What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach that helps understand why behaviours of concern occur by identifying unmet needs, sensory triggers, and environmental factors. It focuses on improving quality of life and teaching constructive replacement skills rather than using punishment or control.

What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)?

A Functional Behaviour Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a Behaviour Support Practitioner. It gathers information through direct observation, interviews with the individual and their support network, and data analysis to understand the function of behaviour and what triggers or maintains it.

What is a Positive Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)?

A Behaviour Support Plan is a detailed, practical document outlining proactive strategies to modify environments, active strategies to recognize early warning signs and teach replacement skills, and reactive strategies for safe de-escalation.

How does Nhanya approach restrictive practices?

Nhanya Foundation adheres strictly to a human rights framework focused on the elimination and reduction of restrictive practices. We work collaboratively to address the root causes of distress so that restrictive interventions are safely phased out.

How can I fund Behaviour Support services?

Behaviour Support can be funded through NDIS Capacity Building - Improved Relationships (for self-managed and plan-managed participants), private funding, or supported charitable referral pathways for families facing complex hardship.

Positive Behaviour Support

Understanding the meaning behind behaviour, creating supportive environments, and enhancing everyday quality of life. People sometimes search for this support as behaviour therapy or behaviour therapists; the formal service is delivered by Behaviour Support Practitioners. Our team provides evidence-informed Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA), customised Behaviour Support Plans (BSP), and practical coaching for individuals, families, and support networks across Melbourne.

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Positive Behaviour Support practitioner interacting constructively with a child and family

How Positive Behaviour Support Helps

Our Positive Behaviour Support services provide comprehensive, dignified solutions tailored to individuals with neurodevelopmental, psychosocial, or cognitive support needs.

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Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA)

In-depth, clinical evaluations that identify the environmental factors, triggers, and communication functions driving behaviours of concern.

Observations across home, school, and community environments
Structured stakeholder interviews and historical review
Evidence-based formulation of behavioural functions

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Behaviour Support Plans (Interim & Comprehensive)

Clear, practical, and individualized plans detailing proactive environmental adjustments, active teaching strategies, and safe response protocols.

Proactive environmental modifications & predictability
Active teaching of replacement communication skills
Trauma-informed, low-arousal de-escalation strategies

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Restrictive Practice Reduction & Safeguards

Commitment to upholding human rights by identifying, reducing, and eliminating regulated restrictive practices through safer alternatives.

Comprehensive assessment of current restrictions
Step-by-step fading and elimination schedules
Ethical safeguarding and regulatory compliance support

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Environmental Adaptations & Visual Supports

Modifying daily living spaces and schedules to reduce sensory triggers, lower anxiety, and build predictable daily routines.

Visual schedules, first-then boards, and social stories
Sensory profile integration and calming zone setups
Structured transitions between home, school, and community

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Carer & Support Worker Coaching

Empowering the key people in a participant's life with consistent skills, co-regulation techniques, and practical crisis prevention strategies.

Hands-on plan implementation coaching for families
Support worker and team consistency training
Collaborative debriefing and ongoing plan refinement

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Emotional Regulation & Alternative Skills

Teaching participants adaptive coping mechanisms, emotional literacy, self-advocacy, and constructive communication tools.

Augmentative and functional communication training
Recognizing internal body cues and emotional states
Neurodiversity-affirming self-regulation strategies

Core Practice Principles

Everything we do is guided by clinical integrity, compassion, and respect for individual autonomy.

Trauma-Informed

Understanding the deep connection between past experiences and present distress, fostering safety and trust across all interactions.

Neurodiversity-Affirming

Respecting individual processing styles and communication preferences rather than trying to force neurotypical conformity.

Collaborative & Respectful

Partnering with participants, carers, therapists, and schools to ensure everyone works in unity towards common goals.

Accessing Positive Behaviour Support

Nhanya Foundation is an Australian registered charity providing allied health and community supports. Our behaviour support services are accessible through clear funding avenues:

Self-Managed NDIS

Participants with self-managed Improved Relationships funding can access our practitioners directly with transparent invoicing.

Plan-Managed NDIS

If your plan is managed by a Plan Manager, we coordinate invoicing and service agreements directly with your plan manager.

Private & Self-Funded

Families, guardians, and organizations can self-fund behavioural consultations and training without agency delays.

Charitable Referrals

Community agencies and health advocates can refer individuals facing complex disadvantage for charitable support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Positive Behaviour Support at Nhanya Foundation.

What is the primary goal of Positive Behaviour Support? +

The primary goal of PBS is to enhance an individual's overall quality of life and autonomy while reducing distress and the frequency or intensity of behaviours of concern. It achieves this through supportive environments, skill teaching, and respectful partnership.

How does Behaviour Support work alongside Occupational Therapy and Psychology? +

Our Behaviour Support Practitioners work closely with our Occupational Therapists (for sensory regulation and daily living routines) and Psychologists (for mental health and trauma support) to provide comprehensive, unified care.

How long does it take to develop a Behaviour Support Plan? +

An Interim Behaviour Support Plan can be developed within the initial weeks if urgent safety guidance is needed, while a Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan (supported by a full Functional Behaviour Assessment) typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to complete thorough observation and stakeholder consultations.

How do I get started with Positive Behaviour Support? +

You can complete our direct online Referral Form, or get in touch with our team via phone at 03 8595 9012 or email at hello@nhanya.org.au.

Ready to Build a Positive Behaviour Support Strategy?

Connect with our compassionate behaviour support practitioners today to discuss your goals, arrange an assessment, or support your family.

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