Behaviour Support
Welcome to Early Links Behaviour Support
At Early Links, we provide personalised behaviour support services tailored to every client, specifically catering to their needs. As a newly created team of experienced behaviour support practitioners, we pride ourselves on always working with clients and their support teams to develop positive behaviour support plans that utilise all opportunities to improve behaviour.
We work with our clients and their carers within various environments to individualise the support strategies to each setting and changing life circumstances. Our plans are regularly reviewed to identify any adjustments that may better support these changing needs and life events.
What does a behaviour support practitioner do?
Our team of experienced practitioners will work closely with clients of all ages, their families and other support networks/services to identify why the person is displaying behaviours of concern. We go to the places where these behaviours occur, and through close observation and data collection, we determine what triggers the behaviours.
By analysing the data and speaking to those close to the person, we will identify possible reasons for these behaviours and suggest how these behaviours may be shaped to better achieve the person’s goal. After all, the ultimate goal is to enable everyone to develop pro-social communication modes.
Who can our behaviour support practitioners help?
We support children, teens and adults to achieve their desired life goals. Sometimes people with disability demonstrate behaviours to communicate a need, want or desire. Through direct analysis of behaviours displayed by a person in each of their environments eg. Home, school, work etc. a behaviour support practitioner will identify appropriate strategies to help them express these needs more effectively.
The NDIS requires all behaviour support practitioners to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including education, psychology, social work, speech pathology, occupational therapy, nursing, or health sciences. Extensive experience working with people with a disability who exhibit behaviours of concern. Knowledge of the concepts and principles of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Meet our friendly Behaviour Support Leadership Team
Claire
Behaviour Support Team Leader
Which areas do our behaviour support practitioners cover?
Aberdeen, Abermain, Bellbird, Beresfield, Bolwarra, Branxton, Cessnock, Chisholm, Cliftleigh, Dungog, East Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Greta, Heddon Greta, Hinton, Kurri Kurri, Laguna, Lochinvar, Lorn, Maitland, Morpeth, Muswellbrook, Paterson, Raworth, Raymond Terrace, Rothbury, Rutherford, Singleton, Stroud, Tarro, Telarah, Tenambit, Thornton, Vacy, Windella, Wollombi, Woodberry and more.
Telehealth sessions are also an option if appropriate for the individual or group participants instead of face-to-face sessions.
How do I start behaviour support with Early Links?
If you’re ready to get started or just want to find out more, you can use the form below to get in touch with us.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have, explain what would be involved and tell you all about the support we can offer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a behaviour support worker and a behaviour support practitioner?
Our Behaviour Support Practitioner Team are degree qualified as required by the NDIS. Only degree-qualified behaviour support practitioners deemed suitable by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission can write behaviour support plans when funded by a participant’s NDIS funding.
How can a behaviour support practitioner help?
By supporting people with disability to communicate more functionally, we help them build their capacity to achieve their goals and live productive and fulfilling lives.
What is behaviour support in the NDIS?
Behaviour support focuses on evidence-based strategies and person-centred supports that address the needs of the person with a disability and the underlying causes of behaviours of concern while safeguarding the dignity and quality of life of people with disability who require specialist behaviour support.
What is a behaviour support plan?
A plan to develop a person’s communication skills to better express feelings, needs, and wants safely and appropriately. E.g. instead of pushing my food onto the floor, using a keyword sign ‘finished’ when I don’t want any more food.
What is the role of a behaviour support practitioner in school?
Our behaviour support practitioners work collaboratively with school staff as part of the client’s team. Schools are one of our clients’ most common environments, so we regularly collaborate to solve challenging behaviours together.
What is a positive behaviour support practitioner?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on finding the most appropriate strategies to help people express themselves, always building on a person’s positive experiences in each environment to select more appropriate strategies to express themselves.