Glossary of Terms

A tool that records what happens before, during, and after a behaviour. A = Antecedent (what happened before), B = Behaviour (what the person did), C = Consequence (what happened after). Support teams use ABC charts to find patterns and work out what a behaviour might mean.

The form or process a person uses to apply to join the NDIS. It asks for information about a person's disability and how it affects daily life.

A way of supporting people where staff do things with people, not just for them. The goal is to build skills and confidence over time.

The everyday tasks a person needs to do to look after themselves and their home. These include things like showering, cooking, cleaning, and managing money.

Support to help a person speak up for their rights and wishes. An advocate can speak on behalf of a person or help them find their own voice.

A person or service that supports someone to speak up or be heard. Advocates do not make decisions for people — they help people make their own choices.

A trained health worker who is not a doctor or nurse. Examples include occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.

What happens just before a behaviour. Understanding the antecedent helps teams figure out why a behaviour is happening and how to prevent it.

A feeling of fear or worry that can be very strong. For some people with disability, anxiety can lead to behaviours of concern if not well supported.

Any device, tool, or system that helps a person do things they find hard or can't do on their own. Examples range from wheelchair ramps to communication devices and apps.

Ways of communicating that don't rely on spoken words. This can include picture boards, sign language, apps, or electronic devices.

A developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects with others, and experiences the world. Every person on the autism spectrum is different.

A classification that describes a person who needs some support with social communication and flexible thinking.

A classification that describes a person who needs substantial support across social and other areas of daily life.

A classification that describes a person who needs very substantial support in most areas of daily life.

Any action a person does that can be seen or measured. Behaviour is always communicating something about a person's needs or feelings.

A behaviour that puts the person, or the people around them, at risk of harm. Examples include physical aggression, self-injury, or destroying property.

A plan that sets out strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and build better ways of coping. Often used in school and therapy settings alongside a Behaviour Support Plan.

Supports that help people, families, and staff understand behaviour and use safe, respectful strategies in response. Behaviour support in the NDIS is funded under the Capacity Building budget.

A written plan that explains what behaviours are of concern, why they may happen, and what steps everyone should take to keep the person safe and improve their life.

A professional registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission who is trained to assess behaviour, write Behaviour Support Plans, and train others to use those plans.

The positive changes that happen for a person as a result of support. These might include more independence, better relationships, or fewer behaviours of concern.

The limits and rules that help keep a person and those around them safe. Clear boundaries are an important part of good support.

Damage to the brain that can affect movement, communication, thinking, and behaviour. Brain injury may be present from birth or happen later in life.

NDIS funding used to build skills and independence over time. This budget covers things like therapy, behaviour support, support coordination, and skill development.

NDIS funding for equipment, assistive technology, and home or vehicle changes that help a person live more independently.

A person, often a family member or friend, who provides regular unpaid support to someone with disability.

Extreme tiredness and stress that happens when a carer is under too much pressure for too long without enough support or rest.

A condition that affects movement and muscle tone. It is caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth.

When something in a participant's life changes in a way that may affect their NDIS plan — for example, a change in support needs, health, or living situation.

A core NDIS principle. Participants have the right to choose their own supports, providers, and how their funding is used.

The use of medication to control a person's behaviour rather than for a medical reason. This is a regulated restrictive practice under the NDIS.

When a calm, supportive person helps another person manage their feelings and behaviour. Over time, co-regulation helps build a person's ability to self-regulate.

Support to help a person get out of the home and take part in community life, such as shopping, social events, sport, or hobbies.

Being involved in activities, groups, and events in the community. The NDIS funds community participation to help people stay connected and build their lives.

Patterns of behaviour that are intense, happen often, or carry a risk to safety. Complex behaviours usually need skilled, ongoing support.

When a person needs a high level of help across many areas of life at the same time, such as health, behaviour, housing, and daily support.

What happens after a behaviour. Consequences can make a behaviour more likely to happen again (reinforcement) or less likely (reduction).

