Specialist Behaviour Support
Positive support that reduces restrictive practices.
Specialist Behaviour Support provides focused support and training to people with disability and their support networks, aiming to improve wellbeing and quality of life while reducing challenging behaviours and the use of restrictive practices. Rather than treating behaviour in isolation, GRS takes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists to understand the underlying causes of behaviours of concern. This collaborative model allows the team to develop comprehensive behaviour support plans that address the root causes of behaviour, not just its outward expression. The approach is holistic, person-centred, and strengths-based, recognising that behaviour is often a form of communication shaped by a person's environment, health, relationships, and unmet needs. Support extends beyond the individual to their family, carers, and support workers, who are trained to understand and respond consistently to behaviour support strategies. The ultimate goal is to improve relationships and quality of life, helping participants feel understood and supported while reducing reliance on restrictive practices wherever possible, in line with contemporary, rights-based approaches to behaviour support.
Our Approach
GRS delivers specialist behaviour support through a structured, assessment-led process, beginning with a functional behaviour assessment to understand what is driving a person's behaviours of concern. From there, a multidisciplinary team, which may include psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists, works collaboratively with the participant, their family, and support network to develop a comprehensive behaviour support plan. As an NDIS-registered provider, GRS develops both interim and comprehensive plans in line with NDIS requirements, including plans that address restrictive practices where relevant. Ongoing data collection and regular reviews ensure that plans remain responsive to a participant's changing needs and circumstances. Training is provided to support workers, families, and other stakeholders implementing the plan, ensuring strategies are applied consistently across environments. Throughout, the approach stays person-centred, strengths-based, and focused on improving relationships and quality of life, rather than simply managing or suppressing behaviour, reflecting a genuinely collaborative and holistic model of support.
What We Offer
Functional Assessment
Understanding the causes behind behaviours of concern.
Behaviour Support Plans
Interim and comprehensive PBS plans, aligned with NDIS requirements.
Family & Support Worker Training
Consistent, confident responses across every environment.
Within NDIS Plans
- Functional Behaviour Assessments
- Behaviour Support Intervention and Management Plans
- Interim and Comprehensive Specialist Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSP) — with or without restrictive practices
- Ongoing data collection and PBSP / restrictive practice reviews
- Training to PBSP-implementing providers, stakeholders, and support workers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is specialist behaviour support for?
Specialist behaviour support is for people with disability who experience behaviours of concern that affect their wellbeing, relationships, or quality of life. It also supports their families, carers, and support workers, helping the whole network respond consistently and constructively.
What happens in an initial behaviour support consultation?
An initial consultation typically involves a functional behaviour assessment to understand the causes and patterns behind a person's behaviours of concern. The team gathers information from the participant, family, and support workers to begin developing a tailored behaviour support plan.
Is specialist behaviour support funded by the NDIS?
Yes, specialist behaviour support is a recognised NDIS support, and GRS is a registered provider developing interim and comprehensive behaviour support plans, including those addressing restrictive practices, in line with NDIS requirements.
What is a comprehensive behaviour support plan?
A comprehensive behaviour support plan is a detailed, evidence-based plan developed after thorough assessment, outlining strategies to address behaviours of concern and any restrictive practices in use. It's developed collaboratively and reviewed regularly as circumstances change.
Does GRS train support workers and families?
Yes, GRS provides training to support workers, family members, and other stakeholders responsible for implementing a behaviour support plan, helping ensure strategies are applied consistently across home, community, and other settings.
How do I access specialist behaviour support through GRS?
You can access specialist behaviour support with a referral from a support coordinator, GP, or by contacting GRS directly. Our multidisciplinary team will discuss the participant's needs and begin the assessment and planning process.
How long does it take to develop a behaviour support plan?
Timeframes vary depending on complexity, but the process typically begins with a functional behaviour assessment before moving to an interim plan, followed by a more detailed comprehensive plan. GRS keeps participants and families informed of expected timeframes throughout the process.
Does specialist behaviour support only apply to children?
No, specialist behaviour support at GRS is available to people of all ages, including adults, wherever behaviours of concern or restrictive practices have been identified as part of their NDIS plan. Support is tailored to the person's age, environment, and circumstances.
Can specialist behaviour support help reduce reliance on restrictive practices already in place?
Yes, a key aim of specialist behaviour support is to reduce reliance on restrictive practices over time, where safe and appropriate to do so. This is done gradually through evidence-based strategies, ongoing monitoring, and close collaboration with the participant's support network.
Ready to get started with Specialist Behaviour Support?
Refer a client or get in touch with our team.