Positive Behaviour Support Guide – Understanding PBS Under the NDIS

NDIS Positive Behaviour Support practitioner working with a participant in Melbourne to build communication, confidence and positive everyday outcomes.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach that helps improve the quality of life of people with disability while reducing behaviours of concern in a respectful, person-centred way.

Rather than focusing on controlling behaviour or using punishment, Positive Behaviour Support aims to understand why a behaviour occurs and identify practical strategies that help individuals communicate their needs, build new skills and participate more fully in everyday life.

Within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Positive Behaviour Support plays an important role for eligible participants whose behaviours of concern may affect their safety, wellbeing or ability to participate in home, school, work or community environments.

This guide explains what Positive Behaviour Support is, how it works under the NDIS, who it may benefit and what participants, families and carers can expect throughout the process.

If you’re new to the NDIS, we recommend first reading Understanding the NDIS before learning more about Positive Behaviour Support.

What Is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support is a person-centred framework that combines evidence-based practice with an understanding of each individual’s unique circumstances, strengths, communication style and support needs.

Its primary purpose is not simply to reduce behaviours of concern but to improve a person’s overall quality of life by increasing independence, participation, meaningful relationships and everyday wellbeing.

Positive Behaviour Support recognises that behaviours often serve a purpose. Instead of asking, “How do we stop this behaviour?”, PBS asks, “Why is this behaviour happening, and what can we do differently to better support the individual?”

What Are Behaviours of Concern?

A behaviour of concern is generally a behaviour that may place the individual or other people at risk, reduce opportunities for participation or significantly affect quality of life.

Every person’s circumstances are different, and behaviours should always be understood within the context of the individual’s environment, communication, health and personal experiences.

Rather than making assumptions about behaviour, Positive Behaviour Support focuses on identifying the underlying factors contributing to the behaviour and developing practical strategies that support positive outcomes.

Who Can Benefit From Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support may benefit NDIS participants whose behaviours of concern affect their daily lives, relationships or ability to participate safely within their communities.

PBS is highly individualised. Strategies are developed around each participant’s strengths, goals and support needs rather than applying the same approach to everyone.

Support may involve working collaboratively with:

The participant.
Family members.
Carers.
Support workers.
Healthcare professionals.
Educators where appropriate.

The goal is to create consistent, supportive environments that encourage positive outcomes across different aspects of the participant’s life.

How Does Positive Behaviour Support Work?

Positive Behaviour Support begins by understanding the person rather than focusing solely on the behaviour.

This often involves gathering information about the participant’s:

Daily routines.
Communication style.
Health and wellbeing.
Living environment.
Relationships.
Personal goals.
Current supports.

By understanding the factors influencing behaviour, practitioners can develop strategies that help reduce barriers while supporting the participant to build new skills and achieve greater independence.

What Is a Behaviour Support Plan?

A Behaviour Support Plan is an individualised document developed to guide the implementation of Positive Behaviour Support strategies.

The plan is designed around the participant’s specific circumstances and provides practical guidance for the people supporting them.

Depending on individual needs, a Behaviour Support Plan may include:

The participant’s strengths.
Personal goals.
Factors contributing to behaviours of concern.
Strategies that support positive outcomes.
Recommendations for consistent support.
Approaches that promote safety, dignity and independence.

The plan is intended to help everyone involved in the participant’s support work together using consistent, person-centred strategies.

Positive Behaviour Support Is About Improving Quality of Life

One of the most important principles of PBS is that success isn’t measured only by whether a behaviour decreases.

Positive Behaviour Support also focuses on improving broader life outcomes, including:

Greater independence.
Improved communication.
Increased participation in everyday activities.
Stronger relationships.
Improved emotional wellbeing.
Greater confidence.
Enhanced quality of life.

When participants receive supports that genuinely address their individual needs, positive behavioural outcomes often occur alongside improvements in overall wellbeing.

How Positive Behaviour Support Fits Within the NDIS

For eligible participants, Positive Behaviour Support may form part of a broader NDIS plan that includes a range of disability supports working together to achieve the participant’s goals.