Everyday disability-related items funded by the NDIS, such as continence aids, gloves, or nutrition supplements.

The most flexible part of an NDIS plan. Core funding covers everyday support for daily living, transport, consumables, and community access.

A written document that explains what to do when a person is in a state of high distress or danger. A crisis plan helps staff and carers respond safely and calmly.

The everyday tasks a person needs to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable. These include personal care, cooking, cleaning, managing money, and getting to appointments.

A structured daytime activity program where participants take part in social, recreational, or skill-building activities.

Actions taken to help a person calm down before a situation becomes unsafe. Good de-escalation uses calm language, space, and understanding.

A person's ability to understand, weigh up, and communicate a decision. Everyone is assumed to have capacity unless there is clear evidence otherwise.

The move away from people with disability living in large care facilities, toward living in the community with the right supports.

When a child reaches milestones — like talking, walking, or social skills — later than expected. Some children with developmental delay later receive a formal diagnosis.

A formal identification of a condition by a qualified professional such as a doctor or psychologist.

Being treated with respect and as a full person. Dignity is a right for all people with disability, no matter their level of support need.

The idea that people with disability have the right to take reasonable risks and learn from their choices, just like anyone else.

A condition that, combined with barriers in the environment, limits a person's ability to take full part in daily life. Disability can be physical, sensory, intellectual, cognitive, or psychosocial.

A plan for when a person leaves a hospital or care setting, to make sure supports are in place for them to return home safely.

Help with household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and tidying. Domestic assistance is often funded under the Core Supports budget.

A genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome. People with Down syndrome have a range of abilities and support needs.

When a person has both a disability (such as an intellectual disability) and a mental health condition at the same time. Dual diagnosis often requires specialist support.

A local organisation funded by the NDIS to support children under seven and their families to access early intervention supports.

Support given early in life, or early after a diagnosis, to improve outcomes and reduce the impact of a disability over time.

Small changes in mood or action that signal a person is starting to feel stressed or upset. Spotting early warning signs helps staff respond before a situation gets worse.

When the NDIA reviews whether a participant is still eligible for the NDIS. This may be triggered by new information or changes in circumstances.

The ability to manage and respond to emotions in a healthy way. Many people with disability, particularly those with autism or ADHD, need extra support to build this skill.

Physical changes made to a space — like lighting, furniture layout, or noise levels — to make it easier for a person to feel calm and safe.

Limiting a person's movement by changing their physical environment, such as locking a room or using a fence. This is a regulated restrictive practice under the NDIS.

Information, reports, assessments, or letters that support a request for funding or a change in a person's plan.

The principle that family members and carers are key partners in a participant's support, not just bystanders. Their knowledge and involvement is valued and respected.

NDIS Core Supports funding that can be moved between some support categories to meet changing needs, giving participants more choice.

Paid support provided by a registered or unregistered provider, such as a support worker, therapist, or behaviour support practitioner.

A structured process used to understand why a behaviour of concern is happening. An FBA looks at triggers, patterns, and the function a behaviour serves for the person.

How well a person manages everyday tasks like moving around, communicating, looking after themselves, and taking part in social life.

The money in a participant's NDIS plan that can be used to pay for supports and services.

A group of supports within the NDIS that are funded together, such as Core Supports, Capacity Building, or Capital Supports.

Something a participant wants to work toward — like making friends, learning to cook, or living more independently. NDIS plans are built around goals.

The process of working out what a person wants to achieve and how their supports will help get them there. Participants and their families are central to this process.

Support delivered to more than one participant at the same time, often in a community or day program setting. Group support can be a more affordable way to access activities.

A person who has legal authority to make certain decisions for an adult who cannot safely make those decisions alone. Guardianship is a serious legal step and is only used when other options are not enough.

Support for people who have complex health or behaviour needs that require staff with additional training and skills.

A broad term for NDIS supports that help a person live in the place they choose, with the right level of support. This includes SIL, SDA, ILO, and other housing options.

