Specialist Behaviour Support is the NDIS term for Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Both Positive Behaviour Support and Improved Daily Living aim to improve independence and quality of life, but they are used in different situations and provide different levels of support.
This guide explains the difference in plain language.
What is Specialist Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), also known in the NDIS as Specialist Behaviour Support, is designed for people who experience behaviours of concernthat affect safety, wellbeing, or participation in everyday life.
Behaviours of concern may include:
aggression
self-harm
property damage
or actions that make it hard to stay safe or do everyday activities.
These behaviours can sometimes lead to restrictive practices. These are rules or actions that limit your choices or movement for safety reasons or choices to prevent harm.
How Specialist Behaviour Supports helps:
Specialist Behaviour Support focusses on understanding why behaviours happen and supporting positive, meaningful change. It includes:
Learning why these behaviours happen
Making a plan to reduce or manage them
Working with your family, carers, and support workers so everyone knows what to do
Reducing or removing restrictive practices (things that limit your choices or movement).
Positive Behaviour Support is delivered by highly trained Behaviour Support Practitioners and is considered a specialist, higher-intensity support.
NDIS funding for Positive Behaviour Support
To access Specialist Behaviour Support, your NDIS plan must include:
Behaviour Support funding, or
Improved Relationships funding
When is Specialist Behaviour Support Right for you?
Specialist Behaviour Support may be suitable if:
Behaviours place you or others at risk
Restrictive practices are in place or being considered
Behaviours significantly limit daily life, learning, or social participation
We provide Positive Behaviour Support (Specialist Behaviour Support) across Australia, including: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Launceston, and many regional areas. See the locations we provide our specialist behaviour support.
What is Improved Daily Living?
Improved Daily Living programs are about building everyday skills so you can live more independently and feel confident. They’re great for people who might have moderate challenging behaviours, but don’t need the full intensity of Specialist Behaviour Support.
These programs help you:
Learn skills for personal care (getting dressed, cooking, cleaning)
Communication skills
Build confidence to join community activities
Create healthy habits and routines
Reduce challenging behaviours by teaching positive alternatives.
Programs are typically delivered over eight tailored sessions by allied health professionals such as:
Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapists
Behaviour Support Practitioners
NDIS Funding for Improved Daily Living
To access Improved Daily Living, you’ll need:
Improved Daily Living funding in your NDIS plan
To be receiving at least one other allied health service (such as OT or Speech Pathology)
If behaviours become more complex, your practitioner may work with your support team to recommend Specialist Behaviour Support funding in your NDIS plan.
When are Improved Daily Living Programs Right for you?
Improved Daily Living may be suitable if:
You want to improve independence and daily life skills
You experience moderate behaviours that impact everyday life
Restrictive practices are not required
You have Improved Daily Living funding in your plan
Key differences between Positive Behaviour Support and Improved Daily Living
Focus
Specialist Behaviour support = Managing and reducing challenging behaviours and restrictive practices, if they’re in place
Improved Daily Living = Moderate support over eight sessions
Intensity
Specialist Behaviour Support = More intensive, for complex behaviours
Improved Daily Living = Moderate support over eight sessions
Funding
Specialist Behaviour Support = Needs Behaviour Support or Improved Relationships funding
Improved Daily Living = Needs Improved Daily Living funding
Which NDIS Support Should you Choose?
If your behaviours are severe and affect your safety or freedom, Specialist Behaviour Support is likely the right option.
If your goal is to build everyday skills Improved Daily Living programs might be suitable for you. They can help you manage everyday behaviours.
Still unsure?
Speak to one of our friendly Access team members on 1300 197 131 – they can help you choose the right support for your goals. Or if you’re ready to get started, please complete our online enquiry form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Specialist Behaviour Support and who is it for?
Specialist Behaviour Support is designed for people who exhibit behaviours of concern such as aggression, self-harm, or actions that impact safety and daily activities. It helps by understanding why these behaviours occur, creating management plans, working with support networks, and reducing restrictive practices.
When should I consider Specialist Behaviour Support?
You should consider Specialist Behaviour Support if your behaviours put you or others at risk, if restrictive practices are involved in your plan, or if your behaviours hinder your participation in daily or social activities.
What is the focus of Improved Daily Living programs?
Improved Daily Living programs aim to build everyday skills like personal care, communication, confidence in community activities, and healthy routines to help individuals live more independently.
Who are the Improved Daily Living programs suitable for?
These programs are suitable for those who want to improve their independence, have moderate challenging behaviours without the need for restrictive practices, and have the necessary funding in their NDIS plan.
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