Positive behaviour support (PBS) helps children who show behaviours that get in the way of learning, friendships or daily life. This guide explains how behaviour support works, what it costs, how NDIS funding applies, and how to choose the right provider in Perth. We feature a range of Perth practitioners so you can compare options close to you.
Perth-based NDIS-registered provider offering Psychology, Occupational Therapy, and Positive Behaviour Support for children, adolescents, and adults. Services include ADHD assessments, sensory interventions, and FBAs. Available in-clinic (Midland and other Perth locations), mobile, and via telehealth Australia-wide.
Bloom Healthcare provides NDIS and aged care allied health services in Perth, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, psychology, and behavioural support, delivered in-home, community, or via telehealth. NDIS registered; low to no wait times mentioned; no specific ages or practitioner names given.
Perth-based NDIS-registered provider offering psychology, occupational therapy, and positive behaviour support for children, adolescents, and adults. Services include in-clinic, mobile, and Australia-wide telehealth options across multiple Perth metro locations including Bibra Lake.
Multidisciplinary paediatric practice in Wembley & Currambine, WA, offering Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy, plus Autism Diagnostic Assessments by a Speech Pathologist and Registered Psychologist. Serves toddlers to secondary students; also provides services in local schools and feeding support via partnership.
NDIS-registered provider offering Occupational Therapy, Psychology, and Positive Behaviour Support for children, adolescents and adults. Services delivered in-clinic (Bibra Lake, Midland, South Perth, Gosnells, Morley), mobile across Perth metro, and via telehealth Australia-wide.
Multidisciplinary Perth CBD practice offering Speech Pathology, OT, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Music/Art Therapy, Social Work, Counselling, Audiology, Support Coordination, Plan Management and Positive Behaviour Support. Physiotherapy treats from 1-day-old babies to adolescents. NDIS plan management and funding assistance offered; no telehealth or waitlist details specified.
Registered NDIS provider in West Perth offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, positive behaviour support, and early childhood supports (up to age 9) for children, teens, and adults. No waitlists mentioned. No named practitioners or email provided.
Registered NDIS provider in Booragoon, WA offering Occupational Therapy, Specialist Support Coordination, Positive Behaviour Support and Neurofeedback, plus ADHD assessments. Culturally safe, trauma-informed care with Persian (Farsi) speaking staff, serving children and adults across Perth.
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 spends time understanding your child, their environment and what a behaviour is communicating. Many children display behaviours of concern — such as hitting, meltdowns, running off or self-harm — because they are overwhelmed, can't communicate a need, or find certain situations distressing.
The practitioner then develops a positive behaviour support plan. This is a practical document that sets out strategies for parents, carers and educators to use. The focus is on teaching new skills, adjusting the environment, and building on your child's strengths — not on punishment. Good plans aim to reduce and, where possible, eliminate the use of restrictive practices.
Every child has tough days, but you might consider behaviour support if your child regularly:
Behaviour support is often useful for children with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability or developmental delay, but a formal diagnosis isn't always required to seek help.
Behaviour support can help from the early years right through adolescence. For very young children, the work usually focuses heavily on coaching parents and carers. As children grow, they may be involved more directly in learning coping and communication skills. Early involvement often means smaller problems are addressed before they become entrenched.
The first appointment is mostly about gathering information. Expect the practitioner to ask lots of questions about your child's development, health, communication, sensory preferences, triggers and what a typical day looks like. They may want to observe your child at home, at school or in childcare, and speak with teachers or other therapists.
From there, the practitioner completes a functional behaviour assessment to understand the purpose behind the behaviours, before writing the support plan. This process can take several sessions. You'll then be shown how to put the strategies into practice, with ongoing reviews to check what's working.
As a general guide, behaviour support in Australia is commonly charged in the region of $190–$225 per hour, in line with NDIS price caps. Behaviour support practitioners have their own price limit under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements, which are updated each year — always check the current caps and confirm fees directly with the provider, as prices vary.
Under the NDIS, behaviour support is usually funded through the Capacity Building — Improved Relationships budget. Assessment, plan development, training for your family and support to implement the plan can all be claimed from this line. If you're self-managed or plan-managed, you have more flexibility in choosing providers, including those who aren't NDIS-registered. Agency-managed participants generally need to use registered providers.
If you don't have NDIS funding, some families access support privately or through school and community services. It's worth asking providers about all options.
When comparing providers, check the following:
This page features Perth providers including Sigma Therapies (with clinics in Midland, Bibra Lake and Gosnells), Smart Talk Therapy for Kids in Wembley, Language For Life in the Perth CBD, Everyday Independence in West Perth, Morph Therapy in Booragoon, Early Start Australia in East Victoria Park, the Autism Association of Western Australia (East Fremantle and Subiaco), Aspire Therapy WA in Dianella and Behavioural Solutions in Fremantle.
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a provider who's the right fit for your family.
Or read the full behaviour support guide, or browse all Perth providers.
No, but NDIS funding makes it more affordable. Many families access behaviour support through their NDIS Capacity Building budget, while others pay privately. If your child has NDIS funding, check whether it includes the Improved Relationships line.
Behaviour support focuses on understanding and changing behaviours through positive strategies and support plans, often involving family and school. Psychology can cover a broader range of mental health and developmental concerns. Some practitioners are qualified in both. Ask providers about their background.
As a general guide, sessions often fall around $190–$225 per hour, in line with annual NDIS price caps for behaviour support practitioners. Prices vary between providers, so always confirm current fees and check the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
It varies. After the initial waitlist, the assessment and plan development process usually takes several sessions across a few weeks, as the practitioner gathers information, observes your child and writes the plan. Ask each provider about their typical timeframes.
Some parts, such as parent coaching and plan reviews, can work well over telehealth. However, assessment often benefits from in-person observation at home, school or childcare. Many Perth providers offer a mix, so discuss what suits your family.