Frequently Asked Questions

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 Positive Behaviour Support is an approach to working with individuals that aims to improve quality of life while reducing behaviours of concern and risks of harm. When quality of life improves, challenging presentations often decrease. PBS may involve adapting the environment, building skills with the participant, providing training for key stakeholders, and offering parent or carer coaching. 

 Harm is defined broadly as harm to self and/or harm to others. Some behaviours may occur with such frequency, intensity, or duration that the physical safety of the person or others is placed in serious jeopardy. Harm may also include emotional or financial abuse, exploitation, or undue influence. 

 A Behaviour Support Plan is a document co‑produced with the participant, their family, carers, and support people. It outlines strategies to meet the participant’s needs and reduce behaviours of concern. 

 A Behaviour Support Plan may include:

• Assessing for restrictive practices, with the aim to reduce or remove these where possible
• Assessing for risks of harm, with the aim to reduce or remove these where possible
• Seeking to understand the needs of a neurodivergent or disabled person from their perspective, and adapting the environment accordingly
• Understanding and respecting neurodivergent communication styles
• Understanding and accommodating individual sensory needs
• Supporting the development of self‑advocacy and problem‑solving skills
• Validating the participant’s feelings, helping them recognise triggers, and identifying calming strategies
• Creating safety plans to guide responses when the participant is experiencing distress or engaging in behaviours of concern

 A restrictive practice is any practice or intervention that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability, with the primary purpose of protecting the person or others from harm. Restrictive practices may include:

• Seclusion
• Chemical restraint
• Mechanical restraint
• Physical restraint
• Environmental restraint

The Regulated Restrictive Practices Guide outlines NDIS providers’ obligations when implementing regulated restrictive practices.  

For more information about physical restraint from the Victorian Senior Practitioner for NDIS providers click HERE. 

For more information about environmental restraint from the Victorian Senior Practitioner for NDIS providers click HERE. 

 Neurodivergent‑affirming Behaviour Support focuses on understanding and accommodating individual neurological differences, recognising that diverse ways of thinking, processing, and interacting with the world are valid and valuable. 

Outcomes may include:

• Increased self‑awareness and self‑acceptance   Validating the experiences and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals helps build a positive sense of identity and self‑esteem.
• Greater autonomy and agency   Neurodivergent‑affirming approaches prioritise choice and control, empowering individuals to participate actively in decisions about their supports and goals.
• Improved wellbeing   When people feel understood, valued, and supported for who they are, they experience greater overall wellbeing and life satisfaction.
• Inclusive and respectful environments   PBS promotes cultures where neurodivergent people feel safe, respected, and able to thrive.