NDIS funding is a vital resource that enables individuals with complex support needs to access specialist therapy and programs essential for daily living. Once Improved Relationships funding is in the participant’s plan, a Behaviour Support Assessment (BSA) is the next step.
This behaviour assessment documents the participant’s environment, triggers and routines to provide the evidence regarding the function or reason behind the behaviour/s, as well as context and or justification for the use of Restrictive Practices, develop a formal Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) and request Implementation funding in future plans.
Below, we outline the key steps to prepare for a BSA for a smoother and more efficient experience for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a Behaviour Support Assessment (BSA)
A Behaviour Support Assessment often comes in a series of observations and discussions. Follow these steps to prepare for each session:
Step 1: Choose a comfortable environment
Behaviour Support Assessments are most effective when conducted in a familiar environment, such as the participant’s home or school. Aim to keep the space tidy while ensuring it still reflects the participant’s typical setting so the practitioner can observe natural interactions.
Step 2: Get help from another dedicated support person
A trusted carer or family member offers emotional support and can speak on behalf of the participant when they are unable to express themselves.
Step 3: Set aside ample time
A Behaviour Support Assessment should never feel rushed. Block out enough time so the session can pause if the participant needs a break or feels overwhelmed.
Step 4: Learn about the “Functions of Behaviour”
During the interview, the practitioner works with the support network to identify which of the four E.A.T.S. functions applies to specific behaviours of the participant. Understanding these helps in providing more accurate observations. As a carer, preparation for this step involves listing down behaviours observed on the following facets of EATS:
- Escaping — Trying to get away from a task, person or (sensory) environment that feels uncomfortable.
- Attention of Positive Social Interaction — Seeking a positive social connection, conversation or a specific reaction from others.
- Tangible — Attempting to access a specific item, favourite food or desired activity.
- Sensory — Engaging in a behaviour because it provides a physical sensation that helps regulate the internal state.
Step 5: Prepare the required documents
To help your practitioner gain a holistic view, it would be best to have the following documents ready to support your Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) goals:
- [*] Current NDIS plan, including the specific funding line
- [*] Recent reports from allied health professionals like OTs or speech pathologists
- [*] Incident reports or “ABC” (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence) logs, which you should already have as they are part of the PBS process
- [*] School, program or support worker notes, where relevant
- [*] Current medication list
- [*] Details of any current restrictive practices
- [*] Notes about strengths, interests, routines and known triggers
- [*] Guardianship orders (if applicable)
Preparation during the Behaviour Support Assessment day
Keep the behaviour assessment day as comfortable and authentic as possible. Here are a few simple steps to help you and the participant prepare and ensure the practitioner receives accurate information.
- Have favourite and disliked foods ready if they’re part of the participant’s routine. This helps the practitioner see sensory preferences and triggers.
- Keep sensory and comfort items, like toys or headphones, accessible. These show how the participant regulates themselves and what helps.
- Have communication tools, like AAC devices or schedules, ready and charged. This helps capture how the participant expresses their needs.
- Reduce extra noise or visitors outside the usual routine. This helps the participant focus and lets the practitioner see typical interactions.
- Schedule the visit during typical routines if possible. A simple list of daily dos and don’ts helps the practitioner follow the participant’s lead.
Post-assessment steps to follow
After observations, the practitioner refines the findings to create a plan that works for you (the participant), your support network and your environment. Here’s what to do after the session:
Reflect on the session
Immediately after the visit, jot down any details you might have forgotten to mention. It’s common to remember specific triggers or successful past strategies once the pressure of the interview has passed.
Review the draft report
You will receive a draft of the Behaviour Support Assessment for your feedback. Read this carefully to ensure the descriptions of communication and environment feel accurate to the participant’s daily experience.
Apply for implementation funding
If the current NDIS plan does not have enough hours for implementation, use the finalised Behaviour Support Assessment report as evidence to request additional funding for training and strategy rollout.
Stay proactive with the NDIS
Keep your Support Coordinator informed of the progress. Since this behaviour assessment document is essential for funding and plan reviews, having a clear timeline from your practitioner helps you stay ahead of NDIS deadlines.
Partner with Insight PBS for local and accessible behaviour support
With 80+ practitioners in various communities across four states, Insight PBS boasts an expansive network that delivers Positive Behaviour Support services to over 3,000 participants throughout Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. Submit a capacity request today to get started.