Do I need to be an NDIS participant to access Positive Behaviour Support in Adelaide?

If you are looking for NDIS Positive Behaviour Support in Adelaide, you might be wondering whether you need to be an NDIS participant first. This is a very common question, especially when life at home or school feels stressful and you want support quickly.

Positive Behaviour Support can be accessed in different ways. Some people use NDIS funding, and some people choose private support while they are waiting for NDIS access or a plan review.

The short answer: NDIS funded PBS usually requires NDIS access

If you want NDIS Positive Behaviour Support paid for through your plan, you generally need to be an NDIS participant with funding that can be used for behaviour support. The NDIA explains that NDIS supports need to be related to your disability and align with your plan and the NDIS funding rules.

That said, you can still learn about Positive Behaviour Support and start building helpful routines and supports while your NDIS access request is being processed.

What if I am not an NDIS participant yet?

If you are not an NDIS participant yet, there are still steps you can take:

You can choose private Positive Behaviour Support sessions (self funded) to get practical strategies while you wait.

You can gather evidence that supports an NDIS access request, such as reports from treating professionals and examples of how daily life is impacted.

If your child is aged 0 to 6, you may also benefit from early childhood early intervention pathways and supports, depending on your situation and eligibility.

At 2b Inclusive, we work in a person centred support way and use a neurodiversity affirming approach. That means we focus on understanding needs, communication, sensory differences, and environment, not blame.

When PBS can start before a full plan is in place

Sometimes families start with education and coaching style support for parents, carers, or support workers while the formal NDIS process is underway. This can help reduce stress, improve routines, and prepare everyone for a smoother start when NDIS Positive Behaviour Support funding becomes available.

For example, a family might start by changing morning routines that trigger overwhelm, or by setting up a predictable after school plan to reduce meltdowns. These are proactive strategies that can make day to day life easier.

How this works under the NDIS

The NDIS funds supports that are considered reasonable and necessary and linked to disability related needs and goals. Plans usually include budgets like Core, Capacity Building, and Capital, and each budget has different rules about what it can be used for.

Behaviour support is typically funded through Capacity Building in a category often called Improved Relationships in many plans.

Mini FAQ

Do I have to wait until my NDIS plan starts to get help?
No. You can start privately, and you can also start preparing your evidence and goals so planning is easier when your plan begins.

Can my child get Positive Behaviour Support without an NDIS plan?
Some families choose private support first. If your child is 0 to 6, early childhood early intervention may also be relevant.

What if my plan is active but PBS is not funded yet?
You can request a plan review and ask for NDIS Positive Behaviour Support linked to goals and daily impacts.

Is plan management required to use PBS?
No. Depending on your plan, you might use plan managed or self managed arrangements. The NDIA explains self management and the flexibility it can provide.

A calm next step if you are unsure

If you are not sure where you are in the process, start by clarifying two things: are you an NDIS participant, and do you have Capacity Building funding that can be used for behaviour support. Once you know that, it is much easier to plan your next step.

Call to action

If you are in Adelaide and want support that is practical, respectful, and neurodiversity affirming, contact 2b Inclusive. We provide NDIS Positive Behaviour Support, Early Intervention for children 0 to 6, and Social Work support to connect you with the right resources across Adelaide.

This is general information and not personal advice.