Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) in Perth, Mandurah & Peel Region

What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-informed approach that focuses on understanding behaviour and improving quality of life.
Rather than simply managing behaviour, PBS looks at:

• Why behaviours occur
• What triggers or maintains behaviour
• Environmental and emotional factors
• Skills that need to be developed

The goal is to create long-term, meaningful change by addressing the underlying causes of behaviour.

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How PBS Can Help

​Positive Behaviour Support can help individuals to:

• Reduce behaviours of concern
• Improve emotional regulation
• Increase independence
• Improve communication and social interaction
• Support participation at home, school or in the community
• Reduce stress for families and carers

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Who We Support

​We provide PBS services for:

• Children with developmental or behavioural challenges
• Adolescents with emotional or behavioural needs
• Adults with disability or psychosocial needs
• Individuals with autism, ADHD and other conditions
• Families and support networks

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Our Positive Behaviour Support Services

​Our PBS services are tailored to each individual and may include:

• Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA)
• Behaviour Support Plans
• Interim Behaviour Support Plans
• Ongoing therapy and support
• Risk assessment and behaviour strategies
• Collaboration with families, schools and support teams

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Our Approach to Behaviour Support

​At Belong Health, our approach is:

• Person-centred and individualised
• Focused on reducing anxiety and improving quality of life
• Based on understanding behaviour, not controlling it
• Collaborative with families, schools and support teams
• Practical and focused on real-world outcomes

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Multidisciplinary Support

Positive Behaviour Support is often most effective when combined with other supports.

At Belong Health, we may work alongside:

• Occupational Therapy (emotional regulation, sensory processing)
• Speech Pathology (communication and understanding)
• Counselling (emotional wellbeing and coping strategies)
• Psychology Assessments (understanding cognitive and behavioural profiles)

This ensures a well-rounded, consistent approach to support.

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NDIS Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support is commonly funded under the NDIS when it aligns with a participant’s goals and support needs.
PBS services may include:

• Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
• Behaviour Support Plans
• Implementation support
• Ongoing review and adjustments

We work closely with participants, families and support coordinators to ensure supports are practical, ethical and aligned with NDIS requirements.

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Positive Behaviour Support for Children (Including PDA)

Children with behaviours of concern, including those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), often benefit from a flexible, low-demand approach that focuses on reducing anxiety.

​PBS can support children by:

• Identifying triggers and reducing escalation
• Developing flexible, child-centred strategies
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Creating consistent approaches across home and school

Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for PDA

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Servicing Perth, Mandurah & the Peel Region

​We provide PBS services across:

• Perth Metro
• Mandurah
• Rockingham
• Falcon
• Peel region

With flexible options including:

• Home visits
• Community-based support
• Telehealth

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What Does a PBS Practitioner Do?

​At Belong Health, our PBS practitioners are specialists trained to support individuals with challenging behaviours. They work closely with individuals and their support networks to ensure the best outcomes. Their key responsibilities include:

Assessment: Our practitioners conduct comprehensive evaluations to understand the functions of challenging behaviours, which include:

• Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA)
• Interviews with individuals and caregivers
• Direct observations in natural environments
• Data analysis to identify behaviour patterns and triggers

Planning: Developing personalised Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSP) is at the heart of what we do. These plans encompass:

• Proactive strategies to prevent challenging behaviours
• Skill-building activities that encourage positive behavioural alternatives
• Environmental adjustments to minimise triggers and provide better support
• Crisis intervention plans for immediate response to severe behaviours

Intervention: Our team at Belong Health implements the PBSP by:

• Training individuals and their support networks on the new strategies
• Demonstrating interventions and offering direct support
• Gradually reducing direct support as the individual gains independence

Monitoring: We ensure interventions are effective by:

• Continuously collecting and analysing data on behaviour changes
• Adjusting the PBSP as necessary based on ongoing evaluations
• Regularly reviewing progress with the individual and their support network

