Finding the right behaviour support for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating the NDIS at the same time. This guide explains what positive behaviour support (PBS) involves, how it can help children, and what to look for when choosing a Sydney provider. We currently feature a range of Sydney providers on this page, ranked by rating, to help you start your search.
Auburn NSW multidisciplinary clinic offering speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, and behaviour support for clients of all ages. NDIS and Medicare-supported services; requires GP/specialist referral or Mental Health Care Plan for Medicare clients.
National Care Providers is a family-owned, NDIS-registered multidisciplinary provider in Sydney (Minchinbury) offering occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech therapy and behavioural therapy for participants of all ages, with plan/self/agency management options.
NDIS registered provider in Yagoona, NSW offering speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology and behaviour support, plus core supports and a day program (ages 16+). Services available via clinic, mobile across Sydney, and telehealth.
Sydney-based ABA/behaviour consultancy in Gladesville, serving children 18 months–12 years with autism or developmental delays. Offers early intensive behavioural intervention, toilet training, and behaviour management, plus psychology and speech pathology referrals. Mobile, in-centre, and telehealth options. Not NDIS-registered but funding usable via self- or plan-managed plans.
Sydney-based provider offering NDIS-aligned allied health, disability, aged care, and youth services, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, behaviour support, and counselling. Emphasises early diagnosis and early intervention for children, with personalised, culturally aware, person-centred support across all ages.
Clinical-psychology-led practice in Randwick offering therapy, psychological assessment (ADHD, autism, cognitive, learning), and NDIS behaviour support for children, adolescents, and adults. Telehealth Australia-wide, in-home across Sydney for NDIS participants, Medicare rebates available, NDIS self/plan/NDIA-managed funding accepted.
Mighty Steps is a Hurstville, NSW provider offering ABA-based early intervention and behaviour support for children aged 2–5, plus social skills groups. NDIS-funded and private clients welcome; small, individualized therapy approach.
Bloom Healthcare provides NDIS allied health services in Sydney including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, behavioural support, psychology, and speech pathology, delivered in-home, community, or via telehealth. Also offers aged care programs. Mentions low to no wait times; no specific paediatric age range stated.
Positive behaviour support (PBS) is an evidence-based, person-centred approach that helps children who display behaviours of concern — such as aggression, self-injury, property damage, or behaviours that limit their participation at home, school, or in the community. Rather than simply trying to stop a behaviour, PBS focuses on understanding why it's happening and what the child is trying to communicate or achieve.
A behaviour support practitioner will usually complete a functional behaviour assessment, then develop a written behaviour support plan. This plan sets out strategies to change the environment, teach new skills, and support the people around the child (family, carers, teachers) to respond consistently. The goal is to improve your child's quality of life and reduce the need for restrictive practices over time.
Every child has tough days, but you might consider behaviour support if your child regularly:
Behaviour support is often part of a broader team that may include occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and psychologists. It's not a standalone diagnosis — it's about supporting the child and the people around them.
Behaviour support can help children of almost any age, from toddlers through to teenagers. Approaches are tailored to developmental stage — for younger children the focus is often on early skill-building and coaching parents, while for older children and teens the plan may involve the child more directly and coordinate with their school.
The first appointment is usually an information-gathering session. The practitioner will ask about your child's history, strengths, challenges, and daily routines, and what you hope to achieve. They may observe your child at home, at school, or in the community as part of building a picture of the behaviour and its triggers. It can take several sessions before a formal plan is written, as good assessment takes time.
Come prepared with examples of specific situations, any relevant reports (from paediatricians, psychologists, or the school), and a clear idea of your priorities. Note this is general information only — always follow the advice of your treating professionals.
Behaviour support is typically funded under the NDIS Capacity Building budget, specifically the Improved Relationships support category. This funding covers assessment, plan development, and implementation support.
As a general guide, behaviour support practitioner rates in Australia often fall in the range of roughly $150–$220 per hour, depending on the practitioner's experience level. The NDIS publishes price caps that set the maximum providers can charge, and these are reviewed regularly — so always check the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and confirm rates directly with the provider. Prices can change, so treat any figure here as indicative only.
If you're self-managed or plan-managed, you may have more flexibility over which providers you use. If you're NDIA-managed, you'll generally need to use an NDIS-registered provider.
When comparing providers, look at:
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a provider who's the right fit — not just the first one available. Use the featured Sydney providers on this page as a starting point, and shortlist a few to contact.
Or read the full behaviour support guide, or browse all Sydney providers.
It depends on how your plan is managed. If you're NDIA-managed, you'll generally need an NDIS-registered provider. If you're plan-managed or self-managed, you often have more flexibility, though your provider must still meet NDIS suitability requirements to deliver behaviour support. Always confirm before booking.
Behaviour support is usually funded under the Capacity Building budget in the Improved Relationships category. This covers assessment, developing your child's behaviour support plan, and implementation support. Check your plan or speak to your support coordinator to confirm your available funding.
As a general guide, practitioner rates in Australia often range from around $150–$220 per hour depending on experience. The NDIS sets price caps that limit what providers can charge, and these are reviewed regularly. Always confirm current rates directly with the provider, as prices can change.
Waitlists vary widely between providers and can be several weeks to months, as demand is high. It's worth contacting a few providers on this page and asking about their current wait times, whether they can begin assessment sooner, and whether telehealth is available to speed things up.
Positive behaviour support focuses specifically on understanding and reducing behaviours of concern by changing the environment, teaching new skills, and coaching the people around the child. A psychologist may provide broader mental health support or therapy. The two can complement each other, and some behaviour support practitioners are also registered psychologists. Ask about a practitioner's background and always follow the advice of your treating professionals.