Positive Behaviour Support: What It Is and How It Helps NDIS Participants
If you or someone you care for is an NDIS participant experiencing behaviours that make everyday life difficult, you may have come across the term positive behaviour support (PBS). Understanding what it involves, how it works and who can benefit from it can help you decide whether it may be suitable for your circumstances.
Positive behaviour support focuses on understanding why behaviours occur, identifying unmet needs and developing practical strategies that improve a person’s quality of life. Rather than simply trying to stop a behaviour, it looks at how a person’s environment, communication, experiences and support can be improved.
In this guide, we’ll explain what positive behaviour support is, who it can help, how the process works and how it can support NDIS participants in their daily lives.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive behaviour support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach to understanding and responding to behaviours that cause concern or create barriers in a person’s daily life. These are often called behaviours of concern and may include aggression, self-injury, property destruction or persistent avoidance of activities.
The aim of PBS is not simply to stop or punish a behaviour. Instead, it begins by asking an important question: Why is this behaviour happening?
Behaviour can communicate a person’s needs, feelings or difficulties. For example, a person may be feeling overwhelmed by sensory input, struggling to communicate discomfort, finding an environment difficult to manage or experiencing anxiety about an unfamiliar situation.
Positive behaviour support aims to understand these underlying factors and address them through appropriate strategies and changes to the person’s support.
The overall goals are to:
- Improve the person’s quality of life and wellbeing.
- Build independence and develop useful everyday skills.
- Support meaningful participation in the community.
- Improve communication and understanding between the person and their support network.
- Reduce reliance on restrictive practices, with an emphasis on the person’s rights, dignity and safety.
By focusing on the reasons behind a behaviour rather than reacting to it alone, PBS can help create more supportive environments and more consistent responses from the people involved in a person’s care.
Who Can Benefit from Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive behaviour support is commonly used with NDIS participants who have intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, acquired brain injuries, psychosocial disabilities or complex communication needs.
However, positive behaviour support is not limited to a particular diagnosis. It may be appropriate when behaviours significantly affect a person’s quality of life, safety, relationships or participation in everyday activities, particularly when those behaviours are connected to unmet needs or communication difficulties.
For example, PBS may help a person who becomes distressed during changes to their routine, struggles to communicate when they need a break, or finds certain environments difficult to tolerate.
Support is also important for the people around the participant. Family members, carers, support workers and teachers may find it challenging to understand and respond consistently to behaviours of concern.
A positive behaviour support approach can help everyone involved develop a shared understanding of the person’s needs and use more consistent, compassionate strategies.
The specific support required will depend on the individual, their circumstances, their goals and the factors contributing to the behaviour.
How Does Positive Behaviour Support Work?
Positive behaviour support is an ongoing process rather than a single appointment or quick intervention. It involves understanding the person, developing appropriate strategies, helping their support network implement those strategies and reviewing progress over time.
Although the process varies according to individual needs, it generally involves four stages.
1. Functional Behaviour Assessment
The first step is to understand the person and the factors that may contribute to behaviours of concern.
A positive behaviour support practitioner may observe behaviour, speak with the participant using communication methods that work for them, and consult family members, carers or support workers who know the person well.
The assessment aims to identify patterns, possible triggers and the purpose the behaviour may serve for the person.
For example, a behaviour might occur when a person is overwhelmed, experiences a sudden change, cannot communicate a need or finds a particular activity difficult. Understanding these circumstances helps guide the support that follows.
2. Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
Following the assessment, the practitioner develops a behaviour support plan based on the person’s needs and circumstances.
The plan may include:
- Identified triggers and patterns: Situations, environmental factors or experiences that may contribute to the behaviour.
- Preventative strategies: Changes to routines, environments or approaches that may reduce the likelihood of distress or behaviours of concern.
- Skill-building strategies: Ways to help the person communicate their needs, manage situations and develop alternative skills.
- Response strategies: Guidance for carers and support workers on responding appropriately if a behaviour occurs, while prioritising safety and avoiding unnecessary escalation.
