Positive behaviour support (PBS) is an approach used under the NDIS to understand why certain behaviours happen and build a better quality of life around a person, rather than simply trying to stop the behaviour itself. This article introduces what PBS involves, who provides it, and how it typically fits into an NDIS plan.
PBS Versus Traditional Behaviour Management
Traditional behaviour management often focused narrowly on reducing or stopping a specific behaviour, sometimes using restrictive practices as a quick fix. Positive behaviour support takes a different starting point. Rather than asking "how do we stop this," it asks "what is this behaviour telling us, and what needs are not being met." A behaviour might be a way of communicating pain, frustration, sensory discomfort, boredom or a need for control, especially where verbal communication is limited. PBS practitioners assess the environment, routines, relationships and communication supports around a person to understand these patterns. The aim is to reduce reliance on restrictive practices over time by addressing underlying causes and building the person's skills and environment, rather than simply suppressing behaviour. This shift reflects broader disability sector and regulatory expectations across Australia, including under the NDIS Commission's framework, which favours proactive, rights-based support over reactive control.
Core Principles Of Positive Behaviour Support
PBS is guided by a small number of consistent principles. It is person-centred, meaning support is built around the individual's preferences, strengths, culture and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. It focuses on the function of behaviour, looking at triggers and context rather than treating the behaviour in isolation. It follows a least restrictive approach, meaning any strategies used should be the least intrusive option that still supports safety and dignity, with restrictive practices considered only as a last resort and subject to authorisation requirements. Finally, it is oriented toward quality of life, meaning success is measured not just by a reduction in a particular behaviour but by improvements in wellbeing, relationships, participation and independence. These principles work together, and a good behaviour support practitioner will usually revisit and adjust the plan as circumstances change, since a static approach rarely reflects a person's real day-to-day life.
Who Provides Positive Behaviour Support
PBS is delivered by behaviour support practitioners, who may come from backgrounds such as psychology, social work, speech pathology, occupational therapy or disability support, with specific additional training in behaviour support. Practitioners working with NDIS participants who need regulated restrictive practices authorised must be registered with the NDIS Commission at the appropriate practitioner level for the complexity of the plan. A practitioner typically starts by meeting the participant, family members and support workers, reviewing relevant history, and observing the person in their usual environments. From this, they develop a behaviour support plan setting out proactive strategies, environmental adjustments and, where relevant, reactive strategies for support workers to follow. Families and support workers are usually involved throughout, since consistent implementation across all settings, home, school, day programs, community, is one of the strongest predictors of a plan actually working over time.
How PBS Connects To Your NDIS Plan
Positive behaviour support is generally funded under the Capacity Building supports category of an NDIS plan, most often within Improved Relationships or, in some cases, Improved Daily Living. Whether a participant receives funding for behaviour support depends on individual assessment against the NDIS "reasonable and necessary" criteria, and the National Disability Insurance Agency makes the final funding decision based on evidence of need. There is no fixed or guaranteed funding amount, as this varies by plan and individual circumstances. Where a participant's support involves regulated restrictive practices, the NDIS Commission's behaviour support framework requires an NDIS-compliant behaviour support plan and formal state or territory authorisation processes. If you think positive behaviour support might help, a good starting point is discussing it with your support coordinator, local area coordinator, or planner at your next plan review, so any request can be backed by appropriate evidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions About What Is Positive Behaviour Support Under the NDIS?
Is positive behaviour support only for people with an intellectual disability?
No. PBS can be relevant for any NDIS participant whose behaviour is affecting their safety, relationships or participation in daily life, regardless of their primary disability. It is commonly associated with intellectual disability and autism, but practitioners also work with participants who have psychosocial disability, acquired brain injury or other conditions. Suitability is always assessed individually rather than assumed from a diagnosis.
Will a behaviour support practitioner diagnose my child or family member?
No. Behaviour support practitioners assess behaviour and its function within a person's environment, but diagnosis is a separate medical or psychological process undertaken by an appropriately qualified clinician. If a diagnostic assessment is needed, your practitioner or GP can help guide you toward the right referral. PBS can still be useful support regardless of whether a formal diagnosis exists.
How long does it take to get a behaviour support plan in place?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the situation, how much information is already available, and whether restrictive practices need formal authorisation. Some plans can be developed over a matter of weeks, while more complex situations involving multiple settings or existing restrictive practices can take longer. Your practitioner can give you a realistic estimate once they understand your specific circumstances.
Does having a behaviour support plan mean restrictive practices will be used?
Not necessarily. PBS aims to reduce reliance on restrictive practices where possible, and many behaviour support plans involve no restrictive practices at all. Where a restrictive practice is already in place or genuinely needed for safety, it must be the least restrictive option available and go through the required state or territory authorisation process.
How much of my NDIS plan will cover positive behaviour support?
There is no set or guaranteed amount, as funding depends on an individual assessment of what is reasonable and necessary for your circumstances, made by the NDIA. Support coordinators or planners can help you gather the right evidence, such as practitioner reports, to support a funding request at your next plan review or reassessment.