2 minute read
Families or supports often identify situations where behaviours are escalating or becoming more difficult for participants and their support networks to manage. In these situations, a Behaviour Support Assessment and Recommendations Report can sometimes assist in identifying appropriate supports and helping build the case for Behaviour Support funding within an NDIS plan.
Even when Behaviour Support is not currently included in a participant’s plan, it may still be possible to complete an assessment using existing Capacity Building funding. This allows a Behaviour Support Practitioner to better understand the participant’s needs and provide recommendations that may support improved outcomes.
Importantly, Behaviour Support is not only for crisis situations. Early intervention can help identify environmental factors, communication challenges, or support gaps that may be contributing to behaviours of concern. Addressing these early can help reduce escalation and support improved participation in daily life.
Signs Behaviour Support May Be Helpful
Some common indicators that Behaviour Support may be beneficial include:
- Increasing frustration or emotional outbursts
- Withdrawal from previously manageable activities
- Escalating anxiety or distress in certain environments
- Difficulty coping with changes to routine or transitions
- Meltdowns or shutdowns becoming more frequent
- Physical behaviours towards others or property damage
- Self-injury or unsafe behaviours
- Communication challenges contributing to heightened behaviours
- Difficulties maintaining participation at school, work, or home
Behaviours are often a form of communication. A Behaviour Support Practitioner works to understand the underlying function of behaviour and identify strategies, environmental adjustments, and skill-building supports that can reduce stress and improve quality of life.
What the Assessment Involves
During the assessment process, a Behaviour Support Practitioner will build a comprehensive understanding of the participant’s daily routines, environments, communication style, and potential triggers contributing to behaviours of concern.
This may include:
- Speaking with family members and support workers
- Liaising with teachers, therapists, or key supports
- Reviewing existing reports and plans
- Observing the participant across relevant environments
- Identifying practical strategies that can support the participant and their support network
Our Behaviour Support Practitioners work closely with families, Support Coordinators, and other therapists to ensure recommendations are practical, realistic, and easy to implement in everyday settings.
Restrictive Practices and Safeguards
In some situations where behaviours may pose a risk to the participant or others, additional safeguards may be required.
Behaviour Support Practitioners are trained to ensure any restrictive practices are only considered when absolutely necessary and always in line with NDIS guidelines. A key focus of Behaviour Support is to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices over time by addressing the underlying causes of behaviour and building safer, more supportive strategies.
Using the Assessment to Support Plan Reviews
At Therapy Partners, one of our experienced Behaviour Support Practitioners can complete a Behaviour Support Assessment and Recommendations Report.
The assessment typically utilises up to 10 hours of available NDIS Capacity Building funding, billed at the NDIS standard rate of $193.99 per hour.
Following the assessment, a detailed report is provided outlining practical strategies and recommendations. This report can also assist with NDIS plan reviews and discussions with planners, Local Area Coordinators, or Support Coordinators regarding whether Behaviour Support funding may be appropriate within the participant’s plan.
Taking the First Step
Whether you’re based on the Gold Coast or Brisbane, and behaviours are becoming more challenging to manage, an assessment can provide valuable insight into what may be driving these behaviours and what supports may help.
Support Coordinators are welcome to contact Therapy Partners to discuss whether a Behaviour Support Assessment may be appropriate for a participant and to organise a referral or initial conversation.
