Positive Behaviour Support for kids and young adults
Face-to-face in Geelong | Australia-wide via Telehealth
At Think Psychologists, we provide specialist Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for NDIS participants aged 5 to 25 years.
Our registered Behaviour Support Practitioners work alongside children, young people and their care teams to better understand what behaviour might be communicating, and develop strategies that support wellbeing at home, school and in the community.
Available in-person and via telehealth across Australia, our approach is focused on improving quality of life through support plans grounded in dignity, rights and meaningful outcomes.
Understanding the why
We look beyond the behaviour to understand the needs, emotions and communication driving them.
Connecting care teams
Our PBS practitioners work closely with families, support teams, educators and allied health professionals.
NDIS-funded support
Available for eligible participants under Capacity Building – Improved Relationships.
Australia-wide access
Accessible throughout Geelong and the Barwon region, with telehealth appointments across Australia.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach that helps us understand what a child or young person’s behaviour may be trying to communicate. Rather than focusing on consequences, PBS looks at the person’s emotions, communication, sensory needs, relationships and environment to develop practical strategies that support new skills, greater independence and meaningful change.
Understanding what’s behind behaviour
Many young people and the people who support them come to us feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure what to do next.
They may be experiencing big emotions or reacting in ways that are confusing, overwhelming or hard for everyone involved. Often, these behaviours are a way of trying to cope, communicate or express an unmet need.
Everyone’s journey is different, but the goal is always the same: to better understand what the behaviour is communicating and work together to create safer, more effective ways to navigate each day.
Who we support
Our team provides specialist behaviour support for children and young adults aged up to 25 years who are living with:
- Autism
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Intellectual disability
- Neurodevelopmental differences
- Complex support needs
- Emotional regulation challenges
- Anxiety-related behaviours
- School refusal
- Running away or unsafe behaviours
- Difficulties with transitions and daily demands
Behaviour support is most effective when everyone is working together toward shared goals. We collaborate with parents, carers, schools, coordinators and care teams to create practical strategies that can be used across everyday environments.
How we can help
Every child and young person is unique, which is why Positive Behaviour Support is tailored to the individual and the people around them. Depending on your needs, support might include:
Functional Behaviour Assessments
Our experienced team can arrange a comprehensive in-home assessment to idenitfy:
- Strengths and interests
- Environmental influences
- Triggers and patterns
- Communication needs
- The function and purpose of behaviours of concern
These assessments help us better understand what a child or young person may be communicating and form the foundation of a Behaviour Support Plan.
Interim Behaviour Support Plans
An interim plan provides practical approaches to:
- Reduce risks
- Prevent escalation
- Support care team members
- Maintain the safety and dignity of everyone involved
Interim plans can help everyone feel more confident in responding to challenging situations while a comprehensive plan is being developed.
Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans
Comprehensive plans are informed by assessment and include:
- Person-centred goals
- Strategies focused on improving quality of life
- Environmental supports
- Emotional regulation and coping skill development
- Communication supports
- New skills and more effective ways to communicate needs
- Guidance for families and support teams
Comprehensive plans provide a roadmap for meaningful change, helping children and young people build new skills while supporting families and care teams to respond with greater confidence and consistency.
Meet Dr Nicole Carvill
Our Behaviour Support service is led by Dr Nicole Carvill, Founder and Director of Think Psychologists, Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner and PhD-qualified child psychologist.
Nicole is an experienced psychologist, presenter and researcher who specialises in supporting neurodivergent children, young people and their families. Her approach is warm, collaborative and guided by evidence-informed practice and a deep commitment to helping families feel understood and supported.
Learn more about Dr Carvill and our team.
Common behaviour support questions
Who can access Positive Behaviour Support?
We provide Positive Behaviour Support for NDIS participants aged 5 to 25 years. We support children, adolescents and young adults experiencing behaviours that impact their wellbeing, relationships, safety or participation in daily life.
Do I need an NDIS plan to access Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support is generally funded through the NDIS under Capacity Building – Improved Relationships. If you’re unsure whether your or your child has the appropriate funding, our team can help you understand your plan and discuss available options.
Do I need a referral?
No. Families, carers, support coordinators, schools and allied health professionals don’t need a referral to access our Positive Behaviour Support service. Reach out to explore if this service is the right fit for your situation.
Can Positive Behaviour Support be provided via telehealth?
Yes. We offer Positive Behaviour Support appointments via telehealth across Australia.
What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment helps us understand the factors influencing behaviour, including strengths, communication, routines, triggers and environmental influences. This information forms the foundation of an effective Behaviour Support Plan.
What is a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan is an individualised plan that outlines practical strategies to help improve quality of life, build new skills and support everyone involved to respond consistently.