Every person communicates in their own way. For many people living with complex disabilities, behaviours that may appear challenging can often be a form of communication expressing unmet needs, discomfort, emotions, preferences, or difficulties navigating their environment. Understanding these behaviours is an essential part of delivering safe, respectful and effective disability support.

Within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), behaviours of concern are recognised as behaviours that may impact a person’s quality of life or create safety concerns for themselves or others. These behaviours may include actions linked to communication barriers, sensory needs, emotional distress, changes in routine, or environmental factors.

Rather than focusing only on the behaviour itself, quality disability support focuses on understanding why the behaviour occurs and identifying positive strategies that support the individual’s goals, independence and wellbeing.

Understanding Behaviours of Concern Through a Person-Centred Approach

A person-centred approach means seeing the individual first not their disability or behaviours.

Every person has unique experiences, strengths, preferences and communication styles. For participants with complex disability needs, support workers play an important role in recognising patterns, identifying triggers and creating environments where participants feel respected, understood and included.

Some common factors that may contribute to behaviours of concern include:

• Difficulty communicating needs or emotions
• Changes in routine or unfamiliar environments
• Sensory sensitivities
• Physical discomfort or health-related concerns
• Limited opportunities for choice and control
• Challenges accessing meaningful activities and social connections

By understanding these factors, support teams can develop more effective strategies that promote independence and improve daily experiences.

The Role of Positive Behaviour Support in Disability Services

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on improving a person’s quality of life by understanding the reasons behind behaviours and developing personalised strategies.

Effective positive behaviour support may involve:

 Identifying Individual Needs

Support teams work collaboratively with participants, families, carers and professionals to understand communication methods, preferences and support requirements.

Creating Consistent Support Strategies

Consistency is essential for participants with complex support needs. When support workers understand a participant’s behaviour support plan and follow agreed strategies, it creates a predictable and safe environment.

 Encouraging Communication and Choice

Many behaviours of concern may occur when individuals experience difficulty expressing what they need. Supporting alternative communication methods helps participants have greater control over their lives.

 Building Independence and Confidence

The goal is not simply to reduce behaviours but to support participants in developing skills, participating in their communities and achieving personal goals.

Providing Safe and Effective Support for Complex Disability Needs

Supporting individuals with complex disabilities requires skilled, compassionate and trained support workers who understand that every behaviour has meaning.

At RVP Care, we focus on delivering personalised disability support that respects each participant’s individuality, rights and aspirations. Our approach includes:

• Person-centred disability support
• Assistance with daily living activities
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) support
• Community participation support
• Individualised care planning
• Behaviour-aware support practices
• Collaboration with families, carers and allied health professionals

Our support workers are committed to creating positive relationships built on trust, respect and understanding. We recognised that meaningful support is about helping participants live fulfilling lives while maintaining choice, dignity and independence.

Why Understanding Behaviour Creates Better Outcomes

When behaviours of concern are misunderstood, individuals may experience unnecessary barriers, reduced participation and increased stress. However, when support teams take time to understand communication needs and personal circumstances, they can create environments where participants feel valued and supported.

Successful disability support is built on:

• Listening before responding
• Understanding individual communication styles
• Recognising personal triggers and preferences
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Promoting inclusion and community connection
• Maintaining dignity and respect

This approach allows participants to experience greater confidence, improved relationships and better opportunities to achieve their NDIS goals.

Working Together for Better Disability Support Outcomes

Complex disability support requires collaboration between participants, families, support workers, behaviour specialists, support coordinators and plan managers. A strong support network ensures participants receive coordinated services that align with their goals and NDIS plans.

Through our partnership with Ideal Care Services, participants can access coordinated support through experienced NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management services. This collaboration helps ensure participants receive guidance with navigating their NDIS plans, connecting with suitable supports and making informed decisions about their services.

At RVP Care, we believe that understanding behaviours of concern is not about changing who a person is it is about understanding their needs, recognising their voice and providing support that helps them live with greater independence, confidence and choice.