Category: Behaviour Support

If you’ve been searching for positive behaviour support strategies, you’re likely looking for practical, evidence-based ways to better understand and respond to behaviours of concern that children, young people, or adults may engage in.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach that focuses on understanding why behaviours happen and building supportive strategies that improve quality of life, reduce the risk of harm, and support safer outcomes for everyone involved.

In addition to supporting the behaviour itself, PBS looks at the whole person including their environment, needs, personal goals, communication style, and daily experiences.

What Is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based approach used by qualified practitioners to support people who display behaviours of concern.

These behaviours may include:

Verbal aggression: the use of words, tone, or language that may intimidate, threaten, upset, or demean another person, such as screaming, swearing, making threats, or using abusive language.

Physical aggression: the use of physical force against another person that may cause harm, injury, or distress, such as hitting, forcefully grabbing, kicking, pushing, or biting.

Property damage: behaviour that causes, or has the potential to cause, damage to property, belongings, equipment, or the surrounding environment, such as breaking objects, throwing items, punching walls, or vandalising property.

Self-harm: behaviour directed towards oneself that may result in physical harm, injury, or pain, such as hitting oneself, headbanging, scratching, or other self-injurious actions.

Withdrawal or avoidance: behaviour involving disengagement from, or refusal to participate in social interactions, activities, personal care, eating, medical care, or other aspects of daily life, which may impact health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Other behaviours of concern that may be harmful to themselves, others, or their environment.

PBS aims to reduce these behaviours by understanding their underlying causes and building supportive, proactive strategies.

Why Positive Behaviour Support Strategies Matter?

The goal of positive behaviour support strategies is not simply to manage behaviour, but to improve quality of life.

This approach focuses on:

• Building communication skills
• Increasing independence
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Creating predictable and supportive environments
• Strengthening relationships with caregivers and support networks

When implemented consistently, PBS strategies can help individuals feel safer, more understood, and more in control of their environment.

Key Positive Behaviour Support Strategies

Positive Behaviour Support strategies are tailored to the individual, but commonly include the following approaches:

1. Understanding Behaviour Triggers

Practitioners identify what happens before a behaviour occurs, such as:

• Sensory overload
• Difficulty communicating needs
• Changes in routine
• Feeling tired, hungry, or bored

Understanding triggers is a key step in developing effective positive behaviour support strategies.

2. Teaching Replacement Behaviours

PBS recognises that behaviours of concern often serve a function or communicate an unmet need. The PBS process includes identifying this need and teaching alternative behaviours such as:

• Using communication tools or words
• Asking for help
• Using sensory regulation items or activities
• Taking breaks when overwhelmed

3. Environmental Adjustments

Sometimes behaviour is influenced by the environment. Adjustments may include:

• Reducing noise or sensory input
• Creating visual schedules
• Establishing predictable routines and smooth transitions
• Recommending physical environment modifications

4. Reinforcing Positive Behaviours

Positive reinforcement helps encourage helpful behaviours by:

• Acknowledging effort and progress
• Rewarding positive choices
• Building confidence and motivation

5. Supporting Emotional Regulation

Many PBS plans include strategies to help individuals manage emotions, such as:

• Personalised mindfulness strategies
• Movement breaks
• Sensory tools
• Co-regulation support from caregivers

Who Can Benefit from Positive Behaviour Support Strategies?

PBS can support people across all ages and diagnoses, including:

• Children with developmental delay
• Autistic individuals
• People with intellectual disability or developmental delay
• Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
• Individuals with neurological conditions
• Individuals with genetic and developmental conditions
• Individuals with mental health or psychosocial conditions
• Anyone experiencing behaviours of concern that impact daily life

What Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Do?

A Behaviour Support Practitioner works closely with individuals, families, and support teams to:

• Assess behaviour patterns and triggers
• Develop a Positive Behaviour Support Plan
• Recommend practical strategies
• Support skill-building and communication
• Train caregivers and support workers
• Reduce restrictive practices where appropriate

Their role is collaborative, focusing on long-term improvement rather than short-term behaviour control.

How Positive Behaviour Support Works in Everyday Life

PBS is most effective when strategies are used consistently across environments like home, school, and community settings.

For example:

• Using the same visual supports with all providers
• Coordinating smooth transitions between environments
• Maintaining continuity of care to support effective behaviour change

These small changes can make a significant difference over time.

