The Role Of Behaviour Support Services In Promoting Positive Outcomes

In today’s evolving landscape of disability and mental health support, are proving to be one of the most impactful tools available to individuals, families and support providers. These services do far more than reduce behaviours of concern—they empower people to live safer, more independent, and more meaningful lives.

Across Brisbane and wider Australia, Behaviour Support Services are helping people with disability or complex support needs experience positive change. But what exactly do these services involve, and how do they promote long-term positive outcomes? Let’s break it down.

What Are Behaviour Support Services?

Behaviour Support Services focus on understanding and addressing behaviours that may be harmful, disruptive or limit a person’s participation in daily life. These behaviours—known as behaviours of concern—can arise for many reasons, including unmet needs, communication barriers, trauma histories, environmental stressors or medical conditions.

Rather than punishing behaviours, these services aim to understand the “why” behind them and offer safe, respectful, and proactive support strategies. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Behaviour Support Practitioners work with participants, families, carers and support staff to create Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Plans tailored to each person’s unique circumstances.

Key Principles Behind Behaviour Support Services

Behaviour Support is guided by a few key principles:

• Person-centred: The individual is at the heart of every plan. Their goals, strengths, preferences, and rights guide the approach.
  
  

• Positive and proactive: Focus is placed on preventing behaviours before they occur—not just reacting to them.
  
  

• Evidence-based: Interventions are grounded in research and best practice.
  
  

• Capacity-building: Skills and strategies are taught to both the individual and their support network to foster independence and resilience.
  
  

• Least restrictive: The use of restrictive practices is minimised and only used when absolutely necessary and approved under NDIS guidelines.
  
  

When delivered effectively, these services can lead to significant improvements across all areas of life—from communication and social skills to emotional regulation and community inclusion.

How Behaviour Support Promotes Positive Outcomes?

Let’s take a closer look at how these services support individuals to reach their full potential.

1. Improved Quality Of Life

Behaviour Support Services help individuals enjoy a better quality of life by making daily activities more manageable and reducing the stress and frustration that behaviours of concern can bring. This may involve modifying the environment, building communication tools, or teaching coping strategies that promote calm and clarity.

People are better able to participate in activities they enjoy—whether that’s going to school, joining a community group, or living more independently—when their needs are understood and supported.

2. Strengthened Communication Skills

Challenging behaviours often stem from communication difficulties. For people who are non-verbal or have limited expressive language, behaviour may become the only way to express pain, discomfort, fear, or frustration.

Behaviour Support Services often incorporate strategies to enhance communication—such as visual aids, Auslan, Key Word Sign, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. These enable individuals to express themselves more effectively and reduce the need for behaviours of concern.

3. Reduced Use Of Restrictive Practices

A major goal of Behaviour Support under the NDIS is to reduce and eventually eliminate restrictive practices such as physical restraint, seclusion, or locked environments.

By understanding the function behind a behaviour and responding in a proactive, respectful way, practitioners can work with support teams to replace restrictive responses with safer, more empowering alternatives. This shift protects individual rights and promotes dignity and autonomy.

4. Support For Families And Carers

Challenging behaviours don’t just affect the individual—they can place considerable strain on families, carers, and support workers. Behaviour Support Services provide education, resources and training to help carers understand what drives behaviours and how to respond calmly and consistently.

With the right tools, families report feeling more confident, less stressed, and better able to support their loved one without conflict or burnout.

5. Increased Participation And Inclusion

Many people with behaviours of concern experience social isolation. They may be excluded from schools, workplaces, or community activities due to misunderstandings or safety concerns.

Behaviour Support Services actively promote inclusion by building a person’s capacity to participate safely and meaningfully in their community. Whether it’s using public transport, attending a hobby group, or enrolling in education, positive behaviour strategies help break down barriers to participation.

6. Stronger Transitions Across Life Stages

From early childhood to adulthood and into aged care, life is full of transitions that can be challenging for people with disability or neurodivergent traits. Behaviour Support Services assist during these key life changes—such as moving into supported living, starting school, or transitioning to employment.

By preparing the individual and their support network with structured routines, role plays, visual prompts, or environmental changes, behaviour support can make these transitions smoother and more successful.

The Importance Of A Collaborative Approach

Positive outcomes are best achieved when Behaviour Support is not delivered in isolation. It requires the involvement of family members, teachers, support workers, allied health professionals, and the person themselves.

Collaboration ensures that strategies are consistently applied across different settings—home, school, work, or the community—so the individual receives the same support wherever they are. This consistency builds trust and helps the person feel safe and supported in all aspects of life.

Real-World Impact

Across Brisbane and Australia, Behaviour Support Services are making a real difference. Individuals once at risk of exclusion or crisis are now thriving in their environments—learning new skills, building relationships, and contributing to their communities in meaningful ways.

The shift from reactive to proactive support not only improves outcomes for the individual but also enhances the wellbeing of the people around them.

Final Thoughts

Behaviour Support Services are much more than a set of strategies. They’re about helping people feel seen, heard, and valued—no matter their abilities or background. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and a commitment to dignity and respect, these services promote long-term positive outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

If you or someone you care for is experiencing behaviours of concern, reaching out for Behaviour Support may be the first step toward lasting, meaningful change.

Explore Behaviour Support With Advance Care Solutions

At Advance Care Solutions, we provide personalised Behaviour Support Services across Brisbane and surrounding areas. Our qualified practitioners work collaboratively to design plans that promote safety, wellbeing and independence for individuals of all ages and support needs.