Updated October 2026
NDIS Behaviour Support helps people with disability understand and manage behaviours of concern, improve communication and build greater independence.
This guide explains how NDIS Behaviour Support works, what a Behaviour Support Plan includes, who can provide specialist Behaviour Support and how to access NDIS funding. It also covers the latest 2026 NDIS Behaviour Support rules and changes.
What Is Behaviour Support Under the NDIS?
Behaviour Support is an evidence-based, person-centred approach that focuses on understanding why behaviours occur, rather than simply trying to stop them.
Behaviours of concern may be a way of communicating unmet needs, distress, discomfort or difficulties with a person's environment.
An NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner works with the person, their family, carers and support workers to identify what contributes to these behaviours and develop practical strategies to improve everyday life.
Behaviour Support can help with:
- Improving communication and expressing needs
- Developing emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Reducing behaviours of concern
- Improving relationships and community participation
- Building independence and daily living skills
- Reducing and eliminating restrictive practices
What Is an NDIS Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)?
A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is a personalised plan developed by an NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner who has been assessed as suitable by the NDIS Commission.
It explains why behaviours of concern may occur and outlines strategies to support the person and improve their quality of life.
A Behaviour Support Plan may include:
- Findings from a behaviour support assessment, including a functional behaviour assessment where appropriate
- Strategies to address unmet needs and improve communication
- Changes to the person's environment and routines
- Skills development and emotional regulation strategies
- Guidance and training for families and support workers
- Strategies to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices
Not everyone receiving Behaviour Support needs a formal Behaviour Support Plan. However, a plan is required when regulated restrictive practices are used.
Where regulated restrictive practices are involved, an interim Behaviour Support Plan must generally be developed within one month of the specialist provider being engaged, and a comprehensive plan within six months.
Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans containing regulated restrictive practices must be reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if the person's circumstances change.
Read more in our guide to Behaviour Support Plans in the NDIS.
Who Can Deliver NDIS Behaviour Support?
Under current NDIS rules, specialist Behaviour Support must be delivered through a provider registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission under registration group 0110.
The individual Behaviour Support practitioner must also have been assessed as suitable by the NDIS Commission to conduct Behaviour Support assessments and develop Behaviour Support Plans.
These requirements apply however the participant's NDIS plan is managed.
Psychologists, occupational therapists and other professionals may become Behaviour Support practitioners, but their professional qualifications alone do not make them suitable to deliver specialist NDIS Behaviour Support.
For more information, read our guide: Who Can Deliver Behaviour Support in the NDIS? (2026 Guide).
Latest 2026 Changes to NDIS Behaviour Support
There have been three notable updates to NDIS Behaviour Support guidance, pricing and administration in 2026:
- April 2026: The NDIS Commission published updated suitability guidance for new entry-level Behaviour Support practitioners, including supervision and assessment requirements.
- 24 September 2026: The NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27 was announced, raising the price limit for Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support to $252.99 an hour, effective from 1 July 2026.
- 12 October 2026: The new NDIS Commission Portal began accepting new and reviewed Behaviour Support Plans. Reporting for plans lodged before this date remains in the existing portal.
These changes do not remove the requirement for specialist Behaviour Support providers to be registered or for practitioners to be assessed as suitable.
See the latest NDIS Commission Behaviour Support guidance.
How Do You Get NDIS Funding for Behaviour Support?
The NDIS can fund specialist Behaviour Support when it relates to a participant's disability support needs and meets NDIS funding criteria.
Where the funding appears depends on the type of plan:
- PACE plans (most new and reassessed plans): Behaviour Support has its own Behaviour Support budget category.
- Older (legacy) plans: Behaviour Support is usually funded under Capacity Building – Improved Relationships.
In both cases, Behaviour Support funding is a stated support. It can only be used for Behaviour Support and cannot be moved to other budgets, such as Improved Daily Living.
Funding may cover:
- Behaviour Support assessments
- Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
- Training family members, carers and support workers
- Implementing and reviewing Behaviour Support strategies
If your NDIS plan does not include Behaviour Support funding, you can contact the NDIA to discuss your needs. Depending on how much your needs have changed, the NDIA may consider a plan variation or a plan reassessment.
Supporting evidence from a suitable Behaviour Support practitioner or other treating professional may help explain why specialist Behaviour Support is needed.
Read our guide: How to Get Behaviour Support Funding in Your NDIS Plan.
How Much Does NDIS Behaviour Support Cost?
Under the NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27, announced on 24 September 2026 and effective from 1 July 2026, the maximum national hourly rate for Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support is $252.99.
Higher price limits apply in remote ($354.19) and very remote ($379.49) areas. Additional charges may apply for eligible travel, reports and other services under the NDIS rules.
Check the latest rates using the MyCareSpace NDIS Price Search Tool.
Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Behaviour Support
Does everyone receiving Behaviour Support need a Behaviour Support Plan?
No. Not everyone receiving Behaviour Support needs a formal Behaviour Support Plan, although specialist Behaviour Support often involves developing one. A plan is required when regulated restrictive practices are used.
Can an unregistered provider deliver NDIS specialist Behaviour Support?
No. Specialist Behaviour Support must be delivered through a registered specialist Behaviour Support provider, by a practitioner assessed as suitable by the NDIS Commission.
Which part of my NDIS plan pays for Behaviour Support?
In PACE plans, Behaviour Support has its own Behaviour Support budget. In older (legacy) plans, it is usually funded under Capacity Building – Improved Relationships.
Can Behaviour Support help autistic people?
Yes. Behaviour Support can help autistic children and adults who experience behaviours of concern by identifying unmet needs, improving communication and developing practical strategies suited to the individual.
What is the difference between Behaviour Support and psychology?
Behaviour Support focuses on understanding behaviours of concern and developing practical strategies to improve everyday life. It often involves working closely with families, carers and support workers.
NDIS-funded psychology focuses on building disability-related emotional, social and everyday functioning skills.
Some NDIS participants benefit from both services working together, depending on their needs. Read more: Psychology vs Behaviour Support: What's the Difference in the NDIS?
Can I get a mobile NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner?
Yes. Some NDIS Behaviour Support practitioners offer home visits, community-based appointments or online sessions. Home visits can help practitioners understand the person's everyday environment and work with family members and support workers.
Does the NDIS fund Behaviour Support for children?
Yes. The NDIS may fund Behaviour Support for children when it relates to their disability support needs and meets NDIS funding criteria.
Behaviour Support for children may include working with parents, carers, teachers and other professionals to understand behaviours of concern and develop practical strategies that support the child's wellbeing and participation in everyday activities.
Need Help Finding an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner?
The MyCareSpace Connections Team can help you find registered specialist Behaviour Support providers with availability in your area.
Whether you need a Behaviour Support Plan, ongoing Behaviour Support or a mobile practitioner offering home visits, we can help you find suitable providers.
Find an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner
Last reviewed: 20 October 2026. For the latest requirements, refer to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
