Behaviour Support vs Occupational Therapy for Children

What behaviour support addresses

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on understanding why a child behaves the way they do and building strategies to help them feel safe, regulated and understood. A behaviour support practitioner looks at behaviours of concern — such as aggression, self-injury, meltdowns, running away or refusal — and works out what needs the behaviour is meeting. Rather than simply trying to stop a behaviour, PBS aims to teach new skills, change the environment and improve a child's overall quality of life.

Under the NDIS, behaviour support plans are developed by practitioners considered 'suitable' by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. A plan usually involves observing the child, talking with parents and carers, and writing strategies that everyone around the child can use consistently.

What occupational therapy addresses

Occupational therapy helps children build the practical skills they need for everyday life — the 'occupations' of childhood like playing, learning, dressing, eating and socialising. An OT might work on:

• Fine motor skills — pencil grip, handwriting, using scissors, doing up buttons
• Gross motor and coordination — balance, ball skills, body awareness
• Sensory processing — managing responses to noise, textures, movement or light
• Daily-living (self-care) skills — toileting, dressing, feeding, sleep routines
• Attention, planning and organisation

Occupational therapists in Australia are registered with AHPRA. It's worth confirming this registration and asking about their experience with children.

Signs a child might benefit from each

Behaviour support may help if your child:

• Has frequent, intense meltdowns that are hard to predict or manage
• Shows aggression, self-injury or unsafe behaviours
• Struggles to cope with changes to routine
• Is having behaviours that affect their safety, learning or relationships

Occupational therapy may help if your child:

• Finds handwriting, cutting or getting dressed frustrating
• Seems over- or under-sensitive to sounds, textures or movement
• Is behind peers in self-care skills like toileting or using cutlery
• Struggles with coordination, balance or motor planning

There's often overlap. A child who melts down every morning might be reacting to sensory overload (OT territory) and need consistent support strategies (PBS territory) — which is exactly why the two often work together.

Suitable ages

Both supports work across childhood. Occupational therapy is commonly used from toddlerhood through the teenage years, and early support with motor and sensory skills can be valuable. Behaviour support can also start early and continues to be relevant through school years and adolescence. The right timing depends on your child's individual needs rather than a fixed age.

What a typical session looks like

Behaviour support: Early sessions often focus on assessment — the practitioner observes your child, gathers information and talks with you and other carers (and sometimes teachers). Later, work centres on writing and reviewing the plan, coaching parents and carers, and adjusting strategies. Much of the value happens around the child rather than in one-on-one therapy.

Occupational therapy: Sessions are usually hands-on and play-based. Your child might climb, swing, complete craft tasks or practise dressing, depending on their goals. The OT typically gives you activities to try at home so progress carries over into daily life.

Typical AU costs and NDIS funding

Both are generally funded under the Capacity Building budget of an NDIS plan (usually 'Improved Daily Living' for OT, and 'Improved Relationships' for behaviour support). The NDIS sets price caps that providers cannot exceed, and these are updated periodically.

As a general guide, hourly rates for allied health and behaviour support in Australia often sit in the range of $150–$220 per hour, with the NDIS price cap being the maximum a registered provider can charge. Costs vary by state, provider and whether travel or report writing is involved. These figures are a general guide only — always check current NDIS price limits and ask your provider for a written quote and service agreement.

If you're not with the NDIS, you may be able to access some support through Medicare (with a GP care plan and referral) or private health cover — but rebates and eligibility differ, so check the details.

Who each suits

Feature	Behaviour Support	Occupational Therapy
Main focus	Understanding & responding to behaviours of concern	Motor, sensory & daily-living skills
Key goal	Improve quality of life, teach skills, reduce distress	Build independence in everyday tasks
Where work happens	Often around the child (carers, environment)	Often direct, hands-on with the child
Practitioner registration	NDIS-suitable behaviour support practitioner	AHPRA-registered OT
NDIS budget	Capacity Building	Capacity Building

Can a child do both?

Yes — and many do. The two supports address different but related needs, and they can work well side by side. For example, an OT might help a child manage sensory triggers while a behaviour support practitioner helps carers respond consistently when the child is dysregulated. When both are involved, ask whether they'll communicate with each other so strategies are joined up rather than pulling in different directions.

Choosing a provider

Whatever you choose, do a few checks first:

• Confirm NDIS registration if you're using NDIS-managed funding (plan-managed and self-managed families have more flexibility, but still check credentials)
• Verify the therapist's credentials — AHPRA for OTs, and check the practitioner is recognised by the NDIS Commission for behaviour support
• Ask about waitlists upfront, as these can be long in some areas
• Ask how they'll set goals with you and measure progress

This guide is general information only and isn't medical or diagnostic advice. If you have concerns about your child's development, speak with your GP, paediatrician or a qualified allied health professional.