How Allied Health Services Can Support PBS

At organisations like National 360, Behaviour Support Practitioners work as part of a multidisciplinary team including:

• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Pathologists
• Physiotherapists
• Early Childhood Practitioners

This team-based approach ensures positive behaviour support strategies are aligned with communication, sensory, emotional, and developmental needs.

When Should You Seek Positive Behaviour Support?

You may benefit from PBS if:

• Behaviour is impacting daily routines or learning
• There are frequent emotional outbursts or distress
• Safety or participation is affected
• Existing strategies are not working

Early support can help reduce stress and improve long-term outcomes.

How National 360 Can Support You

At National 360, our Behaviour Support Practitioners provide evidence-based, person-centred support to individuals and families across Australia.

We offer services through a range of pathways, including:

• NDIS
• Private and Medicare
• Aged care pathways

No matter your age or stage of life, our team can help you access the right supports to achieve your goals and participate more fully in everyday activities. Our goal is to develop practical, meaningful positive behaviour support strategies that improve independence, communication, safety, and everyday wellbeing.

Start Your Support Journey

If you are looking for effective positive behaviour support strategies or want guidance from a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner, we’re here to help.

Visit the National 360 Get Started page to learn more or book an appointment.

A Behaviour Support Plan, also known as a BSP or ‘the plan’, is a structured document created to address behaviours of concern and supports positive behaviour change for those with developmental disabilities, mental health issues, or other complex needs. BSPs are person-centred and tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the Participant.

A BSP provides families and paid supports with a step-by-step guide to enhancing the Participant’s quality of life, enables them to identify when and how to intervene so that behaviours of concern are prevented, and also supports the reduction and elimination of any regulated restrictive practices.

What types of BSPs are there?

Under NDIS guidelines, there are two types of BSPs- they are Interim and Comprehensive.

• An Interim BSP is a short document that contains general preventative and responsive strategies designed to keep the Participant and others safe. It clearly describes the behaviours of concern and includes protocols to follow to minimise the risk of harm. It also identifies if, when and how any regulated restrictive practices are to be applied. An Interim BSP also focuses on safeguarding and risk mitigation.

NDIS legislative requirements states that an Interim BSP must be developed within 1 month of being engaged, if there are restrictive practices or high risks.

• A Comprehensive BSP is a holistic document based on a Functional Behaviour Assessment (known as a FBA). It contains proactive and evidence-informed strategies to improve the Participants quality of life and supports their progress towards positive change. It addresses the underlying functions of the Participants behaviour of concern and where appropriate, identifies functionally equivalent replacement behaviours. A Comprehensive BSP also outlines any environmental changes required, provides skill development opportunities, and includes response strategies to be followed when behaviours of concern occur.

If there are any regulated restrictive practices, the plan identifies if, when and how they are to be applied, and includes fade out strategies to promote their reduction and elimination over time.

NDIS legislative requirements states that a Comprehensive BSP must be developed within 6 months of being engaged, especially if there are restrictive practices.

How is a Behaviour Support Plan developed?

An Interim Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is developed based on a risk assessment, review of other assessments and a review of restrictive practices.

In comparison, a Comprehensive BSP is developed based on the results of a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA). A FBA is a very useful data driven process that supports our understanding of when, where and why behaviours happen. It enables PBS Practitioners to make informed decisions that support meaningful behaviour change through making environmental changes and promoting efficient ways for the Participant to get their needs met, so that behaviours of concern become ineffective and reduce over time.

The development of a BSP is led by the PBS Practitioner who conducts the FBA and writes up the plan, however a good BSP is also developed in collaboration with the Participant and their key stakeholders to ensure that the BSP is not only comprehensive, but person centred.

What are the key components of a Behaviour Support Plan?

Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) contain a range of tailored strategies that not only focus on behaviours of concern, but also on positive strategies ensuring the person has access to things that are important to them. They emphasize teaching new skills and reinforcing desirable behaviours, which may involve teaching communication, social, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills. These are known as Proactive Strategies.

BSPs may also include crisis intervention strategies to manage severe or dangerous behaviours. These strategies are designed to keep the Participant and those around them safe from harm and outlines how to respond to such situations safely and effectively. These are known as Reactive Strategies.

A good BSP has more Proactive Strategies than Reactive ones. This helps to ensure that the focus of the plan is not just on the behaviours of concern, but also supports the Participant to have a good life that is enabling and supports capacity building.

