How to manage your child’s complex needs

November 8, 2021

If you have a child with complex care needs that is challenging to manage, it’s important to remember that help is available. Many families have children with cognitive disabilities that affect behaviour and communication.  

We understand that managing these behaviours can sometimes be challenging for you, your child and your family. That’s why the NDIS offers support through Behaviour Support Plans. Not only are Behaviour Support Plans designed to help your child have positive interactions, but they also create strategies and provide training to help you and your family. 

In this blog, we will cover eligibility for this type of support, and how you can apply. 

What is a Behaviour Support Plan NDIS? 

A Behaviour Support Plan is a type of capacity building support that can be funded for eligible NDIS participants. Capacity building supports are designed to help build skills and confidence when performing day-to-day tasks. You can read more about capacity building supports in our blog. 

What sets Behaviour Support Plan NDIS apart from other capacity building supports is that it is designed to address challenging behaviours. These behaviours can include verbal and physical aggression, damaging property or inflicting self-injury. 

A Behaviour Management Plan NDIS is designed to help your child develop the skills to have more positive interactions and behaviours. Your child’s Behaviour Support Plan will be designed in collaboration with you and your family, as well as any other existing supports, to ensure that it is designed to suit your specific needs. 

How a Behaviour Support Plan can support your family

The overall goal of a Behaviour Support Plan is to strengthen your child’s skills through developing positive behaviour strategies. Depending on your child’s level of ability and their goals, the plan may aim to achieve some or all of the following strategies: 

1. Modifying the physical environment: This may include changing certain aspects of your child’s home environment to ensure that it is as safe and comfortable as it can be. 
2. Modifying the social environment: This can be done through connecting your child with relevant social and community groups to form positive relationships with other people. It might also involve teaching your child about behavioural expectations in social situations. 
3. Teaching skills: An important part of any Behaviour Support Plan is that it will teach your child new skills that help them to behave in a more positive way that is easier to manage. This strategy may involve helping your child learn more about their situation and encouraging them to make more positive choices. 

Ultimately, a Behaviour Support Plan will help you create a more positive environment for your whole family.  

Building your case 

To receive funding for Behaviour Support Plan NDIS, your child must undergo an assessment through the NDIS. Applying for funding for behaviour support can be complex and time-consuming. As a registered NDIS provider, Disability Plan Services have helped many people apply for the funding they need. 

To be eligible for Behaviour Support Plan NDIS, your child must be:  

• Living in Australia and is an Australian citizen, Permanent Visa Holder, or a Special Category Visa Holder; and
• Be older than 7 years old.

Additionally, your child must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Requires support to reduce needs in the future;
2. Requires support from another person because of a permanent and significant disability; or
3. Uses special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability.

When you apply, you need to consider how your child’s emotions and feelings influence their behaviour, and what aspects of their life could be improved through support. 

As part of the application process, you will have to reveal all of the support that your child is currently receiving, including everything from medication to counselling. Doctors, teachers and counsellors may have to provide reports for evidence of your child’s behaviours. These reports can help build your case by outlining why they would benefit from this type of funding. 

How Disability Plan Services can help you 

As a registered NDIS provider, Disability Plan Services can help with everything from applying for Behaviour Support Plan NDIS, to helping you manage your child’s plan. Our team of professionals can answer any questions you may have about the application process, and make sure you have everything you need to apply. 

Once your child has received their plan, our experienced Support Coordinators can help you find and connect with local behaviour support practitioners. 

To learn more about Behaviour Support Plan NDIS, get in touch with Disability Plan Services by calling 1800 312 870 or email info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.