Behaviour Support that's rights-based, always.

The preferred pathway is our online referral form. You can also call 0433 030 949 or email info@yellowbird.au. Participants, families, support coordinators and providers can all refer. It helps to include the participant's NDIS plan details, current supports, any existing behaviour support plan and any restrictive practices currently in place. We will contact you to discuss the referral, funding and whether telehealth or face-to-face support suits.

Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based framework that focuses on understanding why a person engages in behaviours of concern and building a personalised plan to improve quality of life. PBS is rights-based — it prioritises the least restrictive approach and aims to reduce or eliminate restrictive practices over time.

Usually we start by getting to know the person and the people who support them, reading existing reports, and observing and gathering information. This functional behaviour assessment informs a behaviour support plan written with the person, family and support team. The plan is then put into practice through training and support for the people who use it, and reviewed over time. The exact steps depend on the person and the plan type required.

A behaviour support plan is a documented plan developed by a behaviour support practitioner following a functional behaviour assessment. It sets out the person's strengths, the likely reasons behind identified behaviours, proactive strategies and — only where necessary — any regulated restrictive practices with clear reduction goals and review timelines.

NDIS participants can use their plan for specialist behaviour support when it includes suitable funding, usually Capacity Building — Improved Relationships (09). This is typically included where behaviours of concern affect a person's quality of life or safety, or the safety of others. Your plan manager or support coordinator can help check your plan.

Yes. Initial conversations, assessment interviews, plan development, team training and reviews can often happen by telehealth anywhere in Australia. Observation in everyday environments is important, so we discuss what can be done remotely and what needs to be in person. Mobile appointments cover MidCoast, Maitland, Dungog and Port Stephens LGAs and the Mid North Coast region. Enquire about availability.

Behaviour support plans may include regulated restrictive practices only where there is no less restrictive option and it is in the person's best interest. Restrictive practices must be authorised under the relevant state or territory process and reported to the NDIS Commission as required. Our goal is always to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices over time.

The NDIS Commission assesses behaviour support practitioners against a capability framework with different levels. More complex plans, including those involving regulated restrictive practices, need a practitioner assessed at an appropriate level. You can ask us about the practitioner's current suitability before support starts, and check the NDIS Commission's public information.

Often, yes. Behaviour support focuses on understanding behaviours of concern and building a plan with the support team; psychology focuses on mental health, emotional wellbeing and therapy. When we provide both, our team works together. Whether both can be funded depends on the participant's plan. See our psychology page for more.

Yellowbird is not an emergency or crisis service. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000. Follow any emergency steps already in the person's behaviour support plan, and report incidents as required. For non-urgent questions, contact us on 0433 030 949.