Who needs a Behaviour Support Plan?

A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is recommended for Participants who regularly engage in behaviours of concern to the extent that it severely impacts on their life or those around them, or it results in the use of restrictive practices.

Having a BSP means that everyone consistently follows the same strategies, and its effectiveness can be monitored by the PBS Practitioner using data.  BSPs are not static documents; they are regularly reviewed and revised based on the Participant’s progress and changing needs. Adjustments may be made to the strategies and goals as necessary.

Where can a Behaviour Support Plan be used?

In order for Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) to be successful, they should be used in various settings that the Participant accesses, including schools, residential facilities, and community-based services. Everyone who is supporting the Participant should work collaboratively and follow the plan.

Contact National 360

National 360 Behaviour Support Services provides a high-quality evidence-based and person-centred approach to people who have approved behaviour support funding in their NDIS Positive Behaviour Support plans.

If you’d like to learn more about our Behaviour Support services, visit our website here, or get in touch with our friendly team using the details below:

Call 1300 340 440

Complete a referral form

Complete an enquiry form

How Behaviour Support Practitioners Assist NDIS Participants

What is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred and evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding why behaviours happen in order to enhance the Participant’s quality of life and wellbeing, and the life of those who support them.

PBS is about making all aspects of the environment a better fit for the Participant. This involves taking into consideration the Participant’s preferences and life experiences, and understanding what could be better so that the need to engage in behaviours of concern are reduced. PBS supports the Participant to develop skills that help them to get their needs met in better ways.

Under the NDIS (Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practices) Rules 2018, specialist behaviour support services are to be provided by an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner who the NDIS Commissioner has considered suitable. This includes undertaking behaviour support assessments (including functional behavioural assessments) and developing behaviour support plans that may contain the use of restrictive practices.

At National 360, all of our PBS Practitioners have been assessed as suitable to deliver specialised behaviour support services.

How do Behaviour Support Practitioners Assist NDIS Participants?

Behaviour Support Practitioners  play a critical role in improving the quality of life for NDIS Participants by helping them acquire valuable life skills, access the necessary supports and services they need to lead fulfilling lives within their communities, and ultimately reduce the need to engage in behaviours of concern. Their work is essential in promoting inclusion, independence, and well-being for individuals with disabilities.

Here are the services National 360 Behaviour Support Practitioners provide in order to assist NDIS participants:

1. Initial Assessment and Therapy Plan

An initial assessment appointment is the first step in supporting a NDIS Participant in the PBS journey.

The Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner (PBS Practitioner) will meet with the appropriate stakeholders to understand why Behaviour Support services are required, which includes reviewing current behaviours of concern, risks and restrictive practices.

The PBS Practitioner will also use this as an opportunity to get to know the NDIS Participant and aspects of their life including who they are as a person, their interests, medical history, how they spend their day, opportunities available to them and what support services are currently involved.

Behaviour Support goals will then be developed in line with the expected outcomes of the service in the form of a Therapy Plan, so that progress is easy to follow.

2. Functional Behaviour Assessment

If a Behaviour Support Plan is required, the Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner (PBS Practitioner) will conduct various assessments to better understand why behaviours happen. This process is known as a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) and involves working collaboratively with the Participant and their supports.

This may consist of data collection, observations, assessments, and interviews, in order to develop an understanding of the Participant and how they interact with their environment, which either makes behaviour more or less likely to occur.

3. Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)

A Behaviour Support Plan, also known as a BSP or ‘the plan’, is a structured document typically based on the outcome of a FBA. It is developed in consultation with the Participant and their supports, that effectively addresses the needs of the Participant.

A BSP contains strategies that improves the Participant’s quality of life, promotes skill building, reduces behaviours of concern, and reduces and eliminates the use of restrictive practices (if any).

There are two types of BSPs: Interim and Comprehensive. See What is a Behaviour Support Plan for more information.

4. Training/ Implementation

Once a BSP has been developed, the Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner (PBS Practitioner) will implement the plan by providing education and training to the Participant’s stakeholders, so that everyone can support the Participant effectively and consistently.

The PBS Practitioner will also regularly monitor and review progress made to ensure that the plan is working. This involves ongoing data collection and assessment, in which adjustments to the plan may be required.

