Behaviour Support for Intellectual Disability

Understanding Behaviour Support for Intellectual Disability

Behaviour support for intellectual disability focuses on understanding why behaviours of concern occur and developing positive strategies to address them. Rather than trying to “manage” or control behaviour, positive behaviour support works to identify unmet needs, improve communication, and build new skills.

People with intellectual disability may express frustration, discomfort, or unmet needs through behaviours that others find challenging. These behaviours always serve a purpose. A functional behaviour assessment helps our practitioners understand what a person is communicating, so we can respond with the right support rather than restrictions.

At Ararat Wellness, our NDIS behaviour support services are built on the principle that every person has the right to live free from restrictive practices wherever possible. Our team works within the NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework to deliver ethical, rights-based care.

How We Develop Behaviour Support Plans

Our practitioners follow a structured, evidence-based process for every participant:

1. Initial consultation – We meet with the participant, their family, and support team to understand the person’s history, preferences, strengths, and current challenges
2. Functional behaviour assessment – Our practitioners observe and analyse behaviours of concern to identify triggers, patterns, and underlying needs
3. Behaviour support plan – We develop an interim or comprehensive plan with practical strategies for the participant, their family, and support workers
4. Implementation and training – We coach everyone involved in the participant’s care to apply strategies consistently
5. Review and adjustment – Regular reviews ensure the plan evolves as the participant’s needs change and new goals emerge

Types of Behaviours We Support

Our behaviour support practitioners have experience working with a wide range of behaviours of concern in people with intellectual disability, including:

• Self-injurious behaviour – Head banging, skin picking, biting, or other forms of self-harm
• Physical aggression – Hitting, kicking, scratching, or throwing objects
• Property destruction – Breaking items, damaging walls, or tearing clothing
• Elopement and absconding – Leaving safe environments without notice
• Verbal aggression – Screaming, threatening language, or persistent verbal disruption
• Withdrawal and refusal – Refusing to participate in daily activities, meals, or personal care

Each of these behaviours communicates something important. Our role is to listen, understand, and respond with strategies that support the person’s wellbeing and independence. Learn more about our approach to positive behaviour support plans.

NDIS Funding for Behaviour Support

Behaviour support for intellectual disability is typically funded under the NDIS Improved Relationships support category (previously known as Capacity Building). To access this funding, participants need behaviour support included in their NDIS plan.

If you are unsure whether your plan includes behaviour support funding, your support coordinator can help clarify your available supports. You can also contact our team directly and we will guide you through the process.

Access to NDIS-funded behaviour support depends on individual plan funding. The NDIA makes all funding decisions based on each participant’s circumstances.

Who Our Practitioners Are

Our behaviour support team includes practitioners with qualifications in psychology, counselling, and behavioural science. The team is led by Karen Ceccon (Master of Counselling, Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology, ACA Level 4 Counsellor), who supervises all behaviour support services.

Our practitioners hold registration under the NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework and maintain ongoing professional development. We work with children aged 8 and above, adolescents, and adults across a range of intellectual disability presentations.

Service Areas

Based in Ararat, we provide behaviour support for intellectual disability across Ballarat, Horsham, the Grampians region, and greater Melbourne. Our secure telehealth service extends NDIS behaviour support to participants anywhere in Australia. Whether you are in a regional town or a capital city, our practitioners can work with you and your support team remotely.

Book a Consultation Today

If you are looking for behaviour support for intellectual disability from a registered NDIS provider, contact Ararat Wellness today. Our team will discuss your needs, explain how we can help, and guide you through the referral process. You can also explore our related services including NDIS counselling and behaviour support for autism.

This information is general in nature and does not replace professional advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or emergency services on 000.