What is Positive Behaviour Support?
A plain-English guide to PBS under the NDIS — what it is, who it helps, how it's funded, and what working with a behaviour support practitioner actually looks like.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based, person-centred approach that improves a person's quality of life and reduces behaviours of concern by changing the environment and teaching new skills — not by punishment. Under the NDIS, it is funded through the Capacity Building — Improved Relationships budget.
The principles behind PBS
Person-centred
Support is built around the individual — their goals, strengths, culture and the people around them — not a one-size template.
Evidence-based
Strategies are drawn from applied behaviour science and proven practice, then measured and adjusted with real data.
Quality of life first
The goal is a better everyday life — more participation, communication and independence — with behaviours of concern reducing as a result.
Skill-building, not punishment
PBS changes the environment and teaches new skills so the behaviour is no longer needed. It never relies on punishment.
Who is PBS for?
PBS supports people of all ages — including early childhood (under 6), children, teenagers and adults — who experience behaviours of concern that affect their safety, relationships or participation. It works alongside families, carers, schools, support coordinators and care teams. You do not need a formal diagnosis to start a conversation.
- Funded through the NDIS under Capacity Building — Improved Relationships
- Available to plan-managed and self-managed participants
- Delivered in-person across Greater Sydney and by telehealth across NSW
- Offered in English, Mandarin and Vietnamese
How the PBS process works
Referral & intake
A support coordinator, family member or participant gets in touch. We confirm funding and gather the basics.
Assessment
We complete a Functional Behaviour Assessment — understanding the why behind behaviours of concern.
The plan
We develop an interim and then a comprehensive behaviour support plan, with the participant and their team.
Implement & review
We coach the team to put the plan into practice, then review and adjust as things change.
See the full breakdown on our behaviour support services page.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Positive Behaviour Support and the NDIS.
Is Positive Behaviour Support covered by the NDIS?
Yes. Positive Behaviour Support is funded through the NDIS under the Capacity Building — Improved Relationships budget. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can access it directly.
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based, person-centred approach that improves a person's quality of life and reduces behaviours of concern by changing the environment and teaching new skills — not by punishment.
Do you offer telehealth behaviour support across NSW?
Yes. My Blue Maple delivers behaviour support by secure video across all of New South Wales, alongside in-person home and school visits in the Sydney area.
Do you have Mandarin- and Vietnamese-speaking practitioners?
Yes. We provide behaviour support in English, Mandarin and Vietnamese, so participants and families can work in the language they are most comfortable with.
Which areas do you visit in person?
We provide in-person home and school visits across Greater Sydney, including Canley Heights, Cabramatta, Fairfield, Liverpool and Bankstown. Telehealth is available NSW-wide.
What ages do you support?
We support participants of all ages, including early childhood (under 6) through to older children, teenagers and adults.
What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment is a structured process to understand why a behaviour of concern happens — its triggers and its purpose — so that support strategies target the real cause. It is usually the first step before a behaviour support plan.
How do I make a referral?
A support coordinator, family member or participant can submit a referral through our online referral form. We respond to every enquiry within 2 business days.
How much does behaviour support cost?
Sessions are billed in line with the current NDIS Price Guide, and travel for home and school visits is calculated per NDIS guidelines. Where it is funded in your plan, there is no out-of-pocket cost.
Who can refer to My Blue Maple?
Support coordinators, plan managers, families, carers and self-managing participants can all refer. You do not need a formal diagnosis to start a conversation.
Referrals are paused right now
We're not accepting new referrals at the moment while we complete our NDIS registration. Please check back soon.