Positive behaviour support (PBS) helps children learn new skills and reduces distress-driven behaviours that get in the way of daily life. This guide explains how behaviour support works in Canberra, what it typically costs, how NDIS funding fits in, and how to choose the right provider — and it features a shortlist of local services to get you started.
Ability to Achieve offers allied health services including occupational therapy, speech therapy, behaviour support and early intervention for children, alongside disability, aged care and youth programs. Serves Sydney, Canberra and Central Coast, supporting NDIS participants; no telehealth, waitlist, or specific practitioner details mentioned.
ORS is a family-owned, NDIS-registered provider offering Positive Behaviour Support, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Dietetics and Key Worker Early Childhood Supports for children, adults and families. Telehealth available nationally; no wait lists for Behaviour Support; also funded via Medicare and government programs.
NDIS-registered provider offering positive behaviour support, psychology assessment/services, and early intervention across Australia using the MEBS model, avoiding punishment or restrictive practices, with over 140 registered behaviour support practitioners.
CAaPS provides NDIS behaviour support services, including Behaviour Support Plans, for individuals with autism, mental health conditions, dementia, and other behaviours of concern, led by Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner Toni Cooper.
Australia-wide provider offering psychology, counselling, behaviour support and speech therapy for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. AHPRA-registered psychologists, telehealth Australia-wide, in-clinic services including Canberra, and at-home options for eligible NDIS plan-managed and self-managed participants.
ORS is a national, NDIS-registered provider offering Positive Behaviour Support, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Dietetics, and Key Worker Early Childhood Supports for children, adults and families. Telehealth available nationally; no wait lists for Behaviour Support; NDIS, Medicare and private pathways accepted.
Registered NDIS provider in Canberra (Bruce, ACT) offering occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, positive behaviour support, and allied health assistants. Services provided in-clinic, at home, in community, and via telehealth to NDIS and private-paying clients across greater Canberra.
Early Bird Therapy is an NDIS-registered, neurodiversity-affirming provider in Fyshwick, ACT, offering speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology (assessments and counselling), behaviour support, and therapy groups/assistants for young children, delivered at clinic, home, school, and community settings.
Positive behaviour support is an evidence-based approach that looks at why a child behaves the way they do, rather than just trying to stop a behaviour. A behaviour support practitioner works with your family to understand the triggers, the function of a behaviour (for example, seeking comfort, escaping a demand, or communicating a need), and the environment around your child.
From there, the practitioner develops a positive behaviour support plan. This is a practical document that sets out strategies to prevent distress, teach new skills, respond calmly and consistently, and improve your child's quality of life. Good plans focus on building skills and adjusting the environment — not on punishment. Where restrictive practices are involved, they must be reported and reduced over time under NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission rules.
Every child has big feelings sometimes. You might consider behaviour support if your child regularly shows:
Behaviour support is often most effective alongside other supports such as speech pathology or occupational therapy, since behaviour, communication and sensory needs are frequently connected.
Behaviour support can help children of almost any age, from early childhood through to the teenage years. For younger children (under 7), support is often delivered through an early childhood approach that coaches parents and educators. Early intervention tends to produce the strongest results, but it's never too late to start.
The first session is usually about getting to know your child and family. Expect the practitioner to:
The practitioner may observe your child at home, at school or in the community, and gather information from teachers or carers (with your consent). A written plan usually follows over the coming weeks, with ongoing coaching to put it into practice.
As a general guide, behaviour support in Australia is commonly charged in the range of roughly $190–$235 per hour, which aligns with the NDIS price caps set out in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Caps are updated periodically, so always confirm current rates directly with the provider. These figures are indicative only and can vary.
Under the NDIS, behaviour support is funded through the Capacity Building — Improved Relationships budget (sometimes called "Improved Daily Living" for related supports). This budget covers assessment, plan development, training for parents and carers, and implementation. If your child isn't on the NDIS, some families access support privately or through school-based services.
It's worth confirming whether the provider bills for report writing, travel and phone consultations, as these can affect how quickly funding is used.
When comparing providers, check the following:
This page features a range of local services, including Ability To Achieve (Griffith), The Centre For Positive Behaviour Support (Fyshwick), Therapy Near Me Canberra, ORS Fyshwick, Better Rehab (Bruce), Early Bird Therapy (Fyshwick), Ability Action Australia, Aspire Early Intervention (Deakin), Connect2Care (Griffith), Everyday Independence (Deakin), Towards The Horizon (Bonner) and Horizon Therapy Services (Chisholm). We recommend contacting a few to compare availability and approach.
Taking the time to ask these questions upfront helps you find a provider who's the right fit — and gives your child the best chance of real, lasting progress.
Or read the full behaviour support guide, or browse all Canberra providers.
Behaviour support is generally funded through the Capacity Building — Improved Relationships budget in your child's NDIS plan. This can cover assessment, plan development and training for parents and carers. Check your plan or speak with your support coordinator to confirm what's included.
As a general guide, rates commonly fall in the range of roughly $190–$235 per hour, in line with NDIS price caps. These caps are updated periodically, so confirm current rates with each provider. Costs can vary depending on services like report writing and travel.
Not necessarily. Behaviour support focuses on understanding and responding to a child's needs, not on a specific label. However, NDIS funding usually requires eligibility to be established. Talk with your GP, paediatrician or NDIS planner about your child's situation.
Waitlists vary between providers and can change quickly with demand. Some services may see you within a few weeks, others can take months. It's worth contacting several Canberra providers at once to compare availability.
Many providers offer telehealth for parent coaching, plan reviews and follow-ups, which can reduce travel and shorten waits. Some assessment and observation is often best done in person, so ask each provider how they combine the two.