Positive Behaviour Support is a person-centred, evidence-based way of helping people with disability who display challenging behaviours. Instead of just reacting to behaviour, PBS looks at the underlying reasons and focuses on improving the person’s quality of life. It teaches new skills and changes the environment to meet needs, rather than relying on punishment or “quick fixes.”
Any NDIS participant whose behaviours significantly affect their safety, learning, or ability to participate in daily life can benefit. This often includes people with autism, intellectual disability or psychosocial conditions. Eligibility for NDIS funding depends on how much the behaviour impacts daily functioning – it’s based on need, not just diagnosis. Your NDIS planner or support coordinator can help determine if PBS should be in your plan.
First, you need a Functional Behaviour Assessment by a qualified provider (like us). We gather information to understand the behaviour. Then a registered behaviour support practitioner will develop a Behaviour Support Plan from that information. Typically, you work with your support coordinator and NDIS planner to get Specialist Behaviour Support funding in your plan. If approved, you can ask for services like ours. We can also liaise with the NDIA or advocates to explain the plan and ensure it meets requirements.
During an FBA, our team observes the participant in different situations (such as at home, school or day programs) and collects information. We ask questions to parents, teachers or carers, and sometimes use behaviour tracking tools. The goal is to identify triggers (what happens before a behaviour) and functions (what the person is trying to communicate or achieve). This thorough understanding guides the support plan.
“Functional Behaviour Assessment” means the process of determining and understanding the function or purpose behind a person’s behaviour.
A Behaviour Support Plan is a written plan that outlines positive strategies tailored to the individual. It includes:
The plan is made with your input and focuses on respecting the person’s dignity while reducing challenging behaviours.
Under NDIS rules, only approved behaviour support practitioners can develop a BSP. These practitioners are assessed as “suitable” by the NDIS Commission and have the skills outlined in the PBS Capability Framework. At Behaviour Support Pathways, our practitioners meet those requirements, so you have confidence that your BSP is done correctly.
Each situation is unique, but here’s a rough timeline: An FBA usually takes a few weeks (to allow enough observations and data collection). Drafting and finalizing the BSP can take 1–3 weeks after that. Implementation is ongoing – some strategies start right away, and we review the plan regularly (often every 3–6 months). We will give you a more specific timeframe after our first meeting, based on the person’s needs.
Most likely, yes – if you have funding for Specialist Behaviour Support in your NDIS plan. PBS services (assessment, planning, implementation and review) are included under that support category. We work with both agency-managed and self-managed plans, and we can bill NDIS directly. If you don’t currently have behaviour support funding, we can advise you on how to request it or link you with local area coordinators for help.
Yes. We are based in Metro Melbourne but also serve clients across Victoria. If you live outside Melbourne, we can often meet via secure video conferencing (telehealth) or plan occasional visits. Contact us to discuss the best way to support your location.
Absolutely. Families, carers and support workers are essential to success. We involve you at every step – from giving input during the assessment, to helping craft the BSP, to practicing strategies with you. We also provide training and resources so you feel confident using the plan in everyday life. Your knowledge of the participant is invaluable.