Depending on individual circumstances, participants may also access supports such as:

These supports often complement one another to provide a more holistic approach that reflects the participant’s individual goals and circumstances.

The Principles Behind Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support is built on a number of guiding principles that place the participant at the centre of every decision.

Rather than focusing only on behaviours of concern, PBS recognises each person’s strengths, preferences, goals and right to live a meaningful life.

Key principles include:

Respecting the dignity and rights of every participant.
Promoting independence wherever possible.
Understanding the reasons behind behaviour.
Using evidence-based strategies.
Supporting skill development.
Working collaboratively with families, carers and support teams.
Improving quality of life through positive, long-term outcomes.

These principles help ensure supports remain person-centred rather than behaviour-centred.

The Importance of Understanding Why Behaviour Occurs

Every behaviour communicates something.

For some people, behaviours may be a way of expressing discomfort, frustration, anxiety, pain, sensory needs or unmet communication needs.

Positive Behaviour Support encourages practitioners and support teams to understand these underlying factors instead of responding only to the behaviour itself.

By identifying potential triggers and understanding the participant’s individual circumstances, supports can be adapted to better meet their needs while reducing situations that may contribute to behaviours of concern.

Who Is Involved in Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support works best when everyone involved in the participant’s life works together towards shared goals.

Depending on the participant’s circumstances, this may include:

The participant.
Family members.
Carers.
Support workers.
Behaviour Support Practitioners.
Support Coordinators.
Therapists and other healthcare professionals.

Collaboration helps ensure that support strategies remain consistent across different environments, including home, community settings and other places where the participant spends time.

The Role of Families and Carers

Families and carers often have valuable insight into a participant’s daily routines, communication style, preferences and personal history.

Their knowledge can contribute significantly to developing practical, realistic behaviour support strategies that reflect the participant’s everyday life.

Positive Behaviour Support encourages open communication between practitioners, participants and families so that everyone understands the goals of the Behaviour Support Plan and the strategies being implemented.

Reducing Restrictive Practices

An important objective of Positive Behaviour Support is to reduce the need for restrictive practices wherever possible.

Rather than relying on restrictive approaches, PBS focuses on understanding the underlying causes of behaviour and developing positive, proactive strategies that improve the participant’s quality of life.

This includes building communication skills, improving environments, increasing opportunities for meaningful participation and strengthening support networks.

The emphasis remains on protecting the participant’s rights, dignity and safety while supporting positive long-term outcomes.

How Positive Behaviour Support Complements Other NDIS Supports

Positive Behaviour Support rarely operates in isolation.

Many participants benefit from a combination of disability supports that work together to improve overall wellbeing and help achieve their individual goals.

Depending on the participant’s NDIS plan, Positive Behaviour Support may complement services such as:

When different supports are aligned around the participant’s goals, they can contribute to more consistent outcomes and a better overall support experience.

How Positive Behaviour Support Changes Over Time

Positive Behaviour Support is not intended to remain static.

As participants develop new skills, achieve goals or experience changes in their circumstances, behaviour support strategies may also evolve.

Regular review helps ensure that supports continue to reflect the participant’s current needs while promoting ongoing independence, participation and wellbeing.

This flexible approach recognises that people grow, learn and develop throughout different stages of life.

Common Misunderstandings About Positive Behaviour Support

Because of its name, Positive Behaviour Support is sometimes misunderstood.

Some common misconceptions include:

“Positive Behaviour Support is about controlling behaviour.”
No. PBS focuses on understanding behaviour and improving quality of life rather than controlling individuals.
“It’s only for children.”
No. Positive Behaviour Support can support eligible participants of different ages where appropriate.
“The goal is simply to stop behaviours of concern.”
No. The broader goal is to improve independence, participation, communication and overall wellbeing.
“Behaviour Support Plans are the same for everyone.”
No. Every Behaviour Support Plan is tailored to the participant’s individual circumstances, strengths and goals.