The plan should be individualised rather than relying on a standard approach for everyone. Its purpose is to help the participant and their support network respond to challenges in a way that reflects the person’s needs, preferences and goals.
3. Implementation and Training
A behaviour support plan is only useful if the people supporting the participant understand how to put it into practice.
The practitioner may work with family members, carers and support workers to explain the strategies, answer questions and provide guidance on responding consistently.
This helps the support network understand not only what to do, but also why particular approaches may be helpful for the participant.
Consistency is important, although strategies should remain responsive to the person’s needs and circumstances.
4. Reviewing and Adjusting the Plan
Positive behaviour support does not end when a plan is written. The practitioner and support network need to review whether the strategies are helping and whether changes are required.
A person’s communication, environment, health, routines and support needs can change over time. Reviewing progress helps identify what is working, what needs adjustment and whether the plan continues to reflect the person’s goals.
The aim is to keep the support practical, relevant and focused on improving quality of life, independence and participation.
Understanding Behaviour and Identifying Unmet Needs
One of the central principles of positive behaviour support is recognising that behaviour may communicate an unmet need. Instead of focusing only on what a person is doing, PBS looks at what they may be experiencing and what could help.
Some factors that may contribute to behaviours of concern include:
- Sensory overload: Bright lights, loud noises, crowded spaces or other sensory experiences may become overwhelming.
- Communication barriers: A person may struggle to express discomfort, frustration, preferences or the need for help.
- Limited choice or control: Having little say in daily routines, activities or decisions may contribute to distress.
- Pain or discomfort: Physical discomfort or other health-related concerns may affect behaviour and wellbeing.
- Boredom or understimulation: A lack of meaningful activities or engagement may contribute to frustration.
- Anxiety and uncertainty: Unexpected changes, unfamiliar situations or transitions may feel difficult to manage.
Understanding these possible factors can help the support team identify practical changes that may make everyday life easier.
For example, a person who becomes distressed in noisy environments may benefit from adjustments to the sensory environment. Someone who finds transitions difficult may benefit from predictable routines, preparation before changes and clear communication. A person who struggles to express discomfort may benefit from accessible communication tools.
The appropriate approach depends on the individual and the reasons contributing to their behaviour. Changes should be based on an understanding of the person’s needs rather than assumptions about what their behaviour means.
By addressing underlying needs, positive behaviour support aims to create more supportive environments and help people develop effective ways to communicate, participate and manage everyday situations.
How Positive Behaviour Support Can Improve Communication and Daily Life
For people with communication difficulties, expressing pain, frustration, preferences or the need for a break may not always be straightforward. In some situations, behaviour may be one of the ways they communicate that something is wrong.
Positive behaviour support can help identify more accessible ways for a person to express their needs and for the people around them to recognise and respond to those signals.
Depending on the person’s circumstances, strategies may include:
- Working with a speech pathologist to support communication where appropriate.
- Introducing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools when suitable.
- Teaching simple ways to communicate preferences, discomfort or the need for a break.
- Helping family members and support workers recognise early signs of distress.
- Making routines and expectations clearer and more predictable.
These strategies can support more effective communication while helping the person feel heard and understood.
Supporting Everyday Activities and Participation
Positive behaviour support can also help improve everyday experiences through practical changes to routines, environments and support approaches.
Potential benefits may include:
- More predictable routines: Clear expectations and preparation for changes may help reduce uncertainty.
- A more suitable sensory environment: Adjusting noise, lighting or other environmental factors may make activities more manageable.
- Greater choice and autonomy: Providing meaningful opportunities to express preferences can help a person have more control over daily life.
- More consistent support: Shared strategies can help carers and support workers respond in a predictable, respectful way.
- Improved community participation: Addressing barriers may make it easier for a person to take part in activities and relationships that matter to them.
Progress will vary from person to person. The focus should remain on the individual’s goals, preferences, safety and quality of life, rather than expecting every person to respond in the same way.
What Does a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner Do?
