What a behaviour support practitioner does
A behaviour support practitioner works with you, your family and your supports to understand behaviours of concern: why they happen, what they communicate and what needs are not being met. The aim is a better life for you, not just less of the behaviour.
Only a practitioner the NDIS Commission has found suitable can do this work under the NDIS. Until someone is found suitable, they cannot do behaviour support assessments or write behaviour support plans, even under supervision.
- Behaviour support assessments, including functional behaviour assessments
- Interim and comprehensive behaviour support plans
- Training the people who support you to use the strategies in the plan
- Reviewing the plan and working to reduce and remove restrictive practices
Who can become one
There is no single required degree. Practitioners often come from psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, education or nursing backgrounds, but what counts is their skill in positive behaviour support.
They must also be engaged by a registered NDIS provider, or be registered themselves, for example as a sole trader. Providers of this support are registered for specialist behaviour supports (registration group 0110) and must meet the specialist behaviour support module of the NDIS Practice Standards.
How the NDIS Commission decides who is suitable
Applicants are assessed against the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework, which describes the knowledge and skills needed across 7 domains. The Framework has four capability levels: core, proficient, advanced and specialist. The Commission does not endorse a level. It only decides that a person is suitable, not suitable, or that it is unable to make a decision.
There are two ways to apply:
- Self assessment pathway: the applicant assesses themselves against the Framework and a supervisor endorses a portfolio of evidence
- New entry level pathway: for people with less than 6 months of positive behaviour support experience or limited evidence. They need supervision from a practitioner at proficient level or above, a professional development plan and a supervision agreement
Behaviour support plans and restrictive practices
Once engaged by a specialist behaviour support provider, the practitioner must write an interim behaviour support plan within 1 month and a comprehensive behaviour support plan within 6 months. The interim plan focuses on keeping everyone safe while a full functional behaviour assessment is done.
A comprehensive plan should explain the function of the behaviour, the changes needed in your environment, skills you can learn and how supporters should respond. If it includes regulated restrictive practices, it must be reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if your situation changes.
Restrictive practices can only be used as a last resort, in line with the plan and any authorisation your state or territory requires. A good practitioner treats reducing them as a core goal.
How it is funded and what it costs
Specialist behaviour support is usually funded in the improved relationships part of your Capacity Building budget. In the NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026/27, the price limit for specialist behavioural intervention support is $252.99 an hour in most of Australia, higher in remote and very remote areas.
Practitioners charge for assessment, plan writing, training your supports and reviews, so ask for a quote and an estimate of total hours before you start. Because this is a registered support, you need a registered provider whether you are agency managed, plan managed or self managed.
Choosing a practitioner
Look for someone with experience in your type of disability and your age group, and who will spend time getting to know you and the people around you. You can check whether a person has been found suitable using the NDIS Commission's search for behaviour support practitioners.
Good questions to ask: how they will involve you in writing the plan, how they will train your support workers and family, and how they plan to reduce any restrictive practices over time.
For providers and practitioners
New entry level practitioners who want to work as a sole trader, or as key personnel of a specialist behaviour support provider, may be found not suitable unless they will employ a practitioner at proficient level or above with 2 years of experience. The Commission can also add conditions to registration, such as extra supervision or clinical oversight. Most applications are processed within 4 to 6 weeks, and a valid NDIS worker screening clearance is needed.