex needs

Families and support networks also benefit by gaining practical strategies, confidence, and a shared understanding of how to provide consistent care. This teamwork helps improve quality of life for everyone involved.

Key Principles of Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is the foundation of modern specialized behaviour support. It focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours and improving the quality of life. Rather than simply stopping unwanted behaviours, PBS creates supportive environments and teaches new skills.

A behaviour support practitioner uses PBS strategies to develop a personalized plan with your support team. Under the NDIS, this approach prioritizes proactive, person-centered methods over reactive or restrictive ones, ensuring respectful care. Next, we’ll explore how PBS is achieved through human rights and evidence-based practices.

Person-Centered Approaches and Human Rights Framework

Positive Behaviour Support is person-centered, focusing on your unique needs, strengths, and goals. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it creates tailored strategies to improve your quality of life.

Grounded in a human rights framework overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, PBS ensures support is respectful and ethical. Unlike restrictive practices that limit rights or freedom, PBS:

• Identifies the reasons behind behaviours

• Teaches new ways to communicate needs

• Builds positive environments to reduce triggers

Restrictive practices are strictly regulated and used only as a last resort. The goal of PBS is to reduce or eliminate these practices by providing safer, empowering alternatives that protect your dignity.

The Role of Evidence-Based Practice within the NDIS

When you work with a behaviour support practitioner, you can expect evidence-based practices. This means they use the best research, professional experience, and your personal goals to create effective strategies—ensuring your support isn’t guesswork.

The NDIS emphasizes quality by requiring practitioners to have the right skills. The Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework sets out the knowledge needed for high-quality services, ensuring strategies are safe, effective, and personalized.

PBS stands apart from outdated methods by focusing on holistic, positive change—not just controlling behaviour. This approach promotes learning, well-being, and long-term improvement, aligning with NDIS core principles.

The Process of Accessing Specialised Behaviour Support through the NDIS

Accessing specialized behaviour support through the NDIS starts by confirming your eligibility and discussing your needs. Begin by speaking with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) about the challenges you or your loved one faces.

If support is approved, funding will be added to your NDIS plan. You can then choose a registered provider to help develop and implement strategies. The following sections will outline eligibility criteria and what to expect in your first meetings with a provider.

Eligibility Criteria and Referral Pathways for Participants

To access NDIS funding for support services, you must meet the general eligibility criteria be under 65, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent, significant disability that affects daily life. For specialized behaviour support, the NDIS requires evidence of a need for a personalized, systematic approach to manage challenging behaviours.

Eligibility is based on how these behaviours impact daily functioning—not just diagnosis. If challenging behaviours significantly hinder learning or community participation, you may qualify. The table below highlights key differences between general therapy and specialized behaviour support.

Once approved, your NDIS planner will connect you with a registered provider. Your support team will work together to implement your behaviour support plan.

What to Expect During Initial Engagement with Providers

Your first meeting with a behaviour support provider focuses on building understanding and collaboration. The practitioner will get to know you, your family, and your support staff to learn what matters most to you and identify your goals.

They will gather information from various sources for a complete picture and work with you and your team to create a consistent, holistic plan across all settings—home, school, or community.

During these meetings, you can expect:

• Discussions about your goals, needs, and environment

• Interviews with key people in your support network

• A clear explanation of the support plan process

This collaborative approach ensures your plan is practical, evidence-based, and tailored to your needs.

Developing a Positive Behaviour Support Plan

Developing a positive behaviour support plan is key to addressing challenging behaviours and improving quality of life. Through thorough assessments, practitioners identify underlying causes and tailor plans to the individual’s strengths. Collaboration among support teams and family ensures practical strategies and proactive interventions. This approach builds skills, supports emotional regulation, and promotes meaningful engagement, enhancing overall well-being.

Functional Behaviour Assessment and Its Importance

The first and most crucial step in developing an effective plan is the Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA). This thorough process identifies the underlying causes and purpose of concerning behaviours, which is essential for designing effective interventions.

FBA relies on systematic data collection and analysis—not guesses. Practitioners gather information through direct observations, interviews with the individual and their supports, and record reviews to spot triggers and patterns.

The FBA results provide evidence to create strategies that address the root cause of behaviour, ensuring plans are meaningful and more likely to achieve lasting success.

Steps in Creating Individualized Behaviour Support Strategies

After the FBA, the practitioner creates a personalized behaviour support plan with practical strategies for support workers and family to use consistently. This tailored plan focuses on teaching new skills that serve the same purpose as the challenging behaviour. For example, if someone acts out to escape noise, they might learn to use a card to request a break—helping them communicate needs more effectively and encouraging positive change.

Key steps include:

• Developing proactive strategies to prevent triggers.

• Teaching replacement skills as positive alternatives.

• Providing clear reactive steps for support workers if behaviours occur.

Conclusion

Specialized behaviour support is a vital part of the NDIS, focused on improving the lives of people with unique needs. By following positive behaviour support principles and evidence-based practices, providers can develop strategies tailored to each participant’s goals. Understanding how to access these services and create an effective support plan is key to successful outcomes.

For more information or personalized guidance, request a consultation or call daar at 02 9133 2500 to see how specialized behaviour support can make a difference for you or someone you care about.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does specialised behaviour support differ from other NDIS therapies?

Specialised behaviour support differs by focusing deeply on the "why" behind complex or high-risk behaviours. While other NDIS therapies might target broad skill development, this support involves creating a formal support plan with a positive behaviour support strategy to address specific, high-impact behaviours and their underlying causes.

What training do specialist behaviour support practitioners have?

A behaviour support practitioner typically holds a degree in a related field like psychology or social work. They combine this with practical experience, ongoing professional development, and adherence to the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework to ensure they deliver safe, effective, and high-quality support that meets NDIS standards.

How is progress monitored,ored and plans reviewed under the NDIS?

Progress is monitored through ongoing data collection and data analysis to see if strategies are working. The behaviour support plan is regularly reviewed by the support team in collaboration with the practitioner. This ensures the plan remains effective and relevant, with reports submitted to the NDIS Commission as required.