A positive behaviour support practitioner works with an NDIS participant and their support network to understand behaviours of concern and develop appropriate strategies.
The practitioner’s role is to understand the individual, identify factors that may contribute to behaviour and help create a practical approach that supports the person’s rights, needs and goals.
Depending on their role and level of authorisation, a practitioner may:
- Conduct functional behaviour assessments.
- Develop, document and review behaviour support plans.
- Provide guidance and training to families, carers and support workers.
- Monitor progress and adjust strategies when required.
- Advocate for the participant’s rights, dignity and quality of life within their support network.
- Support the reduction and, where possible, elimination of regulated restrictive practices in accordance with applicable requirements.
Finding a practitioner who takes the time to understand the person is important. A person-centred approach considers more than the behaviour itself: it looks at the individual’s communication, preferences, environment, relationships and experiences.
Collaboration is also essential. When appropriate, the practitioner works with the participant and the people involved in their support to develop strategies that are practical, respectful and consistent.
At Your Positive Path, our positive behaviour support practitioners work across Truganina, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Tarneit, Point Cook and the wider western Melbourne region.
Learn more about our Positive Behaviour Support services to explore the support available.
Accessing Positive Behaviour Support Through the NDIS
If you are an NDIS participant or support someone who may benefit from positive behaviour support, understanding how to access the service is an important first step.
The source information for this article identifies Capacity Building – Improved Relationships as the NDIS support category associated with behaviour support funding. Funding availability and the services that can be claimed depend on the participant’s individual plan and applicable NDIS rules, so these details should be confirmed before making arrangements.
Here are some steps to consider:
- If you already have an NDIS plan: Review your plan and check the funding available for behaviour support. Your support coordinator, if you have one, may be able to help you understand your options.
- If behaviour support is not currently included: Discuss your support needs at a plan reassessment or review. Relevant reports and information explaining how behaviours affect daily life may help document the need for support.
- If you are applying for the NDIS: Include relevant evidence about your disability-related support needs and their impact on daily activities, where applicable.
Requirements can differ depending on the type of behaviour support being provided and whether regulated restrictive practices are involved. These arrangements are subject to specific safeguards and registration requirements.
If you are unsure whether positive behaviour support is suitable or how to access it, you can contact a provider to discuss your circumstances and the next steps.
For local support, visit Your Positive Path’s Positive Behaviour Support page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is positive behaviour support only for people with severe behaviours?
No. Positive behaviour support can address a range of behaviours that affect a person’s safety, relationships, quality of life or participation in everyday activities. The type and level of support should reflect the person’s individual needs.
Does a participant need to communicate verbally for positive behaviour support to work?
No. Positive behaviour support can be adapted for people with complex communication needs. Depending on the individual, this may involve visual supports, communication aids, AAC tools or helping carers recognise non-verbal communication cues.
How long does positive behaviour support take?
The timeframe varies according to the person’s circumstances, goals and support needs. Some people may benefit from a time-limited period of focused support, while others may need ongoing assistance. A practitioner can discuss a suitable approach after understanding the person’s situation.
Can positive behaviour support help reduce restrictive practices?
Reducing and, where possible, eliminating restrictive practices is an important goal of positive behaviour support. Where regulated restrictive practices are involved, appropriate plans, safeguards and oversight are required. The approach should prioritise the person’s rights, dignity and safety while working towards less restrictive alternatives.
Behaviour Is Communication – And Positive Behaviour Support Listens
When behaviour is approached with curiosity rather than assumptions, it becomes easier to explore what a person may be experiencing and what support could help.
Positive behaviour support focuses on understanding individual needs, improving communication, making appropriate environmental changes and helping the people around a participant respond consistently. The aim is not simply to change behaviour, but to improve quality of life, independence, relationships and participation.
At Your Positive Path, we provide positive behaviour support in Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Truganina, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Tarneit and Point Cook. Our approach focuses on understanding each person and working collaboratively towards meaningful support goals.
If you would like to learn more, get in touch with Your Positive Path to discuss your circumstances and explore the available services.