Changes made to a person's home to make it more accessible and safe, such as handrails, ramps, or wider doorways.

In behaviour support, a hypothesis is the support team's best understanding of why a behaviour is happening, based on observation and assessment data.

A registered NDIS provider that uses a regulated restrictive practice as part of a participant's Behaviour Support Plan. Implementing providers must meet strict NDIS requirements.

An event where a person was harmed, almost harmed, or where something serious happened during a support. Incidents must be reported under NDIS rules.

A written record of what happened during an incident, who was involved, and what action was taken. Incident reports help providers learn and improve.

Being able to make choices and manage daily life on your own terms. Independence does not mean doing everything without help — it means having the support you need to live the life you choose.

A flexible NDIS housing option where a participant designs their own living arrangement. ILO is not tied to a shared home and allows for a wide range of creative support setups.

Unpaid support from family, friends, or community members. The NDIS takes into account the informal supports a person already has.

When a person fully understands what is being proposed, knows the risks and benefits, and agrees freely. Consent must never be assumed or pressured.

A significant difference in a person's thinking skills and adaptive behaviour, which is present from childhood. People with intellectual disability have a wide range of strengths and abilities.

Support provided at a higher level because of complex needs, including behaviour support, health needs, or a need for constant supervision.

A planned action or strategy designed to improve a person's life or reduce behaviours of concern.

The support strategy that achieves safety while limiting a person's rights as little as possible. Under the NDIS, providers must always use the least restrictive option.

Practical abilities that help a person live independently, such as cooking, budgeting, using public transport, and managing relationships.

An NDIS partner who helps participants create their plan, find providers, and connect with community supports.

A bigger outcome a participant wants to achieve over time, like living independently or getting a job.

Support to plan, shop for, and prepare meals. This can be done by a support worker alongside the participant to build skills and independence.

Using devices such as straps or harnesses to limit a person's movement. This is a regulated restrictive practice and can only be used under specific conditions.

Health conditions a person has that affect their daily life and require ongoing management or care.

Help to make sure a person takes the right medicine at the right time. This can include reminders, supervision, or physical help with tablets.

A person's emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Mental health conditions can lead to psychosocial disability when they significantly affect daily life.

The ability to use and control the body's muscles. Gross motor skills involve large movements like walking; fine motor skills involve smaller movements like writing or buttoning a shirt.

The government body that runs the NDIS and makes decisions about plans and funding.

Australia's national scheme that funds supports for people with permanent and significant disability, to help them live more independently and take part in community life.

The rules that all NDIS providers and workers must follow to make sure participants are safe, respected, and treated with dignity.

See: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

A written document that sets out a participant's goals, funded supports, and budgets. Plans are developed with the NDIA and reviewed regularly.

An NDIA staff member who works with a participant to create their NDIS plan and make funding decisions.

The legal quality and safety requirements that all registered NDIS providers must meet.

A document that sets the maximum prices registered providers can charge for NDIS supports. Also known as the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

The national body that oversees the quality and safety of NDIS services, handles complaints, and manages behaviour support regulation.

A provider that has met NDIS quality and safety standards and is approved to deliver certain NDIS supports.

A group of conditions that affect how the brain develops. These include autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability, and they are usually present from childhood.

A person whose brain works differently from what is considered typical — for example, a person who is autistic, has ADHD, or has dyslexia. Many people prefer this term to describe themselves.

A person chosen to act on behalf of an NDIS participant when dealing with the NDIA, such as a parent or carer.

A health professional who helps people build skills for daily life, work, and community activities. OTs also help with assistive technology and home modifications.

Support provided during the night. Active overnight support means staff are awake; inactive (sleepover) support means staff sleep at the home and are available if needed.

The updated NDIS plan format introduced in 2025, which has new budget structures and a stronger focus on outcomes for participants.

A person with disability who has an approved NDIS plan and receives NDIS funding.

Another way of saying person-centred — where all support is built around what the individual wants, needs, and values.

