Positive behaviour support (PBS) helps children who show behaviours of concern to feel understood, communicate their needs and build new skills. This guide explains what behaviour support involves, how NDIS funding works, and how to choose the right Hobart provider for your child. We feature a range of local services below to help you start your search.
Umbrella Therapy Services offers psychology, counselling, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, allied health assistants and positive behaviour support, delivered in-person or via telehealth, across Howrah and Claremont clinics in Tasmania.
Umbrella Therapy Services offers psychology, counselling, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, positive behaviour support, and allied health assistants at Claremont and Howrah, Tasmania clinics. Services delivered in-person or via telehealth; no age range, NDIS registration, or waitlist details specified.
Registered NDIS provider in Mornington, TAS offering Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Exercise Physiology, Positive Behaviour Support, Dietetics, and Early Childhood Intervention. Telehealth available for most services. Serves NDIS, Medicare, and private clients across nearby Eastern Shore suburbs.
Registered NDIS provider in Moonah, TAS offering Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Positive Behaviour Support, Dietetics, and Early Childhood Intervention. Telehealth available for most services. Serves Greater Hobart; appointment availability varies by practitioner.
Registered NDIS provider in Glenorchy, TAS offering early intervention, behaviour support (PBS/ABA) and therapeutic support for neurodiverse children and teens with autism or developmental delays. Therapy delivered at home, school, centre, or statewide.
Better Rehab Hobart (Rosny Park, TAS) is a registered NDIS provider offering occupational therapy and speech pathology across Greater Hobart. Services available in-clinic, at-home, out-in-public, and via telehealth. Open to NDIS participants and private-paying clients; no waitlist mentioned.
NDIS-registered provider in Hobart offering occupational therapy, positive behaviour support and psychology for children, teens and adults, with a paediatric/early intervention focus. Services delivered at clinic, home, school or community; play-based, family-centred approach.
Southern Tasmania allied health provider with locations in Kingston and Moonah, offering Behaviour Support, Dietetics, Early Childhood Practitioner support, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Therapy Assistants. Website under construction; no details on ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlists provided.
Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-informed approach to understanding why a child behaves the way they do. Rather than focusing only on stopping a behaviour, a practitioner works to understand what the behaviour is communicating — whether that's frustration, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or an unmet need — and then builds strategies to help.
A typical process starts with a functional behaviour assessment, where the practitioner observes your child, talks with family and (with consent) educators, and gathers information about triggers and patterns. From this, they develop a behaviour support plan: a written document with practical, tailored strategies for home, school and the community. The plan focuses on teaching new skills, adjusting the environment, and helping the adults around your child respond consistently.
Every child has hard days, but you might consider behaviour support if your child regularly:
These behaviours often sit alongside a diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, an intellectual disability or a developmental delay — but a diagnosis isn't always required to seek help.
Behaviour support can be helpful across childhood, from the early years through to adolescence. Early intervention (roughly ages 0–7) can be particularly effective, as skills and routines are still forming. That said, plans can be adapted for older children and teens, with strategies that respect their growing independence.
The first session is usually about getting to know your family. Expect the practitioner to ask about your child's history, strengths, interests, communication style, daily routines and the specific behaviours you're concerned about. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or keep a short behaviour diary before or after the session.
It's completely normal to feel nervous. A good practitioner will be non-judgemental and collaborative — you are the expert on your child, and they bring the clinical framework. Bring any reports (from a GP, paediatrician, psychologist or school) that might help.
Behaviour support in Australia is generally delivered by behaviour support practitioners, psychologists, occupational therapists or social workers with relevant training. As a general guide only, sessions and plan development commonly range from around $190 to $230+ per hour. The NDIS publishes price caps that registered providers must work within, and these are updated periodically — always confirm current rates directly with the provider.
Under the NDIS, behaviour support is funded through the Capacity Building budget, typically under "Improved Relationships" (which covers specialist behaviour support) or "Improved Daily Living." Funding can cover assessment, plan development, training for family and carers, and review. If your child is self-managed or plan-managed, you may have more flexibility in choosing providers; agency-managed plans require an NDIS-registered provider.
Costs vary and this is not a quote — ask each provider for a written estimate before you start.
Hobart and surrounds offer options from Howrah and Rosny Park across to Glenorchy, Moonah, Claremont, Kingston and Battery Point. When comparing providers, consider:
Taking the time to ask these questions upfront helps you find a provider who's the right match for your family — and gives your child the best chance to thrive.
Or read the full behaviour support guide, or browse all Hobart providers.
Not always for private services, but NDIS-funded behaviour support usually requires an approved plan with relevant funding. A diagnosis from a paediatrician, GP or psychologist can help establish eligibility. Speak with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator about your child's situation.
Behaviour support sits under the Capacity Building budget, typically 'Improved Relationships' for specialist behaviour support, or sometimes 'Improved Daily Living.' Check your child's plan or ask your plan manager which line applies before booking.
As a general guide, sessions commonly range from around $190 to $230+ per hour in Australia. The NDIS sets price caps that registered providers follow, and these change periodically. Always ask each Hobart provider for a current written estimate — this is not a quote.
Waitlists vary between providers and can be lengthy given high demand in Tasmania. Contact providers directly to ask about wait times for both initial assessments and ongoing sessions, and consider joining more than one waitlist.
Many providers offer telehealth for parts of the process, such as parent coaching, plan reviews and follow-up sessions. Some assessment work benefits from in-person or in-home observation. Ask each provider what they can deliver remotely if travel is a barrier.