LogoOpen Hearted Support Services

Understanding Behaviour Support Under the NDIS

Published on December 1, 2025 | Updated on December 6, 2025
Understanding Behaviour Support Under the NDIS
Supporting participants with complex behaviours requires skill, compassion, and a structured approach. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), behaviour support focuses on improving a person’s quality of life, strengthening their skills, and reducing behaviours of concern in the safest and most respectful way.

In 2025 and beyond, behaviour support continues to be a priority area—especially as the NDIS works to minimise restrictive practices and promote Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) across Australia.

At Openhearted Support, our qualified behaviour support practitioners work with participants, families, and support networks to deliver safe, evidence-based behaviour support plans designed to encourage independence and wellbeing.

What Is Behaviour Support Under the NDIS?

NDIS behaviour support aims to:

  • Understand the reason behind behaviours of concern
  • Create positive strategies to improve daily living
  • Reduce or eliminate unsafe or harmful behaviours
  • Support the participant’s emotional, social, and mental wellbeing
  • Promote dignity, choice, and autonomy

    • The NDIS focuses on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), which is a person-centred approach grounded in:

    ✔ Respect

    ✔ Disability rights

    ✔ Evidence-based strategies

    ✔ Skill building rather than restriction

    What Are Behaviours of Concern?

    Behaviours of concern are actions that may:

  • Put the participant or others at risk
  • Limit the participant’s ability to access the community
  • Impact mental or emotional wellbeing
  • Interfere with daily routines
  • Cause distress to the participant

    • These behaviours are not the participant’s fault. They are often a form of communication—especially when someone has difficulty expressing needs, pain, preferences, or emotions.

    Key Components of NDIS Positive Behaviour Support

    1. Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

    A behaviour support practitioner works with the participant, family, carers, and support team to understand:

  • What triggers behaviours
  • What needs the behaviour is communicating
  • What skills may be missing
  • What environmental factors contribute

    • 2. Interim & Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans (BSP)

    Plans include:

  • Proactive strategies
  • Skill development programs
  • Crisis and safety planning
  • Strategies for support workers
  • Steps to reduce reliance on restrictive practices

    • 3. Reducing Restrictive Practices

    NDIS requires strict regulation of restrictive practices. The goal is always:

    ➡ Reduce

    ➡ Replace

    ➡ Ultimately eliminate

    These practices should only be used as a last resort and must be authorised and monitored.

    How Behaviour Support Helps Participants

  • Improves emotional regulation
  • Enhances communication skills
  • Increases independence
  • Builds safer daily routines
  • Helps participants develop positive relationships
  • Reduces stress for families and support workers
  • Creates more opportunities for community participation

    • Behaviour support is not just about reducing behaviours—it is about building a better quality of life for participants.

    Behaviour Support at Openhearted Support

    At Openhearted Support, we are committed to delivering NDIS-aligned, person-centred behaviour support services for participants across Melbourne and surrounding areas.

    Our behaviour support practitioners provide:

    ✔ Functional Behaviour Assessments

    ✔ Interim Behaviour Support Plans (IBSP)

    ✔ Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans (CBSP)

    ✔ Ongoing monitoring and capacity building

    ✔ Family and support worker training

    ✔ Crisis and escalation support

    ✔ Strategies grounded in respect, empathy, and evidence

    We collaborate closely with:

  • Support workers
  • Families and carers
  • Therapists
  • Schools
  • Allied health professionals

    • Our goal is to ensure a consistent, safe, and supportive environment where participants can thrive.

    Who Can Access NDIS Behaviour Support?

    Participants with:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Intellectual disability
  • Psychosocial disability
  • Acquired brain injury
  • Complex communication needs
  • Developmental delay

    • NDIS funding for behaviour support usually falls under:

    Improved Relationships – Capacity Building Supports

    If the participant does not yet have behaviour support funding, our team can assist with support letters and recommendations for plan reviews.

    How to Get Behaviour Support Services with Openhearted Support

    We make the process simple:

  • Contact our team
  • Provide referral details
  • We match you with a qualified practitioner
  • Assessment begins
  • A tailored behaviour support plan is created
  • Ongoing monitoring and support continue as needed

    • Our approach is gentle, respectful, and participant-focused, ensuring the participant feels heard, valued, and empowered throughout the process.

    Final Thoughts

    Behaviour support under the NDIS is not about controlling behaviours—it is about understanding the person, building skills, and improving quality of life through positive, respectful strategies.

    Openhearted Support is here to ensure every participant receives high-quality, compassionate behaviour support tailored to their needs, strengths, and goals.

    If you need professional NDIS behaviour support in Melbourne and surrounding areas, our team is ready to help.