A way of delivering support that puts the individual at the centre. Their goals, values, and choices lead every decision.

Language that puts the person before their disability — for example, "a person with autism" rather than "an autistic person." Some communities prefer identity-first language, so it is always best to follow each person's own preference.

Using physical force to limit a person's movement in order to prevent harm. This is a regulated restrictive practice and must only be used as a last resort.

A health professional who helps with movement, strength, balance, and pain management.

A service where a provider helps a participant manage their NDIS funding — handling invoices, payments, and keeping track of budgets.

A provider that manages NDIS payments and budgets on a participant's behalf. Plan-managed participants can use both registered and unregistered providers.

When the NDIA creates a whole new plan for a participant, usually because their needs or circumstances have changed significantly.

An older term for the process of checking in on a participant's NDIS plan and updating it as needed. Now referred to as plan reassessment or plan variation.

A smaller change to an existing NDIS plan that does not require a full reassessment — for example, updating contact details or adding a small amount of funding.

An evidence-based approach to understanding and supporting people with behaviours of concern. PBS focuses on the reasons behind behaviour and on improving quality of life, not just controlling behaviour.

Responding to a desired behaviour with something the person finds rewarding, to make that behaviour more likely to happen again.

The main person who provides unpaid care and support to someone with disability, often a parent or close family member.

Steps taken in advance to prevent behaviours of concern from happening — such as clear routines, communication supports, or environmental changes.

A mental health professional who uses assessment, therapy, and behavioural strategies to support a person's thinking, feelings, and behaviour.

A disability that arises from a long-term mental health condition and significantly affects a person's daily life and ability to take part in society.

The systems, standards, and oversight in place to make sure disability supports are safe, ethical, and of good quality.

How happy, safe, satisfied, and connected a person feels in their daily life. Improving quality of life is the main goal of all good disability support.

Steps taken in the moment when a behaviour of concern is already happening, to keep everyone safe and help the person recover.

The legal test the NDIA uses to decide what supports can be funded. A support must be related to a participant's disability and provide good value.

In the context of psychosocial disability, recovery means a person building a meaningful, satisfying life — not necessarily the removal of all symptoms.

See: NDIS Registered Provider.

See: Emotional Regulation.

New skills a person learns to meet a need in a safer or more effective way, reducing the need for behaviours of concern.

Accommodation where a person with disability lives and receives daily support from staff. Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a form of residential care.

Short-term breaks for carers, where the person with disability is cared for by another provider. Respite helps carers rest and recharge.

Any action that limits a person's rights, freedom, or choices in order to prevent harm. The NDIS regulates five types: chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, environmental restraint, and seclusion.

A review of the potential risks in a person's life and the strategies in place to keep them safe.

A schedule showing which staff work at a SIL home, and when. It shows how much support a person receives each day and night.

A document that sets out what to do in a dangerous or high-risk situation. Safety plans help teams respond quickly and calmly.

A serious mental health condition that can involve hearing voices, unusual beliefs, and difficulty thinking clearly. When long-term, it can lead to psychosocial disability.

Placing a person alone in a room or space they cannot leave, to prevent harm. Seclusion is a regulated restrictive practice and must only be used as a last resort.

When a person speaks up for their own rights and wishes. Supporting self-advocacy is a key part of good disability support.

The right of a person to make choices about their own life. This is a central principle of the NDIS and disability rights more broadly.

When a person hurts their own body, sometimes as a way of coping with very strong emotions. Self-harm can be a behaviour of concern and requires skilled, compassionate support.

See: Self-Harm.

When a participant manages their own NDIS funding — choosing providers, paying invoices, and keeping records.

The ability to manage one's own emotions, actions, and impulses. Building self-regulation skills is often a key goal in complex behaviour support.

A planned set of sensory activities throughout the day to help a person stay calm, focused, and regulated.

When a person's senses are extra sensitive and they feel overwhelmed by things that might not bother others — like loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures.

