What is Positive Behaviour Support?

What are behaviours of concern?

Behaviours of concern are actions that may place a person or those around them at risk of harm.

In many cases, the behaviour is the person’s way of expressing something they are unable to say in words. They may stem from factors such as difficulty with communication, sensory sensitivities, frustration, trauma, anxiety, changes in routine, environmental stressors or unmet physical or emotional needs.

Examples of behaviours of concern may include:

• Physical aggression or self-harm
• Verbal outbursts or threats
• Damage to property
• Withdrawal or refusal to engage
• Risky or unsafe actions in public

Positive behaviour support aims to understand the reasons behind the behaviour and identify what the participant is trying to communicate. Addressing the underlying cause and implementing safe, tailored strategies helps them feel more supported and understood.

Benefits of positive behaviour support

Reducing behaviours of concern

By understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern, tailored positive behaviour support strategies can be developed to reduce the triggers, patterns or reinforcements that contribute to those behaviours. This approach helps build practical skills, strengthens communication and leads to more positive daily experiences, where the individual feels understood, supported and empowered.

Community participation

Engaging in social, recreational and educational activities can help reduce feelings of isolation and build a stronger sense of connection. Through meaningful participation, the participant can learn new skills, strengthen relationships and gain a greater sense of belonging in their communities. Over time, the changes in behaviour can increase confidence in social settings and encourage more successful engagement in everyday activities.

Enhancing quality of life

Positive behaviour support aims to enhance the quality of life by helping participants develop their independence. By incorporating practical skills, strengthening communication and creating supportive environments, they can experience greater stability, improved wellbeing and a newfound sense of achievement.

What is a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner?

What they do

A Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner works closely with the participant and their families, carers and support teams to better understand their concerning behaviours and the factors influencing them. Their role is to take a proactive, person-centred approach that focuses on improving the situation while promoting safety and wellbeing.

A Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner can assist with:

• Conducting assessments to understand the underlying causes and triggers of behaviours of concern.
• Creating comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans in line with NDIS requirements.
• Developing and implementing tailored PBS strategies that reduce risk and encourage safer, more appropriate behaviours.
• Building communication, emotional regulation and daily living skills.
• Providing guidance and training to families, carers and support workers to ensure consistent, effective support.

The primary goal of a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner is to help a participant become more independent, confident and involved in everyday life by using evidence-based methods.

What are some positive behaviour support strategies?

At Ability Action Australia, we develop tailored strategies known as Behaviour Support plans (BSP). These plans focus on the NDIS participant, working collaboratively with their support network to address behaviours of concern and outlining effective strategies to address them. BSPs might include learning new skills or adjusting routines to reduce the frequency of challenging behaviours, leading to:

• Increased engagement in social activities
• Improved communication
• Improved emotional regulation
• Boosted confidence, resilience and independence
• Healthier relationships
• A better quality of life

Tailored positive behaviour support strategies

Behaviour Support Plans provide tailored strategies and interventions to reduce behaviours of concern and create more supportive environments. A

Positive Behaviour Support specialist can assist with:

• Establishing routines:
  Set clear routines for a day, week or month. Routines create a consistent and predictable environment.
• Regulating activities:
  Introducing activities that support sensory or emotional regulation, for example, breathing exercises, focused activities or movement exercises.
• Positive phrasing:
  Use positive reinforcement by phrasing rules and expectations in a positive manner.
• Boosting behaviour with statements:
  Recognise and praise appropriate reactions by simply stating what behaviour is expected and reinforcing positive actions.
• Reinforcing good behaviour with rewards:
  Use rewards to encourage positive behaviours. Set clear guidelines and realistic goals for earning rewards, and ensure the participant values them.
• Training and coaching:
  We work with the participant’s support network to understand the reason for the behaviour and how to provide a consistent response.

Stages of Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support is most effective when the participant feels heard, understood and involved throughout the process. At each stage, the Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner works alongside the participant, their family, carers and support network to build rapport, gather information, and understand the person’s goals, strengths, needs and environment. This helps ensure support is shaped around the individual and grounded in what matters most to them.

1. Interim Behaviour Support Plan

If restrictive practices are in place, an Interim Behaviour Support Plan is required in the short term to provide immediate guidance and ensure safety while a more comprehensive assessment is underway.

This plan outlines:

• Legal compliance requirements
• A preliminary understanding of the behaviours of concern
• Immediate strategies to reduce risk and maintain safety
• Initial steps to begin skill development and establish positive routines

The interim plan ensures supports are consistent and aligned with NDIS and legislative requirements.

2. Functional Behaviour Assessment

This assessment involves gathering and analysing detailed information about the participant and their behaviours. This may include interviews, observations, data collection and collaboration with family members and support workers.

The assessment process:

• Identifies behaviours of concern and evaluates their frequency and severity
• Explores triggers, environmental factors and underlying causes
• Interprets information gathered from the participant and their support network to inform the development of the Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)

This stage ensures strategies are evidence-based and tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

3. Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan & Implementation

This part is the implementation stage, where strategies are clearly outlined and introduced. A Behaviour Support Plan includes proactive approaches to reduce behaviours of concern, incorporates skill-building strategies to promote positive alternatives and provides guidance for families and support workers to ensure consistency across environments.
The BSP serves as a practical roadmap to support safety and independence. The Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner works with the participant and their support team to put the plan into action.

4. Monitor and review

This stage includes consistent check-ins, data collection and collaboration with the participant and their support network. Adjustments are made where necessary to ensure progress continues and supports remain appropriate.

5. Progress report

A progress report is completed before the participant’s NDIS plan review. It provides a clear summary of:

• Progress made towards PBS goals
• Outcomes of the strategies implemented
• Any measurable improvements in behaviour, participation or skill development
• Recommendations for future supports
• Updates or modifications required for the Behaviour Support Plan

This progress report ensures the participant’s ongoing needs are well documented and appropriately funded in their next NDIS plan.

Get quality positive behaviour support with Ability Action Australia

If someone you support is displaying behaviours of concern and may benefit from NDIS Positive Behaviour Support, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of Behaviour Support Practitioners is here to support you to get more out of life today.