Collaboration: Collaboration is key at Belong Health, and our practitioners work in partnership with:

• Families and caregivers to maintain consistency across settings
• Other professionals, including educators, therapists, and medical personnel
• Community organisations to integrate various support services

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PBS Assessments & Reports

Functional Behaviour Assessment

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SDA: Specialist Disability Accommodation​

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SIL: Supported Independent Living

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Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support at Belong Health
​
​Enhanced Quality of Life:
Individuals experience improved relationships, increased independence, and more active participation in the community.
Skill Development:
We emphasise teaching new skills that replace challenging behaviours, fostering personal growth.
Sustainable Change:
By addressing root causes, our PBS approach promotes lasting behavioural changes.
Empowerment:
At Belong Health, we equip individuals and their support networks with the knowledge and tools to manage behaviours proactively.
Human Rights Focus:
​Our approach is aligned with human rights, ensuring dignity and respect for all individuals.

free 20min 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.

Get Started with Positive Behaviour Support
If you’re looking for Positive Behaviour Support services in Perth, Mandurah or the Peel region, our team is here to help.

​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

Frequently Asked Questions – Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
​
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach that aims to understand the reasons behind behaviour and support individuals to build safer, more meaningful ways to meet their needs.

What is Positive Behaviour Support under the NDIS?
NDIS Positive Behaviour Support is a specialised service that helps participants reduce behaviours of concern through assessment, behaviour support plans, and skill-building strategies, while ensuring practices are ethical and least restrictive.

What is the PBS framework in the NDIS?
The NDIS PBS framework focuses on:

• Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
• Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs)
• Reducing restrictive practices
• Improving quality of life and independence

What is a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is a structured document developed by a PBS practitioner that outlines strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and support skill development in daily life.

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

• Background and goals
• Functional Behaviour Assessment findings
• Triggers and early warning signs
• Proactive and reactive strategies
• Skill-building supports
• Environmental adjustments

How do you create a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?
A PBS plan is developed through:

1. Assessment and information gathering
2. Functional Behaviour Assessment
3. Strategy development
4. Collaboration with family/support team
5. ​Ongoing review and adjustment

What are examples of Positive Behaviour Support strategies?
Examples include:

• Visual schedules and routines
• Teaching communication skills
• Adjusting environments to reduce triggers
• Reinforcing positive behaviours
• Supporting emotional regulation

What are proactive strategies in PBS?
Proactive strategies are supports put in place before behaviour occurs, such as:

• Predictable routines
• Clear expectations
• Skill teaching (communication, coping)
• Environmental adjustments

What are reactive strategies in PBS?
Reactive strategies are used during or after behaviour to maintain safety and reduce escalation, focusing on calm, consistent, and non-punitive responses.

​​What causes challenging behaviour?
Challenging behaviour is often a form of communication and may be linked to:

• Communication difficulties
• Sensory needs
• Emotional regulation challenges
• Environmental stressors
• Unmet needs

What are triggers in Positive Behaviour Support?
Triggers are events or situations that increase the likelihood of behaviour. These can include:

• Environmental changes
• Demands or transitions
• Sensory overload
• Social interactions

What are early warning signs of behaviour escalation?
These may include:

• Changes in body language
• Withdrawal or agitation
• Increased vocalisation
• Avoidance behaviours

How can I support a child with challenging behaviour?
Support includes:

• Understanding the reason behind behaviour
• Teaching alternative skills
• Creating consistent routines
• Responding calmly and predictably
• Seeking professional support when needed

​How do PBS practitioners work with families?
PBS practitioners collaborate with families to:

• Understand the individual’s needs
• Develop practical strategies
• Provide coaching and guidance
• Support consistency across environments

Who can access Positive Behaviour Support under the NDIS?
Participants with behaviours of concern that impact safety, independence, or participation may be eligible for PBS under Improved Relationships funding.

Do I need a diagnosis to access PBS?
Not always. PBS is based on functional needs rather than diagnosis, though documentation supporting behaviours of concern is usually required.