When a person's senses take in less than usual, and they may seek extra input — like loud noises, bright lights, or strong physical sensations — to feel stimulated.

How the brain takes in and makes sense of information from the senses and the body to help with everyday activities and behaviour.

The unique ways a person's body responds to sensory input, such as sound, light, touch, or movement. Understanding sensory needs is key to good complex behaviour support.

The way the brain receives, makes sense of, and responds to information from the senses.

When a person has ongoing trouble taking in and responding to sensory information in a typical way. This can affect behaviour, learning, and daily life.

A written contract between a participant and a provider that explains the supports to be delivered, how often, and the cost.

A background condition that makes a behaviour of concern more likely to happen — for example, a bad night's sleep or an unpleasant change to a routine.

The new NDIS name for what was previously called Short Term Accommodation (STA). STR gives carers a break while the participant receives safe, appropriate care.

Helping a person learn and practise new skills so they can become more independent over time.

Taking part in social, recreational, and community activities. The NDIS funds this under both Core and Capacity Building supports.

The skills used to interact positively with others — like starting a conversation, taking turns, and reading social cues.

A dedicated NDIS Practice Standards module for providers who develop Behaviour Support Plans. Providers must meet strict requirements to deliver this support.

Purpose-built or specially modified housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, funded by the NDIS.

A health professional who helps with communication, language, and swallowing. Speech pathologists often help people use AAC tools.

A way of thinking about people that focuses on what they can do, not what they can't. Strengths-based support builds confidence and helps people grow.

When someone else makes decisions on behalf of a person who cannot do so themselves. This is different from supported decision-making, where the person is supported to make their own choices.

A worker who helps a participant understand their NDIS plan, find providers, and organise supports. Support coordination is funded under the Capacity Building budget.

All the people and services that help a person — including family, friends, support workers, therapists, and providers.

A document that sets out the goals, strategies, and supports for a participant. Different from an NDIS plan — a support plan focuses on how day-to-day support will be delivered.

A paid staff member who helps a person with daily living tasks, community access, and general support.

A process where a person with disability gets support to understand their options and make their own decisions. It is different from having someone make decisions for them.

NDIS-funded daily support that helps people with disability live as independently as possible in a shared home. SIL is funded under the Core Supports budget.

Ongoing oversight of a person to keep them safe, which may be active (constant) or periodic (checking in regularly).

The number of support workers compared to the number of participants in a shared living or group setting. Higher support needs often require a higher ratio.

All the professionals, carers, and supporters who work together to provide consistent, coordinated support for one person.

Support delivered by an allied health professional to improve skills, function, or wellbeing. Examples include occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychology.

A planned change from one setting, stage of life, or support arrangement to another — for example, leaving school or moving to a new home.

Help to travel to appointments, activities, or work. Transport support may involve accessible vehicles, a support worker, or training to use public transport.

A deeply distressing or harmful experience that can have lasting effects on a person's wellbeing, behaviour, and relationships.

An approach to support that understands how past trauma can shape a person's behaviour and responses. It focuses on safety, trust, choice, and building confidence.

When a person's physical, emotional, or social need is not being met, which can show up as a behaviour of concern. Identifying unmet needs is central to positive behaviour support.

A provider that has not registered with the NDIS Commission. Participants who are plan-managed or self-managed can use unregistered providers for some supports.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Australia has signed this international agreement, which sets out the rights of all people with disability.

A short description of the future a provider or person is working toward. For Infinite Disability Services, this means every participant living a full, safe, and connected life.

Risk factors that may make a person more likely to experience harm, abuse, or a crisis. Support plans take steps to reduce vulnerability and build safety.

A person's overall sense of health, happiness, and satisfaction with life. Good support improves wellbeing across physical, emotional, and social areas.

A background check that all NDIS workers must pass before they can support people with disability. It checks for serious criminal history.

A firm commitment that abuse, neglect, or exploitation of people with disability will never be accepted, excused, or hidden.