Understanding Behaviour Support and its Role in the NDIS
Behaviour support is an essential service designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by addressing behaviours of concern. These behaviours may pose a risk to the person or others, limiting their ability to engage meaningfully in daily activities. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia recognises the importance of behaviour support and provides funding for services that help participants achieve better outcomes through tailored interventions.
What Is Behaviour Support?
Behaviour support is a person-centred approach that focuses on understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviours and developing strategies to reduce or eliminate them. These behaviours might include aggression, self-harm, property damage, or other actions that negatively impact the individual’s life and the lives of those around them. The goal of behaviour support is not to punish or control the person but to identify the underlying causes of the behaviour and address them in a positive, constructive way.
An experienced behaviour support practitioner from Ivy Psychology works closely with the individual, their family, carers, and other support networks to create a comprehensive plan that aligns with the person’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. The ultimate aim is to improve the person’s quality of life by increasing their independence, safety, and participation in the community. At Ivy Psychology we believe in a balanced focus on personally meaningful experiences, goals and quality of life as well as the safe management of behaviours of concern.
How Does Behaviour Support Work Through the NDIS?
Under the NDIS, behaviour support services are funded to help participants manage behaviours of concern and enhance their overall well-being. The NDIS acknowledges that these supports are critical for participants to achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives.
1. Assessment and Understanding
The first step in the behaviour support process involves a thorough assessment conducted by a registered behaviour support practitioner. An experienced practitioner from Ivy Psychology will conduct this assessment, seeking to understand the individual’s behaviour within the context of their environment, history, and personal circumstances. They work to identify any triggers or factors that may be contributing to the behaviours of concern. Ivy Psychology’s behaviour support team is lead by an experienced clinical psychologist and specialist behaviour support practitioner. We believe this makes our assessments strong as they are informed by evidence-based psychological models.
2. Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
Based on the assessment, a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is developed. This plan outlines proactive and reactive strategies to manage the behaviours of concern. It may include recommendations for environmental adjustments, skill-building activities, communication strategies, and therapeutic interventions. An experienced behaviour support practitioner from Ivy Psychology ensures that the BSP focuses on promoting positive behaviours and enhancing the individual’s quality of life.
3. Implementation
Once the BSP is finalised, it is implemented with the support of the individual’s network, including family members, carers, and support workers. The NDIS may fund various services and resources required to put the plan into action, such as training for carers, specialised equipment, or access to therapeutic services. Ivy Psychology practitioners work closely with all involved to ensure the plan is implemented effectively.
4. Monitoring and Review
Behaviour support is not a one-off intervention but a continuous process. The BSP is regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the individual’s changing needs. An experienced behaviour support practitioner from Ivy Psychology will make adjustments as necessary to reflect progress, setbacks, or new goals.
The Role of Restrictive Practices in Behaviour Support
In some cases, the use of regulated restrictive practices (RRPs) may be considered as part of a behaviour support plan. These practices are used as a last resort to manage behaviours that pose a significant risk to the individual or others. Under the NDIS, the use of regulated restrictive practices is strictly regulated and must be accompanied by a behaviour support plan that outlines how these practices will be reduced or eliminated over time. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission oversees the use of regulated restrictive practices to ensure they are only used when absolutely necessary and in the least restrictive way possible.
Why Is Behaviour Support Important?
Behaviour support is vital because it empowers individuals with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. By addressing the root causes of challenging behaviours and providing tailored interventions, behaviour support helps individuals develop new skills, improve communication between participant and supports, and increase participation in the community. By creating a well-matched environment of support, better outcomes for individuals are possible. An experienced behaviour support practitioner from Ivy Psychology provides families and carers with the tools and knowledge they need to support their loved ones effectively.
For NDIS participants, behaviour support can be a transformative service that opens up new opportunities and possibilities. It’s a critical component of the NDIS’s commitment to providing person-centred care that respects the rights, dignity, and aspirations of individuals with disabilities.
Summary
Behaviour support under the NDIS is a comprehensive, person-centred approach that aims to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by addressing behaviours of concern. Through careful assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring, behaviour support services work to reduce challenging behaviours and promote positive, constructive changes. By empowering individuals and their support networks, behaviour support plays a crucial role in helping NDIS participants achieve their goals and live more independent, fulfilling lives.
If you, or a participant that you support are seeking this service, get in touch with Ivy Psychology to find an experienced behaviour support practitioner who can help NDIS participants live their best lives.