Does Positive Behaviour Support work?
PBS is evidence-based and can be effective when strategies are consistent, individualised, and supported across environments.

How long does Positive Behaviour Support take?
PBS is an ongoing process. Timeframes vary depending on the individual, goals, and level of support required.

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Restrictive Practices at Belong Health
​1. Definition and Purpose

• Restrictive Practices are interventions or strategies that limit the rights or freedom of movement of an individual, used only when necessary to ensure safety and reduce harm. At Belong Health, these can only be prescribed by a Specialist PBS Practitioner under NDIS Guidelines.
• These practices are considered a last resort, implemented when all other less restrictive strategies have been exhausted or deemed ineffective.

2. Assessment and Identification

• A comprehensive assessment is conducted to identify the specific behaviours of concern and the underlying triggers.
• Restrictive practices are identified as necessary only if they are essential to protect the individual or others from immediate harm.

3. Development of the Behaviour Support Plan

• The BSP outlines the circumstances under which restrictive practices may be applied, ensuring they are clearly defined, justified, and used minimally.
• The plan must include proactive strategies aimed at reducing the need for restrictive practices, focusing on teaching alternative behaviours and modifying environmental triggers.

4. Ethical Considerations and Human Rights

• The use of restrictive practices at Belong Health aligns with human rights principles, ensuring the individual's dignity and autonomy are respected.
• Ethical guidelines require that these practices are used only for the shortest time necessary and are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain essential.

5. Implementation and Monitoring

• The BSP specifies who is authorised to implement restrictive practices and under what conditions.
• Ongoing monitoring is critical to assess the effectiveness and necessity of restrictive practices, with data collected regularly to inform decision-making.
• The plan includes a process for the gradual reduction and eventual elimination of restrictive practices, as the individual’s behaviours improve.

6. Review and Adjustment

• Regular reviews of the BSP are conducted to evaluate the continued need for restrictive practices, ensuring they are still appropriate and effective.
• The plan is adjusted based on the individual's progress, with the goal of reducing reliance on restrictive practices as the individual develops safer and more adaptive behaviours.

7. Documentation and Reporting

• All instances of restrictive practices must be thoroughly documented, including the rationale for their use, the duration, and the outcomes.
• Reports are shared with relevant stakeholders, including the individual (where appropriate), their family, and any regulatory bodies, to ensure transparency and accountability.

8. Collaboration and Support

• Collaboration with the individual’s support network, including family, caregivers, and other professionals, is essential to ensure consistency in the application of the BSP.
• Training and support are provided to all involved parties to ensure that restrictive practices are implemented safely and ethically, with a focus on reducing their use over time.
  
  
  

Who Can Prescribe Restrictive Practices?
Restrictive practices can only be incorporated into a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) by a Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner. At Belong Health, our practitioners are specifically trained to assess complex behaviours and determine when, if ever, the use of restrictive practices is necessary. Their expertise ensures that any restrictive interventions are carefully considered, ethically justified, and applied in the least restrictive manner possible. Our practitioners thoroughly document the rationale for their inclusion, ensuring that all other positive and less restrictive strategies have been exhausted. Moreover, they are responsible for ensuring that these practices are used as a last resort, monitored closely, and regularly reviewed with the goal of reducing or eliminating their use over time.


Using Telehealth at Belong Health
Telehealth at Belong Health offers a flexible and accessible format for delivering counselling sessions to clients with Behaviours of Concern, particularly after a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) has been developed. Through secure video conferencing, clients can engage in sessions from the comfort of their own homes, which can reduce anxiety and create a more conducive environment for open discussion. Telehealth allows for consistent monitoring and support, enabling our counsellors to adjust interventions as needed in real-time. This continuity of care is crucial for the successful implementation of BSPs, ensuring that clients have the ongoing guidance and encouragement they need to achieve positive behavioural outcomes.