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What is Positive Behaviour Support in NDIS?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach used within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to support individuals with disabilities who may show behaviours of concern.


At its core, PBS is not just about changing behaviour—it’s about improving quality of life. It focuses on understanding the reasons behind certain behaviours and creating positive, supportive environments where people feel safe, respected, and empowered.


PBS Is a Holistic Approach

PBS is holistic, which means it looks at the whole person—not just the behaviour in isolation. It takes into account:

  • The person’s physical and mental health

  • Communication style

  • Environment (home, school, community)

  • Relationships and routines

  • Sensory and emotional needs

This approach recognises that behaviours don’t happen in a vacuum. They are often a response to unmet needs, stress, or environments that don’t feel safe or supportive. PBS aims to meet those needs in healthier, more effective ways.



Collaboration Is Key: Working With the Support Network

One of the most important elements of PBS is that it doesn’t just involve the person—it actively includes their whole support network. This might include:

  • Family members

  • Carers and support workers

  • Teachers or educators

  • Allied health professionals

  • Community members

Why? Because real change happens when everyone is on the same page.


PBS practitioners work closely with the person’s circle of support to:

  • Understand the person’s strengths, needs, and goals

  • Develop consistent strategies that everyone can follow

  • Build a sense of stability, predictability, and trust across all settings


Positive Behaviour Support - Working With the Support Network
Positive Behaviour Support - Working With the Support Network

By including the people who know the person best, PBS helps create a strong foundation for success.

Key Principles of Positive Behaviour Support

  • Understanding behaviour: All behaviour communicates something. PBS helps uncover what that is.

  • Individualised support: Every plan is tailored to the person—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

  • Positive reinforcement: Encourages desired behaviours using encouragement and support.

  • Skill-building: Teaches new, functional skills so the person has more ways to express themselves or get their needs met.

  • Collaboration and consistency: Involves everyone around the person in a shared, supportive plan.


How PBS Works Under the NDIS

For NDIS participants with funding in the Improved Relationships category, PBS may include:

  1. Functional Behaviour AssessmentA trained practitioner learns about the person’s needs, routines, environment, and triggers.

  2. Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)A written plan is created with proactive strategies, clear responses to behaviours of concern, and skill-building goals.

  3. Training & ImplementationEveryone in the support network is trained to follow the plan consistently.

  4. Monitoring & ReviewThe plan is reviewed regularly to make sure it’s helping and to make any needed adjustments.


The Goal: A Better Life, Not Just Better Behaviour

PBS isn't about control—it's about empowerment. When people feel supported, understood, and respected, they gain more confidence, more independence, and stronger relationships.


The result? Less stress. Fewer behaviours of concern. And a life where the person feels truly seen and supported.

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Kelly Chen

kellychen@tranquiltrailstherapy.com

Tel: 0466 377 227 (微信同号)

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I acknowledge Ngunnawal people, the First Peoples of Canberra where I live and work. I respect and acknowledge their Elders, past and present, and the children who are the future leaders. My respect also extends to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their enduring culture and their significant role in nurturing their children to uphold their cultural heritage and grow into resilient leaders of tomorrow.

 

Tranquil Trails is committed to providing an inclusive, safe and respectful space where we embrace neurodiversity, people with disabilities, the LGBTIQ+ communities, and those from diverse cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds.

PACFA Registered Counsellor

NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner -Specialist Level

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