5. NDIS Progress Report

The NDIS Progress Report is essential in providing information required for the Participant’s NDIS plan review. The report summarizes the outcomes of the Behaviour Support service provided, and outlines progress made towards goals. The report also includes recommendations for the Participant’s next NDIS plan.

6. Assessment and Recommendations (A&R)

If a NDIS Participant requires Behaviour Support services but they do not have Improved Relationships funded in their NDIS plan, National 360 can support via the Assessment and Recommendations (A&R) service.

This service is specifically for those who have either never received Behaviour Support services before and/or have not been funded for Behaviour Support in their NDIS plan under the Improved Relationships funding line.

Please see our blog NDIS Behaviour Support Funding Explained for more information.

Contact National 360

National 360 Behaviour Support Practitioners provide provides a high-quality evidence-based and person-centred approach Behaviour Support Services to people who have approved behaviour support funding in their NDIS Behaviour Support plans.

If you’d like to learn more about our Behaviour Support services, visit our website here, or get in touch with our friendly team using the details below:

Call 1300 340 440

Complete a referral form

Complete an enquiry form

NDIS Behaviour Support Funding Explained

What NDIS Behaviour Support Funding do you need to access Behaviour Support Services?

Behaviour support services are funded under the NDIS Capacity Building support category of ‘Improved Relationships’. This support category is for the provision of specialised assessment where a participant may have complex or unclear needs, requiring long term or intensive supports to address behaviours of concern. Only NDIS Behaviour Support services can access this funding.
There are two line items within the ‘Improved Relationships’ support category:

1. Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support
2. Behaviour Management Plan Including Training in Behaviour Management Strategies

Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support focuses on providing highly specialised intensive support interventions to address significantly harmful or persistent behaviours of concern. It also includes the development of behaviour support plans that temporarily use restrictive practices, with the intention to minimize use of these practices.
Behaviour Management Plan Including Training focuses on training for carers and others in behaviour management strategies required due to the participant’s disability.
Typically, an NDIS Participant will be funded for both line items if they require ongoing Behaviour Support services.

What if an NDIS Participant requires Behaviour Support but does not have Improved Relationships funded in their NDIS plan?

Behaviour Support services can only be delivered if the NDIS plan contains Improved Relationships funding. However, if the NDIS participant either engages in behaviours of concern or restrictive practices have been identified, and they do not have Improved Relationships funding, an assessment can be completed with a member of the PBS team.
This assessment, known as Assessment and Recommendations (or A&R), advocates for the NDIS Participant to receive Improved Relationships NDIS Behaviour Support Funding in their next NDIS plan.
The therapist may conduct multiple assessments, interviews, data analysis and observations to ensure adequate evidence is provided to the NDIS to demonstrate why PBS services are required and make recommendations for the Participant to be funded for ongoing Behaviour Support intervention.
The A&R can be conducted utilising only 15 hours of funding available from the NDIS Improvement Daily Living support category.
This service is specifically for those who have either never received Behaviour Support services before and/or do not have NDIS Behaviour Support Funding in their NDIS plan under the Improved Relationships funding line.
Positive Behaviour Support Plans are person-centred and tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the individual. They are a proactive and evidence-based approach to addressing challenging behaviours while promoting the individual’s overall well-being and independence. PBSPs are often used in various settings, including schools, residential facilities, and community-based services, to support individuals with a wide range of behavioural challenges.

Contact National 360

National 360 Behaviour Support Services provides a high-quality evidence-based and person-centred approach to people who have approved behaviour support funding or do not have NDIS Behaviour Support Funding in their NDIS plans.
National 360 offers Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support across Greater Melbourne, Southeast Queensland, Cairns, Sydney, Newcastle and Adelaide. Additionally, we can offer Behaviour Support Assessment and Recommendation (A&R) via telehealth Nationwide.
You can also find more information about Behaviour Support NDIS Funding by visiting the NDIS website.
If you’d like to learn more about Behaviour Support services or have questions about NDIS Behaviour Support funding, visit our website here, or get in touch with our friendly team using the details below:
Call 1300 340 440
Complete a referral form
Complete an enquiry form below:

 

Introducing Lorraine, our fantastic Behaviour Support Clinical Lead!

Lorraine is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) – one of approximately 250 in the country – with over 14 years of experience! We are so thrilled to have her supporting our team of Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners across the country.

