Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on improving quality of life and supporting meaningful participation for children and their families.

Rather than simply trying to reduce behaviours of concern, PBS aims to understand the purpose and meaning behind behaviour. We recognise that all behaviour is a form of communication and work alongside children, families, educators, and support teams to understand what a child may be communicating through their behaviour.

Our Positive Behaviour Support services are grounded in neurodiversity-affirming practice. We recognise that every child has their own strengths, needs, preferences, and ways of experiencing the world. Our focus is not on changing who a child is, but on helping them access the support, skills, and accommodations they need to thrive.

We support children who are:

regularly becoming overwhelmed, frustrated, or distressed
finding it hard to cope with changes, transitions, or expectations
finding it hard to communicate their needs in safe or effective ways
displaying challenging behaviours that impact their ability to participate across environments
experiencing school can't (refusing or struggling to attend school or childcare)
using behaviours that impact their safety or the safety of others
needing support to build skills for communication, regulation, and participation

Age Ranges

Support is offered across different age ranges depending on the type of service:

Younger Children (0-7 years)

individual Positive Behaviour Support
Specialist Behaviour Support Plans
group programs
parent and caregiver training courses

Older Children (7-12 years)

group programs
parent and caregiver training courses

How we work

Children often respond to anxiety, overwhelm, or unmet needs through behaviours such as yelling, hitting, biting, running away, or shutting down.

When a child is distressed or dysregulated, it can be difficult for them to access problem-solving and communication skills. PBS helps us understand what may be contributing to these moments and identify practical ways to better support the child.

Our practitioners work directly with children at home, school, and in the community to:

support families and educators to better understand the meaning and purpose behind behaviour.
help children communicate their needs, preferences, and feelings in ways that feel natural and accessible to them.
support children to develop strategies for regulation and problem-solving.
adapt environments and expectations to better support the child’s learning, regulation, and participation
use Functional Behaviour Assessment to understand patterns, triggers, and unmet needs
identify and build skills that support independence and confidence
support meaningful participation and inclusion in school, home, and community environments
provide advocacy, recommendations, and connection with other supportive services when needed

Neurodiversity-affirming practice

Our approach is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming practice.

This means we do not aim to change who a child is, but to better support their needs and experiences. We focus on understanding the reasons behind behaviour, reducing distress, and supporting children to communicate, regulate, and participate in ways that work for them.

We do not use compliance-based approaches. Instead, we prioritise approaches that are respectful, supportive, and sustainable for both the child and their family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?
No. You do not need a referral to access positive behaviour support.

Can behaviour support be funded through the NDIS?
Yes, positive behaviour support is funded through the NDIS where it is included in a child’s plan. It is usually funded under Improved Relationships, but occasionally Improved Daily Living funding can be used while waiting for Improved Relationships funding to be approved.

Can we use Medicare or private health?
No. Positive behaviour support is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

What is the difference between behaviour support and psychology?
Behaviour support focuses on understanding behaviour and making practical changes to better support a child in their everyday environments. This often involves working closely with families, educators, and support teams. Psychology may focus more on emotional wellbeing, mental health, and therapeutic approaches such as counselling. Some children may benefit from both supports depending on their needs.

Do you write Behaviour Support Plans?
Where appropriate, a behaviour support plan may be developed to guide consistent support across home, school, and other environments.

Do you work with restrictive practices?
In some cases, we support families and services where restrictive practices are in place. Our focus is always on reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices over time, while maintaining safety for the child and those around them.

Where does support happen?
Anywhere! Support can take place in the clinic, at home, or in childcare/school, depending on your child’s needs and what is practical. Please note that travel fees apply to sessions outside of our clinic.

What will happen in the first session?
Most of the time, your child’s practitioner will speak with you first to understand your concerns and goals. Initial sessions may involve observation, discussion, and gathering information to better understand your child’s needs before developing a plan.

What do parents and carers need to do?
Parents and carers are a central part of behaviour support. We work alongside you to build strategies that can be used consistently across everyday routines. Ongoing progress relies on using these strategies between sessions.