What Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Do? A Full Guide for Families and Carers
NDIS participants, families and carers often hear the term behaviour support practitioner, yet many are unsure of what the role truly involves or where to look when they need to find a behaviour support practitioner. Understanding this role is essential when choosing the right supports and ensuring individuals receive care that genuinely improves quality of life and helps build capacity.
Behaviour support is not simply about responding to behaviours of concern. Instead, it is about understanding why behaviour occurs and providing people with the skills and supportive environments they need to thrive.
At FABIC, behaviour support is grounded in an evidence based approach that views behaviour as a form of communication. People demonstrate behaviour to express a need, avoid something overwhelming or communicate when words are not available or effective. Below is a clear overview of what a behaviour support practitioner does, how behaviour supports fit within the NDIS, and what families and carers can expect from the behaviour support journey.
Understanding the Role of a Behaviour Support Practitioner
A behaviour support practitioner is a trained professional who specialises in assessing behaviours of concern, identifying the function of behaviour and developing strategies that support long term skill development. Their focus is not on managing or “fixing” behaviour. Instead, they aim to understand the person behind the behaviour and support them to build alternative skills that can replace unsafe or unhelpful behaviour patterns.
A practitioner works holistically by considering the person’s environment, communication needs, sensory profile, emotional capacity and developmental stage. This ensures that strategies introduced are tailored, respectful and meaningful.
When working with NDIS participants, practitioners may also be referred to as an NDIS behaviour support practitioner, particularly when their work aligns with NDIS behaviour support reporting and plan requirements for NDIS participants receiving funding for Positive Behaviour Support.
Their overarching objective is to promote safety, independence and wellbeing through compassionate, practical and evidence based support.
Why Behaviour Support Is Important
Behaviours of concern often arise when a person does not have the skills, capacity or confidence to navigate a situation effectively. This may be due to communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, transitions, uncertainty, emotional overwhelm or unmet needs.
Behaviour support provides a structured and supportive framework that helps individuals learn skills in areas such as communication, self regulation, independence and problem solving.
Benefits of behaviour support include:
- Greater emotional understanding and regulation
- Improved daily routines and participation
- Reduction in behaviours that limit opportunities or safety
- Increased independence and decision making
- Clearer communication between the person and their support network
- Enhanced relationships with peers, family and support workers
When behaviour support is implemented consistently, it can lead to significant and lasting improvements in the person’s confidence and overall wellbeing.
How Behaviour Support Works Within the NDIS
For individuals receiving NDIS funding, behaviour support is structured and delivered under the NDIS Behaviour Supports category 0110. The NDIS requires practitioners to follow specific guidelines to ensure behaviour support plans are ethical, person centred and focused on reducing restrictive practices.
The behaviour support process generally involves four key stages.
1. Functional Behaviour Assessment
A practitioner begins by conducting a thorough Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA). This assessment helps identify the reasons behind the behaviour and the environmental, social or emotional factors that influence it.
The process may involve:
- Observing the person in their daily environments
- Talking with family, carers, teachers and support workers
- Reviewing communication methods and unmet needs
- Identifying patterns, triggers and consequences
- Considering sensory or physical factors
A well conducted FBA provides the foundation for an effective behaviour support plan.
2. Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
Once the assessment is complete, the practitioner develops a tailored Positive Behaviour Support Plan. This plan outlines strategies that aim to improve quality of life by teaching functional alternative skills, preventing escalation and ensuring the person feels supported and understood.
A behaviour support plan typically includes:
- Proactive supports and routines
- Skill building strategies that promote independence
- Environmental adjustments that reduce stress
- Clear steps for responding to early warning signs
- Safety strategies, if they are required
- Guidance for the person’s support team
These plans are designed to feel natural within home, school, community and other daily settings.
3. Supporting Families, Carers and Support Workers
Even the strongest behaviour support plan relies on consistent implementation. A key role of a behaviour support practitioner is to support families, carers and support workers through training and modelling.
This may include:
- Demonstrating strategies in real time
- Helping teams understand the purpose behind each strategy
- Adjusting routines to make implementation easier
- Providing emotional support and confidence building
- Troubleshooting challenges that arise
The practitioner works collaboratively with everyone involved, ensuring that the person receives consistent, predictable and supportive responses across all environments.
4. Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Strategies
Behaviour support is an ongoing process. As individuals grow and their needs change, strategies may need to be adjusted to ensure the plan will still be the most effective for that individual.
Practitioners regularly review progress, refine plans and ensure the support required remains appropriate and effective. This ongoing involvement helps maintain progress and supports long-term skill development.
Responsibilities of a Behaviour Support Practitioner
A practitioner’s responsibilities extend beyond writing a plan. Their broader role includes:
- Conducting functional behavioural assessments
- Developing NDIS compliant plans
- Ensuring ethical and safe practice
- Monitoring outcomes and progress
- Collaborating with allied health and educational teams
- Supporting the reduction of restrictive practices
- Providing ongoing training and review
- Advocating for the individual’s best interests
Their work is grounded in compassion, skill development and long term behavioural change.
What Families and Carers Can Expect
Families and carers bring essential knowledge to the behaviour support process. Practitioners value collaboration and encourage open communication.
You can expect:
- Transparency during assessments and planning
- Clear explanations of strategies
- Supportive coaching
- Regular reviews and goal setting
- A respectful and compassionate approach
Many families report significant improvements such as increased resilience, clearer communication and enhanced participation in daily activities. Over time, individuals often experience greater independence and confidence.
Internal Links
Learn more about FABIC’s behaviour support services:
Behaviour Support Practitioner
For further insight, read our guide to Positive Behaviour Support:
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Explained: Strategies, Examples, and When to Use It
Understanding what a behaviour support practitioner does allows families and NDIS participants to make informed decisions about behaviour supports. Whether someone is referred to as a behaviour support practitioner or an NDIS behaviour practitioner, their focus remains consistent: supporting individuals to build new skills, reduce behaviours of concern and experience greater success across all life areas.
Behaviour support is not about short term fixes. It is a long term, empowering process designed to create meaningful change. With the right guidance, individuals can improve emotional regulation, strengthen communication and participate more confidently in daily routines.
To learn how a FABIC Behaviour Support Practitioner can support your individual needs, contact our team today to begin your next steps with clarity and confidence.
