Positive Behaviour Support Assessments Before a Behaviour Support Plan

An individualised Behaviour Support Plan begins with a thorough understanding of the person. A Positive Behaviour Support Assessment helps identify the participant's strengths, communication, support needs, environments and the factors that may be influencing behaviours of concern before recommendations are developed.

Assessment findings provide the foundation for practical, person-centred Behaviour Support Plans that reflect the participant's goals, promote quality of life and support meaningful participation.
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Learn more about our Positive Behaviour Support Assessments

WHAT IS A BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT PLAN?

A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is an individualised document that outlines strategies designed to reduce behaviours of concern and improve quality of life.

Rather than focusing on punishment or control, a Behaviour Support Plan aims to understand why behaviour occurs and develop practical strategies that support the person's needs.

A Behaviour Support Plan typically outlines:

• Why behaviours may be occurring
• Factors influencing behaviour
• Triggers and warning signs
• Proactive support strategies
• Skill-building goals
• Environmental supports
• Safe response strategies
• Recommendations for families and support teams

The overall goal is to improve participation, independence, wellbeing and safety while reducing behaviours that may place the individual or others at risk.

To learn more about the foundations of behaviour support, visit our What Is Positive Behaviour Support? page.

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What Does a Behaviour Support Plan Look Like?
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Many families are told their child or family member requires a Behaviour Support Plan but are unsure what the final document actually contains.
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While every Behaviour Support Plan is different, most include:

About the Person
This section provides information about:

• Strengths
• Interests
• Goals
• Preferences
• Communication style
• Important relationships

Understanding Behaviour
This section explores:

• Behaviours of concern
• Behaviour patterns
• Triggers
• Contributing factors
• Environmental influences

Proactive Strategies
These strategies aim to reduce the likelihood of behaviours occurring.
Examples may include:

• Visual schedules
• Predictable routines
• Environmental modifications
• Communication supports
• Emotional regulation strategies

Many of these approaches are explained in our guide to Examples of Positive Behaviour Support Strategies.

Skill Development
Behaviour Support Plans focus heavily on teaching new skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Emotional regulation
• Coping strategies
• Social skills
• Daily living skills
• Problem-solving skills

Reactive Strategies
These provide guidance for safely responding when behaviour occurs.
The goal is to:

• Reduce escalation
• Maintain safety
• Preserve dignity
• Support recovery and regulation

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How a Behaviour Support Plan Is Developed

A Behaviour Support Plan is based on a detailed assessment process rather than assumptions about behaviour.
The process commonly includes:

Step 1: Referral and Information Gathering
Information may be gathered from:

• Participants
• Parents and carers
• Support workers
• Teachers
• Therapists
• Existing reports

Step 2: Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
The Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) helps identify:

• Triggers
• Patterns
• Functions of behaviour
• Environmental influences
• Skill deficits

Learn more about our Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) services.

Step 3: Consultation and Collaboration
Behaviour support works best when everyone is working together.
This may involve collaboration with:

• Families
• Schools
• Support coordinators
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Pathologists
• Psychologists
• Support workers

Step 4: Behaviour Support Plan Development
Assessment findings are used to create practical strategies tailored to the individual's needs.

Step 5: Implementation and Coaching
Support teams receive guidance on implementing the recommendations effectively and consistently.

Step 6: Review and Ongoing Support
Plans are reviewed and adjusted over time to ensure strategies remain effective.

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Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is often one of the most important parts of developing a Behaviour Support Plan.
The purpose of an FBA is to understand:

What Happens Before Behaviour?
Triggers may include:

• Demands
• Transitions
• Sensory experiences
• Changes in routine
• Social situations

What Does the Behaviour Look Like?
The behaviour itself is described clearly and objectively.

What Happens After the Behaviour?
Understanding what happens after behaviour can help identify what function the behaviour may be serving.
Behaviour is often linked to:

• Communication
• Escaping demands
• Sensory needs
• Seeking connection
• Accessing preferred activities

The information gathered helps guide more effective support strategies and forms the basis of Positive Behaviour Support interventions.

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Interim vs Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans

Within the NDIS, there are two primary types of Behaviour Support Plans.

Interim Behaviour Support Plan
An Interim Behaviour Support Plan is typically developed when restrictive practices are currently being used.
The purpose is to:

• Meet NDIS Commission requirements
• Maintain safety
• Provide immediate guidance
• Begin reducing restrictive practices

Interim plans are generally developed within strict NDIS timeframes.

Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan
​A Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan provides a detailed understanding of behaviour and includes:

• Assessment findings
• Functional Behaviour Assessment outcomes
• Detailed proactive strategies
• Skill-building recommendations
• Long-term support planning

Most participants move towards a Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan over time.

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Restrictive Practices Under the NDIS

Restrictive practices are highly regulated under the NDIS.
Restrictive practices may only be used:

• As a last resort
• To prevent harm
• When properly authorised
• As part of an approved Behaviour Support Plan

​The five regulated restrictive practices include:

Seclusion
Confining a person alone in a room or area where they cannot freely leave.

