Beginning Behaviour Support can feel overwhelming for many families and participants. You may hear new terms, meet new practitioners, and receive unfamiliar information. Understanding the process ahead of time can make everything feel far more manageable.
This guide walks you through each stage of Behaviour Support, from the initial assessment to ongoing reviews, so you know exactly what to expect. It also explains how a structured, person-centred approach creates meaningful change over time.
Why Behaviour Support Starts With Understanding
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours that pose a risk of harm (“behaviours of concern”) and building long-term skills for safer, calmer, and more confident daily life.
For this reason, Behaviour Support does not begin with quick fixes. It begins with listening, observing and learning about the participant, their environment and the challenges they face. Every step is designed to create a plan that is respectful, effective and tailored to individual needs.
Step 1: Referral and First Contact
Once a referral has been made, a Behaviour Support Practitioner will make contact to explain the process and gather basic information.
During this stage, you may be asked about the participant’s daily routines, current supports, safety concerns, communication needs and goals. This helps your practitioner prepare for your first meeting and ensures they understand what is most important to you.
Families often report feeling relieved at this early stage, because being heard and supported makes the journey feel less daunting.
Step 2: Behaviour Support Assessment
The NDIS requires a structured assessment for all participants receiving Behaviour Support. This assessment is a detailed process that may include:
- Interviews with the participant, family members or support workers
- Observations in the home, school, day program or community
- Reviewing reports or medical information
- Identifying triggers, patterns and environmental factors
- Understanding strengths, interests and existing communication skills
An assessment is not about judging behaviour. It is about uncovering the reasons behind it. Many behaviours are expressions of unmet needs, anxiety, communication difficulties or sensory overload. The practitioner’s role is to understand these elements clearly so an effective plan can be created.
Step 3: Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
After the assessment, your practitioner will develop a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP). This is a structured document that outlines:
- The function of the behaviour
- Contributing factors and triggers
- Individual strengths and abilities
- Positive strategies to teach new skills
- Environmental adjustments
- Safety and response strategies
- Training needs for caregivers and support staff
If any restrictive practices are being used, the plan will include steps to reduce or eliminate them while improving safety.
You will have the opportunity to review the plan, ask questions and discuss any concerns. Collaboration is an essential part of the process.
Step 4: Implementation and Training
A Behaviour Support Plan only works if everyone involved understands it. This stage focuses on putting strategies into action and may include:
- Training sessions for family members, support workers or school staff
- Modifying routines or environments
- Introducing new communication methods
- Teaching coping skills, emotional regulation and replacement behaviours
- Regular check-ins with your practitioner
Implementation is where positive change becomes visible. Small, consistent adjustments can make daily life feel calmer and more predictable for everyone involved.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments
Behaviour Support is not a one-time activity. As the participant grows and life circumstances change, strategies may need to be refined. Your practitioner will conduct follow-up sessions to monitor progress, review data and make adjustments where needed.
The aim is continuous improvement. Behaviour Support becomes more effective over time as participants learn new skills, caregivers become more confident, and environments are adapted to support success.
Step 6: Plan Reviews and Reporting
The NDIS requires regular reporting, particularly when restrictive practices are involved. Your practitioner will:
- Update the Behaviour Support Plan
- Provide progress reports
- Submit the required documents to the NDIS Commission
- Assist with preparing information for your next NDIS plan meeting
This ensures your funding remains appropriate and aligned with your goals.
What Families Often Say After Starting Behaviour Support
Many families feel nervous at the beginning, but soon experience:
- Greater clarity about what the behaviour means
- More confidence in how to respond
- Less stress during daily routines
- Improved communication with the participant
- Stronger relationships at home and in the community
- A sense of relief knowing a structured process supports them
The goal of Behaviour Support is not to eliminate behaviours but to understand them, reduce distress and build new skills that help the participant thrive.
How Liberty Behavioural Services Supports You
Liberty provides a clear, compassionate and evidence-based approach to Behaviour Support across Australia. Our practitioners are trained to guide you through every stage, from assessment to long-term implementation.
We focus on:
- Fast and effective support
- Clear communication
- Individualised plans
- Practical strategies that work in real life
- Empowering participants and families with the skills they need
We believe every behaviour has meaning and every person deserves the tools to express themselves safely and confidently.
Ready to Begin Behaviour Support?
Understanding the process helps remove uncertainty and allows you to focus on progress. If you are ready to start Behaviour Support or would like guidance on what to expect, our team is here to help.
Contact Liberty Behavioural Services today to learn more about how we support participants and families at every step.
