How To Choose The Right Behaviour Support Services For Your Needs

When it comes to finding the right Behaviour Support Services, the process can feel a bit overwhelming—especially when you’re already juggling daily routines, NDIS planning, or supporting a loved one with a disability. Whether you're looking for help managing challenging behaviours or aiming to build independence and improve quality of life, choosing the right provider is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process, ask the right questions, and find a service that aligns with your values, goals, and support needs.

1. Understand What Behaviour Support Is

Before you start your search, it’s important to understand what behaviour support actually involves. At its core, behaviour support is about working with individuals to reduce challenging behaviours by identifying their root causes and replacing them with positive, functional alternatives.

Qualified behaviour support practitioners develop personalised Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) that are tailored to each individual. These plans often include environmental changes, skill-building strategies, and proactive supports. For NDIS participants, these services fall under Improved Relationships in the Capacity Building category.

2. Clarify Your Needs And Goals

Every person is different, so it’s crucial to think about what you or your loved one needs. Start by asking yourself:

• What behaviours or challenges are we trying to address?
  

• Are we looking for short-term intervention or ongoing support?
  

• Do we need help at home, in the community, or in a school/work environment?
  

• What communication needs or diagnoses should the provider be familiar with?
  
  

Being clear on your goals will help narrow your options and ensure the services are tailored to your situation.

3. Look For NDIS-Registered Providers

If you’re accessing support through the NDIS, make sure the provider is NDIS-registered for behaviour support. Registered providers must meet strict quality and safeguarding standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

While some experienced non-registered providers may still offer good services, working with an NDIS-registered provider gives you peace of mind regarding qualifications, compliance, and accountability.

4. Check Qualifications And Experience

Behaviour support is a specialised field. The right provider should have qualified practitioners with relevant backgrounds in psychology, occupational therapy, social work, or allied health. You may want to ask:

• Are the practitioners NDIS-approved Behaviour Support Practitioners?
  
  

• What kind of training do they have in positive behaviour support?
  
  

• Do they have experience with similar cases (e.g. autism, intellectual disability, mental health)?
  
  

A good provider will be happy to share information about their team’s qualifications and approach.

5. Ensure A Person-Centred Approach

One size does not fit all. High-quality behaviour support services will always focus on person-centred practices, which means the individual receiving support is at the heart of all decisions and planning.

Look for services that:

• Involve the individual and their support network in goal setting
  
  

• Build on the person’s strengths and preferences
  
  

• Focus on improving quality of life and independence
  
  

• Respect cultural background, values and communication style
  
  

Avoid any provider that takes a generic or top-down approach. Behaviour support should feel collaborative, not clinical or impersonal.

6. Ask About Restrictive Practices

It’s important to understand a provider’s stance on restrictive practices (like physical restraint or locked environments). Under the NDIS, restrictive practices must be a last resort, used only when necessary and with proper authorisation.

A quality provider will:

• Focus on reducing or eliminating restrictive practices
  
  

• Be transparent about when and how they’re used
  
  

• Work with you to submit any required behaviour support reports to the NDIS Commission
  
  

If a provider is vague or avoids discussing this topic, consider it a red flag.

7. Read Reviews And Testimonials

Hearing from other families and participants can give you a sense of what working with the provider is actually like. While online reviews aren’t everything, they can offer insights into things like:

• Responsiveness and communication
  
  

• Reliability and punctuality
  
  

• Practitioner consistency and rapport
  
  

• Overall outcomes
  
  

You can also ask the provider if they have any case studies or examples of success stories (without breaching client privacy, of course).

8. Consider Flexibility And Availability

It’s important to find a provider who can work around your schedule and offer services where and when you need them—whether that’s in-home, online, in the community, or at school.

Ask about:

• Wait times for an initial consultation
  
  

• Session frequency and flexibility
  
  

• Options for telehealth or mobile services
  
  

• Support during school holidays or after-hours
  
  

Some providers may have long waitlists, so planning ahead is key—especially in high-demand areas like Brisbane, Melbourne, or regional towns.

9. Make Sure They Provide Ongoing Monitoring And Updates

Behaviour support isn’t a “set and forget” process. The best providers will continually monitor progress, adjust plans as needed, and provide regular updates to families, carers, and support coordinators.

You should expect:

• Written reports and progress summaries
  
  

• Reviews of Behaviour Support Plans
  
  

• Communication with your broader support team (e.g. speech therapists, teachers, case managers)
  
  

This helps ensure everyone is working together toward the same goals.

10. Trust Your Gut

Last but not least—trust your instincts. You know your situation better than anyone else. If a provider doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s okay. It’s perfectly fine to keep looking until you find someone who clicks with you and your support team.

During the first few interactions, notice how they:

• Communicate and respond to your questions
  
  

• Show empathy and understanding
  
  

• Involve you in planning and decision-making
  
  

• Respect the individual’s autonomy and voice
  
  

Behaviour support should be empowering, not intimidating.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right behaviour support service isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about finding a trusted partner who can walk alongside you on your journey toward a better, more independent life. By taking the time to understand your goals, research providers, and ask the right questions, you can feel confident that you’re making a choice that truly supports your needs.

Whether you’re navigating the NDIS for the first time or reassessing your current supports, remember: you have the right to services that are compassionate, person-centred, and focused on positive outcomes.