To learn more about Lorraine, we asked her some questions about why she is passionate about community allied health, what her role as a Behaviour Support Clinical Lead involves, how she would describe National 360 to other clinicians, + more! Read our full interview with Lorraine below.

When did you start working at National 360? 

I started working at National 360 just over a year ago. At the time I was actually looking at taking a step back in my career as I wanted to focus more on my family and wellbeing. But as soon as I joined, I ended up throwing myself in as I was enjoying myself so much! In the short space of time I have been here at National 360, I have been wearing a few different hats due to putting all my energy into developing the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) team. Apart from working directly with clients as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, I have been the PBS Clinical Practice Advisor, Team Leader, and now National Behaviour Support Clinical Lead.

Could you tell us a summary of your qualifications & career history?

I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) – one of approximately 250 in the country – with over 14 years of experience supporting people with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury, Dementia and Mental Health. I have been working as a PBS practitioner for 8 of those years across the UK and Australia. I hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Counselling and Therapeutic Studies and a Masters (MSc) degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis.

In regards to direct client work, I specialise in behaviour change through the Capable Environments approach and using evidenced based methods to challenge the use of restrictive practices. My other passions lie in PBS service design and delivery, developing bespoke professional development training for PBS practitioners and providing clinical consultations to PBS practitioners and other allied health professionals working with individuals who present with behaviours of concern or have restrictive practices imposed on them.

What makes you passionate about working in the community allied health space?

I previously worked in the UK as a PBS practitioner in a mental health rehabilitation hospital, where the overuse of medication and physical restraint was rife. I worked hard to instil the foundations of PBS across the wards, where the goal was to help patients have a better quality of life, teach them skills to increase their independence, and get them discharged so they can live the life that they have dreamed of living. However, working on the wards, I never got to see the end result, and saying goodbye was the hardest part. When I came to Australia, I decided to move into the community space and I haven’t looked back! I really enjoy supporting people in their own homes and seeing the difference it makes to their lives. Working with people in the community means I get to support people in the places where they really need it, whether that’s at school, at work, at day program or at home. Human behaviour is a complex thing, and it is important to understand what it is about the environment that either supports them to have good days, and what isn’t working and doesn’t meet their needs.

What do you love most about your role as the Behaviour Support Clinical Lead? 

I love that as the Behaviour Support Clinical Lead I am able to make a difference not only to the people I support, but to the therapists I work with by driving autonomy, inspiring new ways of working, and creating a safe space to learn and grow. Being a leader is a privilege, and it’s my role to make systems work better and facilitate environments that make people happy and successful.

What has been a highlight of your time working at National 360? 

Every day is a highlight when you have a wonderful and supportive team around you! I am always learning something new and improving my practice, so I am thankful that I have the opportunity to immerse myself in my own development (usually with a very large cup of coffee!)

How would you describe National 360 to another clinician or someone working in the allied health space?

Working in the allied health space (particularly NDIS) is tough, but extremely rewarding. At National 360 we have a good support system set up and offer a variety of learning opportunities for all therapists. Did you know that on average we offer approximately 20 hours of mentoring per week on a variety of topics?! I love being able to have the flexibility to access clinical expertise from another discipline when I need it, or even just to listen for leisure or during my lunch break.

Do you have any advice for them? 

Organisation is key! I learnt this the hard way when I transitioned from the UK to Australia, and it was a big culture shock for me. I highly recommend looking into brushing up on diary management and organisational skills – this will put you in good stead in the NDIS space. I am also a big advocate for co-production. At the end of the day, whilst we as therapists are providing the service, it’s the person and their supports who are the experts. So my advice is to listen, and learn to work together in order to achieve amazing outcomes.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I used to be a keen ice skater and foil fencer, but since moving down under you can find me enjoying the sunset over a good glass of wine!

Join The National 360 Team!

If you were inspired by our Behaviour Support Clinical Lead, Lorraine, and her background and passion for PBS and community health, we’d love to hear from you. Our teams are continuing to grow, and we are always looking for fantastic Behaviour Support Practitioners to join us at National 360 across our 22 locations Australia-wide.

If you’d like to learn more about what it is like to working in the community allied health space at National 360, and for a comprehensive outline of our 360 YOU benefits, visit our 360 Careers page for more insights, follow us on LinkedIn, or contact our Careers team via careers@national360.com.au.