When we talk about a behaviour assessment, we mean a functional behaviour assessment. This is completed by your NDIS behaviour support practitioner to look at:
- your needs that are not being met
- the reasons for your behaviours
- ways to manage behaviours of concern
To do this, your behaviour support practitioner will look at your behaviour.
They’ll talk with you, your family, carers and support workers. They’ll also look at any assessments you’ve had before.
This will help them understand your behaviour support needs. It will also show them what behaviour support you’ve had in the past and if it worked for you.
By doing this, your behaviour support practitioner is getting information to find out more about your behaviour support needs, including:
- antecedents for behaviour. This means what happens before the behaviour of concern and what may be causing it
- the behaviour itself. Identifying what the behaviour looks like such as identifying how often the behaviour happens, how long it happens for and the risk to you and others
- the consequences of the behaviour. This means what happens after the behaviour. For example, you may get to spend time by yourself or with someone you like or get something you wanted
A functional behaviour assessment will also find out where, when and how these behaviours may or may not happen and how they affect your life.
The assessment must also consider your culture, religious beliefs, and individual circumstances when working with you.
Your NDIS behaviour support practitioner will use your behaviour assessment to help them write a comprehensive behaviour support plan for you.
You may need an interim behaviour support plan. For example, if restrictive practices are being used or will be used. In this situation, your behaviour assessment may be done after you receive your plan.
Learn more about different types of behaviour support plans.