Chemical Restraint
Using medication to influence behaviour rather than treat a medical condition.

Mechanical Restraint
Using equipment to restrict movement.

Physical Restraint
Using physical force to restrict movement.
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Environmental Restraint
Restricting access to areas, objects or activities.

Behaviour Support Plans must include strategies designed to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices wherever possible through Positive Behaviour Support approaches.

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Who Creates a Behaviour Support Plan?

Behaviour Support Plans are developed by qualified Behaviour Support Practitioners.
Depending on complexity, plans may be developed by:​

• Core Behaviour Support Practitioners
• Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioners

At Belong Health, our practitioners:

• Conduct detailed assessments
• Complete Functional Behaviour Assessments
• Develop tailored Behaviour Support Plans
• Support implementation
• Collaborate with families and support teams

You can learn more about our overall approach on our Positive Behaviour Support Hub.

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Who May Benefit From a Behaviour Support Plan?

A Behaviour Support Plan may benefit individuals who:

• Experience behaviours of concern
• Have emotional regulation difficulties
• Experience aggression or unsafe behaviours
• Have communication difficulties
• Have autism
• Have ADHD
• Have intellectual disability
• Have psychosocial disability
• Require restrictive practice oversight

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Behaviour Support Plans for Autism

Many individuals with autism benefit from Behaviour Support Plans that focus on:

• Communication
• Emotional regulation
• Sensory processing
• Predictability and routines
• Participation and independence

Behaviour is often a form of communication, and support strategies focus on understanding the reasons behind behaviour rather than simply reducing it.

Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for Autism.

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Behaviour Support Plans for ADHD

Behaviour Support Plans for ADHD may focus on:

• Executive functioning
• Emotional regulation
• Attention and focus
• Organisation
• Impulse control

Strategies are often designed to support participation at home, school and within the community.
Learn more about Behaviour Support for ADHD.

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How Behaviour Support Plans Help

A well-developed Behaviour Support Plan can:
✔ Improve safety
✔ Reduce behaviours of concern
✔ Improve emotional regulation
✔ Support communication
✔ Build independence
✔ Increase participation
✔ Improve quality of life
✔ Support families and carers
✔ Improve consistency across environments

Many of these outcomes are achieved through evidence-informed Positive Behaviour Support strategies.

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NDIS Funding for Behaviour Support Plans

Behaviour Support Plans may be funded through the NDIS when:

• Behaviour support is required
• Behaviours of concern impact daily functioning
• It aligns with participant goals
• It is recommended by the support team

Funding is commonly found under:
Improved Relationships
​Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support NDIS funding and eligibility.

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Behaviour Support Plan Services Across Perth, Mandurah & WA

Belong Health provides Behaviour Support Plan assessments and reports across:

• Perth
• Mandurah
• Rockingham
• Peel Region
• Regional Western Australia via Telehealth

We work collaboratively with participants, families, schools, support coordinators and multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, ethical and person-centred plans.

​Our services can be delivered alongside:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Counselling
• Psychology
• Positive Behaviour Support services

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GETTING STARTED
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If you've been advised that a Behaviour Support Plan may be beneficial, our team can guide you through the process.

We provide:

• Functional Behaviour Assessments
• Interim Behaviour Support Plans
• Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans
• Core Behaviour Support
• Specialist Behaviour Support
• Ongoing review and implementation support

​Contact Belong Health today to discuss your support needs and next steps.​​
​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

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Need Positive Behaviour Support in Perth?

A Behaviour Support Plan is one component of the broader Positive Behaviour Support process. Belong Health provides ongoing PBS across Perth through our Behaviour Support team.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support Perth

free 20min Meet'N'GREET PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner  is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
​Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions - NDIS Behaviour Support Plans
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What is an NDIS Behaviour Support Plan?
An NDIS Behaviour Support Plan is a structured document developed by a Behaviour Support Practitioner that outlines strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and support safety, independence, participation and quality of life.

What is the purpose of a Behaviour Support Plan?
The purpose of a Behaviour Support Plan is to understand the reasons behind behaviour and provide proactive, skill-building and reactive strategies that support the person in a safe, ethical and person-centred way.

What does a Behaviour Support Plan actually look like?
A Behaviour Support Plan is a structured document that outlines behaviour triggers, proactive strategies, skill development goals, reactive strategies and recommendations that help improve safety, participation and quality of life.

What are the two types of Behaviour Support Plans in the NDIS?
There are two main types:

• Interim Behaviour Support Plan
• Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan

An Interim Behaviour Support Plan provides immediate guidance when restrictive practices are being used. A Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan includes detailed assessment findings and longer-term support strategies.

What is the difference between an Interim and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan?
An Interim Behaviour Support Plan provides immediate safety and support strategies when restrictive practices are being used. A Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan is more detailed and is developed following further assessment, consultation and review.

