When it comes to supporting people with disability, understanding behaviour is key. In Brisbane behaviour support specialists are playing an increasingly vital role in helping individuals live safer, more fulfilling lives — not just for the person themselves, but for their families, carers, and wider community. These professionals are the quiet achievers behind personalised plans, positive outcomes, and safer support environments.

So, what exactly do behaviour support specialists do? And why are they so important in the disability sector here in Brisbane?

Let’s unpack their role and the impact they have on individuals and the broader community.

What Is Behaviour Support?

Behaviour support is a service designed to reduce behaviours of concern — often referred to as challenging behaviours — in a way that respects the person’s rights, dignity, and wellbeing. These behaviours might include things like aggression, self-harm, withdrawal, or property damage. They often arise from unmet needs, communication barriers, trauma, or environmental factors.

The aim of behaviour support isn’t to “fix” or “punish” behaviour, but to understand it. It’s about figuring out the ‘why’ behind the behaviour, and then putting in place positive, proactive strategies to support the individual.

In Australia, behaviour support services are often provided under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), with a strong focus on reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices.

Who Are Behaviour Support Specialists?

Behaviour support specialists — sometimes called behaviour practitioners — are professionals trained in psychology, social work, allied health, or disability services. They specialise in working with people who display behaviours of concern, and they have the skills to design evidence-based strategies that are tailored to the individual’s unique situation.

In Brisbane, these specialists work across a range of settings — in homes, supported accommodation, schools, day programs, and in the community. They collaborate closely with families, support workers, educators, therapists, and NDIS providers.

Their work is guided by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, particularly when it comes to developing and implementing Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs).

What Does A Behaviour Support Specialist Actually Do?

1. Conduct Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA)

The first step is to understand the person’s behaviour in context. Behaviour support specialists will observe the individual, gather information from those around them, and conduct a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA). This assessment helps pinpoint the triggers, patterns, and purposes of specific behaviours.

Is the behaviour a way of communicating distress? Is it linked to sensory needs? Or is it a reaction to something in the environment? The FBA provides a roadmap to guide support strategies.

2. Develop Behaviour Support Plans

Using the insights from the FBA, the specialist will then create a Behaviour Support Plan. This document outlines positive strategies to support the person, including:

• Preventative measures (e.g. changes to routine or environment)
  
  
• Skill-building approaches (e.g. teaching alternative ways to communicate)
  
  
• Strategies for de-escalation
  
  
• Guidelines for responding safely and respectfully to behaviours of concern
  
  

Where necessary, the plan may also include the use of restrictive practices — but only as a last resort, and only in line with the NDIS Commission’s rules and reporting requirements.

3. Train and Support Staff and Families

Even the best Behaviour Support Plan won’t make a difference unless it’s put into action. That’s why specialists spend time coaching and training the people around the individual — whether that’s support workers, educators, or family members.

They help others understand the reasoning behind behaviours, how to respond effectively, and how to keep everyone safe and supported. It’s all about building confidence, consistency, and a shared understanding.

4. Monitor, Review, and Adjust

Behaviour isn’t static — it changes with time, experience, and circumstance. Behaviour support specialists continue to monitor the effectiveness of the strategies, review data, and adjust the plan as needed.

In Brisbane, where access to community services and supports can vary, ongoing review is especially important to make sure the individual continues to receive the right level of support.

Why Their Role Matters — Especially In Brisbane

Brisbane is a growing, diverse city with a vibrant disability community. But like many areas in Australia, it faces challenges when it comes to accessing quality support — particularly for individuals with complex needs.

Behaviour support specialists help bridge that gap. They offer:

• Early intervention to prevent behaviours from escalating
  
  
• Culturally appropriate support, especially in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or CALD communities
  
  
• Advocacy, ensuring the person’s voice is central to all planning and decision-making
  
  
• Professional guidance to help providers meet NDIS compliance and best-practice standards
  
  

Their work doesn’t just improve quality of life for individuals — it also helps build more inclusive, safer support environments across Brisbane’s disability sector.

Reducing Restrictive Practices — A Key Responsibility

One of the most important parts of the behaviour support specialist’s role is helping to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices. These include things like physical restraint, seclusion, chemical restraint (medication to control behaviour), or limits on freedom of movement.

Under the NDIS, these practices are strictly regulated — and for good reason. They can cause harm and are only meant to be used when absolutely necessary, and always with oversight.

Behaviour support specialists are responsible for:

• Authoring behaviour support plans that justify and document any restrictive practice
  
  
• Registering these plans with the NDIS Commission
  
  
• Working to phase out restrictive practices over time, by introducing safer, more person-centred alternatives
  
  

This is one area where their clinical skills, ethical practice, and advocacy role come together. It’s not about quick fixes — it’s about long-term, sustainable change.

Looking Ahead — A Growing Demand For Specialists

As Brisbane’s disability sector continues to evolve, the need for behaviour support specialists is on the rise. With more NDIS participants seeking tailored support, and a growing awareness of trauma-informed care, these professionals are becoming central to service delivery.

For organisations, investing in quality behaviour support isn’t just about meeting compliance. It’s about delivering genuine person-centred care and empowering people with disability to live the life they choose.

And for families and support teams, having a skilled behaviour support specialist on board can make all the difference — turning confusion and crisis into understanding and positive change.

Final Thoughts

Behaviour support specialists are the unsung heroes of Brisbane’s disability sector. They bring empathy, expertise, and evidence-based practice to some of the most complex challenges facing people with disability. Their work is deeply human — it’s about connection, safety, growth, and respect.

Whether you're a provider, a family member, or someone navigating the NDIS yourself, understanding the role of these specialists can open the door to better outcomes and brighter futures.

If you're looking for support, make sure you're working with a registered, experienced provider who values ethical, person-first behaviour support. The right help can make a world of difference.