If your loved one is struggling with behaviours that are putting their safety, or yours, at risk, you are not alone. And there is support available.
Under the NDIS, complex behaviour support is a funded service designed to help people with disability who are experiencing what are known as behaviours of concern. These behaviours can range from aggression and self-injury to emotional outbursts, extreme withdrawal, or a complete refusal to take part in everyday activities.
The key thing to understand is this: these behaviours are rarely the problem itself. More often, they are a signal that something else is going on.
Complex behaviours, also called challenging behaviours or behaviours of concern, are actions that affect a person's safety or quality of life, and the safety and quality of life of those around them.
Common examples include:
These behaviours are not a diagnosis. They are responses. They often occur because a person is in pain, cannot communicate their needs, feels overwhelmed by their environment, or has unmet emotional or sensory needs. Understanding what is driving the behaviour is the starting point for everything that follows.
Complex behaviour support is a specialist service delivered under the NDIS by qualified behaviour support practitioners. It sits within an evidence-based framework called Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
PBS focuses on understanding why a behaviour happens and building practical strategies to improve a person's quality of life. Not just managing the behaviour in the moment. It is grounded in respect for the person's dignity, autonomy, and rights.
Behaviour support is funded under the NDIS Capacity Building category known as Improved Relationships (or Behaviour Support in newer PACE plans). This funding covers the development of behaviour support plans and training for the people who provide support.
The process is structured, but always person-centred. Here is what to expect:
The first step is understanding what is driving the behaviour. A qualified practitioner conducts an FBA, a structured, evidence-based process that looks at what happens before, during, and after a behaviour occurs.
This involves reviewing background information, interviewing the participant and their support network, and observing behaviour across different settings. The goal is to identify the function of the behaviour, is it a way to escape an overwhelming situation? To communicate pain? To seek sensory input?
Once the assessment is complete, a Behaviour Support Practitioner develops a BSP alongside the participant, their family, and carers.
There are two types of plan:
A good BSP does not just manage behaviour, it identifies what the person needs to live a better life.
The BSP is put into practice by everyone involved, support workers, family members, and other providers. Regular review ensures the strategies are working and adjusted as the person's needs change.
In some situations, a behaviour support plan may temporarily include regulated restrictive practices. Interventions that restrict a person's movement or choices in order to keep everyone safe. These are closely monitored and regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. The goal is always to reduce and eventually eliminate their use over time.
Ask yourself these questions:
If you answered yes to any of these, complex behaviour support is worth exploring.
You do not need to wait until a situation becomes a crisis. Early support leads to better outcomes, for the participant and for everyone around them.
To access this support, your loved one will need Improved Relationships funding (or Behaviour Support funding in a PACE plan) included in their NDIS plan. If that funding is not currently in their plan, speak with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator about having it included at your next plan review.
Complex behaviour support is not about controlling people. It is about understanding them.
When the right support is in place, participants build new communication skills, gain greater independence, and take part more fully in their communities. Families and carers feel more confident, and support networks become more consistent and effective.
The process takes time. But the right practitioner, one who listens, works collaboratively, and puts the participant's quality of life at the centre of everything, makes all the difference.
If you think your loved one might benefit from complex behaviour support, reach out to Infinite Disability Services. We will take the time to understand your situation and help you work out the right next steps.