Understanding Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practices in the NDIS

[object Object] Behaviour support and restrictive practices are critical concepts within the NDIS framework. People with disabilities may at times exhibit challenging behaviours, and effective, ethical support is vital for their safety, rights, and well-being. This article outlines everything you need to know about behaviour support and restrictive practices, what is involved, why it’s important, the process under the NDIS, and the professionals who help guide people, families, and carers through these supports.

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What Are Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practices?

Behaviour support is a positive, proactive approach aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing behaviours of concern (also known as challenging behaviour) in people with disabilities. These supports focus on understanding why a person exhibits certain behaviours and addressing the causes, not just the symptoms. [object Object]

Restrictive practices refer to any practice or intervention that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. These are only ever used as a last resort to prevent harm, always for the shortest time possible, and under strict rules.

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Importance of Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practices

• Safety: Ensures the safety of people with disabilities, their families, and community members.
• Human Rights: Protects the dignity and rights of people with disability by minimising restrictions. [object Object]
• Quality of Life: Positive behaviour support can improve relationships, foster independence, and enable participation in the community.
• Legal Compliance: Providers and workers must follow the rules to comply with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards.

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How Behaviour Support Works

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Steps in the Behaviour Support Process

1. Assessment: Conducted by a Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner. This involves understanding the causes (or triggers) of behaviours of concern, usually by speaking to the person, carers, support workers, and sometimes observing the person in everyday situations.
2. Developing a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP): This is a formal document that outlines the strategies, environmental adjustments, skill development, and supports required. The aim is to address the behaviour in a positive, person-centred way. [object Object]
3. Implementation: The plan is put into action, with training for carers and workers to ensure everyone is supportive and acts consistently.
4. Monitoring and Review: The plan is regularly reviewed to measure outcomes and adjust strategies.

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Restrictive Practices: What Are They?

Restrictive practices include:

• Seclusion: Isolating a person in a room or space they cannot leave. [object Object]
• Physical Restraint: Using physical force to prevent movement.
• Mechanical Restraint: Using equipment to restrict movement (e.g. lap belts in wheelchairs not for postural support).
• Chemical Restraint: Use of medication to influence behaviour (not as part of medical treatment). [object Object]
• Environmental Restraint: Restricting access to an area or objects (locking doors, putting things out of reach).

Such practices are only used: [object Object]

• After all other less restrictive options have been tried.
• For the shortest possible time.
• In a manner that is proportionate to the risk. [object Object]

NOTE: Under the NDIS, all use of restrictive practices must be reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

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Behaviour Support within the NDIS

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Key Benefits and Features

• Evidence-Based: Plans are created by qualified practitioners, using best-practice interventions.
• Individually Tailored: Support responds to the unique needs of every person. [object Object]
• Family and Carer Involvement: Plans are developed in collaboration with those closest to the person.
• Transparency: Every use of a restrictive practice must be documented and reported.
• Built-in Safeguards: Ensures use of restrictive practices is reduced and avoided over time. [object Object]

Behaviour Support and Australian Migration

For people with disability, either new migrants or seeking to migrate to Australia: [object Object]

• The NDIS provides supports regardless of country of origin, as long as the person meets residency and eligibility criteria.
• Behaviour support services are delivered in culturally sensitive ways; interpreters and culturally competent practitioners can be requested.
• Navigating behaviour support in a new country can be challenging; support coordination and advocacy providers help migrants understand and access services. [object Object]
• Evidence of restrictive practices can impact visa applications or migration outcomes if there are legal impacts, but generally, participation in positive behaviour support is viewed positively.

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Common Challenges & Solutions

| Challenge | Solution | [object Object] |--------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Stigma around behaviours of concern | Education and open conversations within families, communities, and providers. | | Lack of qualified practitioners | Use of NDISFinder.com and professional bodies to locate specialists with required experience. | [object Object] | Communication barriers | Use of interpreters, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) trained professionals. | | Lack of consistency in implementation| Regular staff training, clear communication, and family/carer engagement. | | Overuse or misuse of restrictive practices | Strict adherence to reporting, robust oversight by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. | [object Object]

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Who Delivers Behaviour Support? Common Professions

• Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioners (often psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers).
• NDIS Support Coordinators (assist in linking people with behaviour support practitioners). [object Object]
• Disability Support Workers (implement behaviour support strategies).
• Speech Pathologists (help with communication-based interventions).
• Nurses and Allied Health Staff (assist with holistic care and medication management). [object Object]
• General Practitioners (sometimes support, especially with medication for behaviours).

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Real-Life Scenarios

Scenario 1: Child With Autism

[object Object] *Amir is a 10-year-old boy with autism. He sometimes hits himself when overwhelmed. His NDIS behaviour support plan includes strategies his school