Maximising the Benefits of Your Behaviour Support Service
May 6, 2025
Behaviour support services are designed to help individuals reduce risk behaviours and improve their quality of life. A great behaviour support service adopts a person-centred approach, exploring a person's life holistically and focusing on their strengths. At helpz, you can expect your behaviour support practitioner to be neuroaffirming, providing support that respects and values neurological differences. They tailor strategies to align with each individual's unique needs and preferences. To help you maximise the benefits of your behaviour support service, we have put together a comprehensive list of tips and strategies.
Set Clear Goals
- Identify Objectives: Work with your behaviour support specialist to identify specific, measurable goals. This could include reducing challenging behaviours, improving social skills, or increasing independence.
Regular Reviews: Regularly review and adjust your goals to ensure they remain relevant and achievable.
Engage Actively
- Participate Fully: Actively participate in all sessions and activities. The more engaged you are, the more you will benefit from the service.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about any aspect of the support plan. Understanding the process is key to success.
Be Honest
- Open Communication: Be honest with your behaviour support specialist about your experiences, challenges, and progress. Transparency helps tailor the support to your needs.
- Share Concerns: If something isn’t working or you’re facing difficulties, communicate this openly. It allows for timely adjustments to your plan.
Collect Data
- Track Progress: Keep detailed records of behaviours, incidents, and improvements. This data is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of strategies.
Use Tools: Utilise any tracking tools or apps recommended by your specialist to make data collection easier and more accurate.
Involve Key People
- Family and Caregivers: Involve family members or caregivers in the process. Their support and understanding can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the service.
Collaborate with Professionals: Work with other professionals involved in your care, such as teachers or therapists, to ensure a cohesive approach.
Implement Strategies Consistently
- Follow the Plan: Consistently implement the strategies and techniques recommended by your behaviour support specialist. Consistency is crucial for achieving lasting change.
- Monitor Progress: Keep track of your progress and any changes in behaviour. This information can help your specialist make necessary adjustments to your support plan.
Stay Positive and Patient
- Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Recognising achievements can boost motivation and confidence.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Behaviour change takes time. Stay patient and persistent, even if progress seems slow.
Utilise Resources
- Educational Materials: Take advantage of any educational materials or resources provided by your behaviour support service. These can offer valuable insights and additional strategies.
- Support Groups: Join support groups or forums where you can share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.
Provide Feedback
- Share Your Experience: Provide feedback to your behaviour support service about what is working well and what could be improved. Your input can help enhance the service for you and others.
By following these strategies, you can maximise the benefits of your behaviour support service and achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in your behaviour and overall well-being.
Learn more about behaviour support here.
News & Insights
Check Our Latest Resources
Understanding Megalocornea-Intellectual Disability Syndrome
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissio n has released a new suite of resources titled "Restrictive Practices and Me", designed to support meaningful conversations with participants when regulated restrictive practices are included in their behaviour support plans. These resources aim to uphold participants' rights and ensure that discussions around restrictive practices are accessible, respectful, and tailored to individual needs. Developed in collaboration with people with disability, NDIS providers, authorisation bodies, and advocacy organisations, the materials reflect a commitment to person-centred practice and transparency. What’s Included? The Restrictive Practices and Me toolkit features: A tip sheet for practitioners and providers Plain English and Easy Read discussion books A case study illustrating practical application A set of icons to visually represent different types of restrictive practices These resources are editable and adaptable, allowing practitioners to tailor content to each participant’s circumstances. For example, pages not relevant to a participant’s situation can be removed, and images can be reused in other formats. Why It Matters Under Section 20 of the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, participants must be informed when restrictive practices are proposed. These conversations must be conducted in a way that is easy to understand and respectful of the participant’s autonomy. The Commission emphasises that restrictive practices should only be used as a last resort, and must be the least restrictive option available. They must be included in a behaviour support plan and follow the appropriate authorisation processes. Regulatory Priorities for 2025–26 This initiative aligns with the NDIS Commission’s broader regulatory priorities for 2025–26, which include: Reducing and eliminating regulated restrictive practices Strengthening oversight of unregistered providers Improving management of high-risk health concerns Ensuring providers support and train skilled workers Commissioner Louise Glanville reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to human rights, stating that “practices that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of people with disability can be traumatic, dangerous and breach basic human rights." Accessing the Resources The Restrictive Practices and Me resources are available for download on the NDIS Commission website . Providers are encouraged to use, adapt, and share these tools to foster informed, respectful, and rights-based conversations with participants. Link : Talking to participants about Restrictive Practices Reference: NDIS Commision 2025-26 priorities focus: participant rights and safer services
By Tharon Neurodivergent Consultant at helpz
