NDIS Behaviour Support and Your NDIS Plan

Child or NDIS Participant painting with NDIS behaviour support provider

Is someone that you care for, that is an NDIS Participant showing behaviours of concern that could cause risk to themselves or others? Behaviour Support is a category of NDIS funding that is designed to help people living with disability build skills, strengthen communication, and create safer, more positive environments at home, school, work, and within the community. 

Feeling safe, understood, and supported can make a significant difference in a person’s everyday life. Understanding what behaviour support is and if the NDIS has funded behaviour support in your NDIS Plan is the first step.

What is Behaviour Support?

NDIS funded behaviour support, focuses on identifying the underlying reasons behind behaviours of concern or behaviours that may place a person or others at risk.

The aim is to:

• Understand triggers and unmet needs.

• Develop positive coping and communication skills.

• Support emotional regulation.

• Provide practical strategies for families, carers, and support workers.

  
  

Effective behaviour support helps create environments that are respectful, safe, and person-centred.

Behaviour Support and Your NDIS Plan

Under the NDIS PACE system, behaviour support now has its own dedicated category within the Capacity Building Budget - Behaviour Support. This means behaviour support funding is specifically used for behaviour support.

For participants with a pre PACE Plan, behaviour support funding is listed on the Plan as Improved Relationships budget category.

Key Plan Rules:

• Behaviour support funding is a stated support and can only be used for behaviour support therapy.

• Behaviour support can only be funded from Behaviour Support or Improved Relationship (pre PACE Plans). This means you must have these categories of funding included in your NDIS Plan.

• NDIS funding cannot be moved or used between support categories.

• Behaviour support services must be delivered by a NDIS registered provider. You can find registered providers on the NDIS Provider Finder Tool.

• Behaviour support cannot be claimed under the Improved Daily Living budget.

  
  

If you have a PACE Plan, your behaviour support provider must also be listed under 'My Providers' before NDIS funding can be used for services.

What Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Do?

Behaviour support practitioners must be NDIS registered providers, with experience in areas such as psychology, allied health, or specialist behaviour support.

Their role may include:

• Completing assessments.

• Identifying triggers and support needs.

• Developing a behaviour support plan.

• Working alongside families, carers, and support teams.

• Reviewing and adjusting strategies over time.

  
  

Please ensure Behaviour Support funding is approved in your NDIS Plan before engaging an NDIS registered behaviour support practitioner. Contact LifeAbility Plan Management if you require assistance understanding your NDIS Plan.

How the Behaviour Support Process Works

If you do not have Behaviour Support in your NDIS Plan or if you are in the application stage of your plan, the need for Behaviour support can be identified by:

• Support coordinators.

• Allied health professionals.

• Schools.

• Family members or carers.

• Support workers or other support networks.

  
  

It is likely that supporting evidence, such as assessments, reports or incident reports, will be required to be provided to the NDIS.

NOTE: Improved Daily Living Skills funding may be used for the purpose of assessment of behaviour supports - please check this with your plan manager.

The NDIS may approve funding for a behaviour support assessment with a registered behaviour support practitioner. The practitioner will then work closely with the Participant and their support network to develop a behaviour support plan.

NDIS Goals

Goals help the NDIS understand how to support you and know what NDIS supports and funding might be needed in your NDIS Plan. It is important to think about your goals and communicate goals relating to:

• Improving communication.

• Improving emotional regulation.

• Improving behaviours and relationships.

  
  

Examples of NDIS Goals:

• I would like to build my capacity to regulate my emotions so that I can make new friends and be a part of my community.

• I would like to build my capacity to regulate my emotions and manage my behaviours so I can communicate confidently and build meaningful relationships.

• I would like to increase my emotional development so I can feel comfortable and safe in multiple environments.

Need Help Understanding Behaviour Support or Your NDIS Plan?

At LifeAbility, we understand that NDIS funding categories and behaviour support can feel confusing. We are here to help you understand behaviour support and the NDIS.

Speak to one of our friendly staff today or fill in our enquiry form – Contact Us