What should be included in a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan typically includes:

• Functional Behaviour Assessment findings
• Identified triggers and behaviour patterns
• Early warning signs
• Proactive strategies
• Reactive strategies
• Skill-building supports
• Environmental adjustments
• Review and monitoring recommendations

What makes a good Behaviour Support Plan?
A good Behaviour Support Plan is:

• Individualised
• Practical and easy to follow
• Based on assessment
• Focused on skill development
• Aligned with least restrictive practices
• Consistent across environments
• Reviewed and updated when needed

What is the first step in developing a Behaviour Support Plan?
The first step is usually completing a Functional Behaviour Assessment to understand why the behaviour is occurring and what factors may be contributing to it.

What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment is a structured assessment used to identify the triggers, purpose and patterns of behaviour. It helps guide the development of effective support strategies.

Does every Behaviour Support Plan require a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment is commonly used because it helps identify why behaviours occur and guides the development of effective support strategies. The level of assessment may vary depending on the person’s needs and circumstances.

Who writes a Behaviour Support Plan under the NDIS?
Behaviour Support Plans are developed by Behaviour Support Practitioners who are registered or authorised to provide behaviour support services under the NDIS.

What are restrictive practices in the NDIS?
Restrictive practices are interventions that restrict a person’s rights or freedom of movement. They are only used as a last resort and must be authorised, documented and regularly reviewed.

What are the five types of restrictive practices?
The five regulated restrictive practices are:

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

What is the NDIS 20-day rule for Behaviour Support Plans?
When restrictive practices are being used, an Interim Behaviour Support Plan must be developed within 20 business days under NDIS requirements. A Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan is then developed following further assessment and consultation.

When can restrictive practices be used?
Restrictive practices should only be used when necessary to prevent harm and must be authorised, documented and reviewed under relevant NDIS requirements and state or territory rules.

Is a Behaviour Support Plan only for people using restrictive practices?
No. Many Behaviour Support Plans focus entirely on proactive supports, skill development, emotional regulation, communication and quality of life improvements without restrictive practices being used.

How is a Behaviour Support Plan implemented?
A Behaviour Support Plan is implemented by the support team, which may include support workers, family members, carers, educators and other professionals. The Behaviour Support Practitioner provides guidance, training and review where needed.

How is a Behaviour Support Plan monitored and reviewed?
Plans are reviewed regularly to monitor progress, update strategies and ensure supports remain relevant, practical and effective.

How long does it take to develop a Behaviour Support Plan?
The timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the person’s needs, the assessment process and the amount of consultation required with families, carers and support teams.

How many hours are required for a Behaviour Support Plan?
The number of hours varies depending on complexity and may include assessment, consultation, observation, report writing, implementation support and review.

What category is Behaviour Support funded under the NDIS?
Behaviour Support is generally funded under the Improved Relationships category of an NDIS plan.

Does the NDIS cover Behaviour Support Plans?
Yes. Behaviour Support Plans may be funded when behaviours of concern impact safety, independence, participation or quality of life and align with the participant’s NDIS goals and funding.

Can a Behaviour Support Plan be used at school?
Yes. Behaviour Support Plans can often be used across home, school, community and support environments to improve consistency and participation.

Can parents contribute to a Behaviour Support Plan?
Yes. Parents and carers play an important role in the assessment process and ongoing implementation of Behaviour Support Plans. Their insight helps ensure strategies are practical and relevant.

What strategies are included in a Behaviour Support Plan?
Strategies may include:

• Proactive supports to prevent behaviour
• Skill-building strategies
• Communication supports
• Emotional regulation strategies
• Reactive strategies for safety
• Environmental adjustments

What should support workers not do when following a Behaviour Support Plan?
Support workers should avoid:

• Using punishment-based approaches
• Applying unauthorised restrictive practices
• Responding inconsistently
• Ignoring communication needs
• Escalating situations unnecessarily

How does a Behaviour Support Plan help?
A Behaviour Support Plan helps by reducing behaviours of concern, improving safety, building skills, increasing independence and supporting participation in daily life.

Who benefits from a Behaviour Support Plan?
Behaviour Support Plans can support the person, family members, carers, support workers, educators and other professionals by providing clear and consistent strategies.

Is Behaviour Support available for autism, ADHD and other conditions?
Yes. Behaviour Support may be provided for people with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, psychosocial disability, acquired brain injury and other support needs where behaviours of concern affect safety, participation or wellbeing.

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RELATED RESOURCES

Understanding Positive Behaviour Support

• What Is Positive Behaviour Support
• Positive Behaviour Support Hub
• Positive Behaviour Support NDIS
• Examples of Positive Behaviour Support Strategies

Assessments & Reports

• Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
• Risk Assessments
• Psychology Assessments
• Functional Capacity Assessments

Behaviour Support by Diagnosis

• Positive Behaviour Support for Autism
• Behaviour Support for ADHD
• PDA Behaviour Support
• Behaviour Support for Emotional Regulation

Parent & Carer Resources

• Behaviour Management Tips for Parents
• How to Become an Emotion Coach for Your Child
• Co-Regulating with Your Child: Foundation Skills for Self-Regulation​