At a glance:
- Positive behaviour support helps improve quality of life. It is not only about reducing a behaviour.
- A registered specialist behaviour support provider works with the participant and their support network to write and put in place a behaviour support plan.
- Plans can be interim (short term, focused on safety) or comprehensive (based on a full assessment).
- Restrictive practices are only used as a last resort and must follow strict rules.
- Humanity Allied Health is a a registered NDIS provider and can support you through this process.
Positive behaviour support is a way of helping someone build a better quality of life, not just change a behaviour that others find difficult. It looks at what a person needs, what is happening around them, and how everyday supports can be adjusted to help. For NDIS participants, families, carers and support coordinators, understanding how this works can make it easier to know what to expect and who to ask for help.
How does positive behaviour support work under the NDIS?
Positive behaviour support focuses on understanding why a behaviour is happening, then making changes that help the person have a better life. It looks at the person’s needs, their environment and the people around them. It does not use punishment or strategies that could cause harm.
Under the NDIS, this support is delivered by a registered specialist behaviour support provider. These providers work with the participant and the people who support them to write a behaviour support plan, put it into action, and check how things are going over time.
Not every behaviour that seems difficult needs a formal assessment or plan. For example, a child getting frustrated when asked to do something, or someone raising their voice when anxious, does not always mean a behaviour support plan is needed. Support is considered when a behaviour affects safety, relationships, work or daily life.
Who can write a behaviour support plan for someone I support?
A behaviour support plan must be written by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner working for a registered specialist behaviour support provider. In some cases, the practitioner is also the sole provider.
Providers must meet NDIS registration requirements and be registered specifically for behaviour support assessments, including functional behaviour assessments, and for writing behaviour support plans. Anyone providing this support on their behalf must also hold the right clearances and be suitable to work in this area.
The plan itself is written together with the participant, their family, carers and any other providers involved, such as an occupational therapist or speech pathologist working alongside the behaviour support practitioner.
What is the difference between an interim and a comprehensive behaviour support plan?
There are two types of behaviour support plans.
| Plan type | Purpose | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Interim behaviour support plan | Focuses on safety in the short term | While an assessment is being completed |
| Comprehensive behaviour support plan | Based on full assessment and understanding of the behaviour | Once assessment is complete, for longer term proactive strategies |
Both plan types are written with the participant and the people who support them. They describe any behaviours of concern, explain the reasons behind them, and set out steps to help keep everyone safe while building new skills.
What are restrictive practices and when can they be used?
A restrictive practice is any practice that restricts a person’s rights or freedom of movement. Examples include using a helmet to prevent injury, or locking away items that could cause harm.
Restrictive practices can only be used when other strategies have been tried first, or when a behaviour support practitioner has assessed that no other option is appropriate. They must be included in the behaviour support plan and follow the authorisation process required in that state or territory.
Restrictive practices can affect a person’s human rights. This means they must be reported and reviewed whenever they are used, and providers must follow the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018.
Positive behaviour support aims to reduce and, where possible, remove the need for restrictive practices over time.
Does a behaviour support plan need to be lodged with anyone?
If a behaviour support plan includes restrictive practices, the provider must lodge it with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
If the plan does not include restrictive practices, it does not need to be lodged. However, it must still be written by a provider registered with the NDIS Commission.
How do I know if I need a behaviour support plan?
We may become aware that behaviour support could help through a plan meeting, a conversation with family, a school or employer, or a report from a provider or support coordinator. From there, a behaviour support assessment may be arranged with an NDIS behaviour support practitioner to help decide whether funding for behaviour support should be included in a plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is positive behaviour support?
Positive behaviour support is an approach that helps a person and the people around them understand and change behaviours that may be causing difficulty. It focuses on quality of life, dignity and meeting the person’s needs, rather than punishment.
Who provides positive behaviour support under the NDIS?
Support must come from a registered specialist behaviour support provider like Humanity Allied Health, using an NDIS behaviour support practitioner to complete assessments and write plans.
What is a behaviour support plan?
It is a written plan developed with the participant and their support network. It explains any behaviours of concern, the reasons behind them, and the strategies that will help.
Are restrictive practices always part of a behaviour support plan?
No. Restrictive practices are only included when needed as a last resort, and must follow strict state and territory authorisation rules.
Does every difficult behaviour need a formal assessment?
Not always. Support is generally considered when a behaviour affects safety, relationships, work or daily life, rather than for occasional frustration or anxiety.
Want to explore whether positive behaviour support is suitable for your situation?
Contact our friendly team at Humanity Allied Health for further information and guidance.