How Aligned Assist Supports Positive Behaviour Support Participants

Positive Behaviour Support is most effective when participants receive consistent, person-centred support from professionals who understand their goals, strengths and individual circumstances.

At Aligned Assist, Positive Behaviour Support is delivered as part of a broader commitment to improving quality of life, promoting independence and supporting meaningful participation in everyday life.

We work collaboratively with participants, families, carers, support workers and other professionals to develop practical, evidence-informed strategies that focus on long-term positive outcomes rather than short-term behaviour management.

Our approach recognises that every participant is unique, and every support plan should reflect that individuality.

Learn more about our Positive Behaviour Support service.

Supporting Participants Across Melbourne

Access to high-quality Positive Behaviour Support should be available wherever participants live.

Aligned Assist delivers disability supports across multiple Melbourne regions, helping participants, families and support networks access personalised care close to home.

Learn more about the areas we support:

Frequently Asked Questions About Positive Behaviour Support

What is the purpose of Positive Behaviour Support?

The purpose of Positive Behaviour Support is to improve a participant’s quality of life by understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern and developing practical, person-centred strategies that promote independence, participation and wellbeing.

Who can access Positive Behaviour Support?

Eligible NDIS participants who have funding for Positive Behaviour Support within their NDIS plan may be able to access these services.

What is a Behaviour Support Plan?

A Behaviour Support Plan is an individualised document that outlines strategies designed to support the participant, improve quality of life and reduce behaviours of concern through positive, evidence-informed approaches.

Is Positive Behaviour Support only for children?

No. Positive Behaviour Support can assist eligible NDIS participants of different ages where it is appropriate to their individual circumstances and goals.

Does Positive Behaviour Support replace other NDIS services?

No. Positive Behaviour Support often works alongside other funded supports, creating a coordinated approach that reflects the participant’s overall NDIS goals.

Need Positive Behaviour Support?

If you or someone you care for could benefit from Positive Behaviour Support, Aligned Assist is here to help.

Our experienced team works collaboratively with participants, families, carers, support coordinators and healthcare professionals to deliver compassionate, person-centred behaviour support that promotes dignity, independence and meaningful long-term outcomes.

Whether Positive Behaviour Support forms part of a broader package of disability services or is being accessed alongside therapeutic supports and everyday assistance, our focus remains on helping participants achieve their individual goals while improving overall quality of life.

To discuss your support needs, Contact Us.

If you’re a support coordinator, allied health professional or organisation seeking trusted disability support services for participants, visit our Referrals page or learn more about Partner With Us.

Continue Learning About the NDIS

If you’re exploring disability supports available through the NDIS, these resources may also be helpful:

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, clinical or professional advice. Positive Behaviour Support should always be delivered in accordance with current NDIS requirements and the participant’s individual circumstances.

For the latest official information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Positive Behaviour Support, please refer to NDIS Australia.

Conclusion

Positive Behaviour Support is about far more than reducing behaviours of concern. It is an evidence-based, person-centred approach that seeks to understand the reasons behind behaviour while improving a participant’s overall quality of life, independence and participation.

By focusing on strengths, building skills and creating supportive environments, Positive Behaviour Support helps participants work towards meaningful outcomes that extend well beyond behaviour alone.

When delivered collaboratively with participants, families, carers and support professionals, PBS can contribute to safer environments, stronger relationships and greater opportunities for individuals to achieve their personal goals through the NDIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based, person-centred approach that aims to improve quality of life by understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern and implementing positive support strategies.

Who provides Positive Behaviour Support under the NDIS?

Eligible participants receive Positive Behaviour Support from appropriately qualified professionals in accordance with current NDIS requirements and individual support needs.

What is the purpose of a Behaviour Support Plan?

A Behaviour Support Plan provides practical, individualised strategies that help participants, families and support teams consistently implement Positive Behaviour Support approaches.

Where can I find official information about Positive Behaviour Support?

The latest information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme is available from NDIS Australia.