Positive Behaviour Support: What to Expect and How Telehealth Helps

Behaviour that causes harm or worry often has a reason behind it. Positive behaviour support looks for that reason and builds a plan that improves quality of life.

What it is

Positive behaviour support is a way of understanding why a person behaves a certain way and changing the environment and supports so the behaviour is needed less. It focuses on skills, choice and respect.

What the plan includes

A registered behaviour support practitioner meets the person and the people around them, gathers information and writes a behaviour support plan. The plan is reviewed over time.

Restrictive practices have rules

Some practices that limit a person’s rights are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. They must be used only as a last resort, with approval and a plan to reduce them.

Telehealth can help

Many sessions can be done by video call. This helps people in rural and regional areas, and in cities where no practitioner is close by.

Who can ask for it

Participants, families, support coordinators and other professionals can ask for behaviour support. The supports must be in the NDIS plan. Ask your support coordinator or plan manager if you are not sure.

Questions to ask a practitioner

Ask how they will involve the person and family, how they will use telehealth, how often the plan is reviewed, and how they handle restrictive practices. A good practitioner explains things in plain words and listens.

Key points

The goal is a better life, not just less of a behaviour. A registered practitioner writes the plan. Telehealth can reach people in any state, including rural areas.

To learn how positive behaviour support works, and how telehealth can support people around Australia, see more about NDIS behaviour support by telehealth.

About the author

Caring Hearts Home Care is a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne. Visit caringhearts.com.au or call 1800 844 995.