sigma-therapies

Can Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Help Your Family?

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:42:56 GMT

You have a child or family member who finds certain situations overwhelming, who struggles to communicate what they need, or whose behaviour has started to affect daily life at home or school.

If you've been searching for support for them, you might have come across the term Positive Behaviour Support , or PBS.

Like many families, you may have wondered, "What actually is this? Is it right for us? And where do I even start?"

What Is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based approach to understanding why a person behaves the way they do. It enables the development of practical strategies to help them thrive.

It's not about punishment. It's not about forcing someone to act "normal." And it's definitely not about labelling a person as difficult or broken.

PBS starts with a simple premise: all behaviour is communication. When someone is struggling (i.e., melting down at school drop-off, refusing transitions, becoming distressed in loud environments, or lashing out at people they love), there's always a reason. Positive Behaviour Support helps uncover that reason and, from there, builds a plan that actually makes daily life better.

For families in Perth navigating the NDIS, PBS is also a funded support, typically sitting under Capacity Building (Improved Relationships) in your NDIS plan.

What Does PBS Actually Look Like in Real Life?

This is the question families ask us the most, and it's a fair one.

PBS isn't a single session or a quick fix. It's an ongoing, collaborative process; your family is at the centre of it every step of the way. Here's what to expect:

Getting to know your family. Your PBS practitioner will spend time understanding your family member as a whole person: their strengths, their interests, what lights them up, and what tends to make things harder. This might involve conversations with you, observations at home or school, and input from support workers or teachers.
Understanding what's driving the behaviour. This is sometimes called a functional behaviour assessment, but think of it more simply as figuring out what's really going on. Is it a sensory issue? A communication barrier? Anxiety? A need for connection or control? Understanding the "why" is what makes the strategies work.
Building a support plan that fits your life as it is now. We're not building a generic document for you, but a practical, personalised plan with solutions your family can implement. These may include: scripts for tricky moments, visual supports, step-by-step routines, communication tools, and adjustments to the environment. Generally, things that work across your home, school, and the community.
Coaching and ongoing support. Your practitioner doesn't just hand you a plan and disappear. They work alongside you, check in regularly, adjust the plan as your family member grows and changes, and make sure everyone around them (from support workers, teachers, to siblings) feels confident and included.

Is PBS Just for Kids?

No. And this is worth a clear identification.

Positive Behaviour Support supports people of all ages and all abilities. Whether you're a parent of a young child who's just received an autism diagnosis, a carer for a teenager who's hitting a difficult period, or an adult with disability yourself looking for more independence and less stress in daily life, PBS can help.

It's also for families. A good PBS practitioner understands that when one person is struggling, the whole family feels it. Reducing stress, improving routines, and giving everyone clearer strategies makes a difference for everyone in the home.

Common Questions Families Ask Us

"Will PBS work for my child's specific diagnosis?"
Positive Behaviour Support is used across a wide range of disabilities and diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, ADHD, acquired brain injury, and more. It's designed to be tailored to the individual, not the diagnosis.
"How long before we see a difference?"
Some families notice changes within a few weeks once strategies are consistently in place. Others take longer, particularly if complex factors are involved. PBS is a process, not a quick fix, but families consistently tell us that even the early stages of understanding what's driving behaviour bring real relief.
"Does PBS involve restrictive practices?"
A good PBS plan is built to reduce the need for any restrictive or reactive responses. If restrictive practices are currently in use, your registered PBS provider is required by the NDIS to have a plan to reduce and eliminate them over time — always with your family's rights and dignity as the priority.
"Is my family member's voice included?"
Absolutely! This is fundamental to what makes PBS different. Wherever possible, the person receiving support is involved in shaping their own plan. Their preferences, their goals, and what matters to them come first.

What Families in Perth Tell Us They Want

When we talk to families who are considering PBS, a few themes come up again and again:

Practical strategies they can use at home and at school today
Feeling heard, not judged or blamed
A clearer picture of what's happening and why
Less stress. Fewer difficult moments. A more settled home.
Support that doesn't disappear after the first session

These aren't unreasonable things to want. They're exactly what good PBS looks like.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're based in Perth and wondering whether PBS might help your family, we'd love to have a conversation . As an NDIS Registered Provider, Sigma Therapies has a team of PBS practitioners experienced across a range of ages, disabilities, and family contexts. We work across home, schoo, and the community, and we keep you family at the centre of everything we do.

Change starts with one conversation.

Call us today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one.

No pressure, just a chance to ask questions and see whether we're the right fit.

Call us today:

Or start a referral form:

Referring to Positive Behaviour Support: What Support Coordinators Need to Know

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:44:51 GMT

As a Support Coordinator or allied health professional working with NDIS participants, the quality of your PBS referrals directly affects participant outcomes.

Understanding what good PBS looks like and how to match participants to the right level of support is one of the most valuable skills you can develop in your role.

PBS Under the NDIS: Funding and Registration

Behaviour support falls under Capacity Building: Improved Relationships (CB Relationships) in an NDIS plan. For participants where any regulated restrictive practice is in use (or where there is a risk they may be introduced), a registered behaviour support provider is not optional; it's a legislative requirement under the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018.

Key registration considerations for referrers:

Only NDIS-registered behaviour support providers can develop behaviour support plans that authorise regulated restrictive practices.
Registered providers must report the use of restrictive practices to the NDIS Commission.
Interim behaviour support plans must be developed within agreed timeframes; comprehensive plans require functional behaviour assessment before completion.
Sigma Therapies is a registered NDIS provider for behaviour support.

If you're unsure whether a participant's current arrangements require a registered provider, the NDIS Commission 's provider registration guidelines are the definitive reference.

The Seven Capability Domains:
What Your Referral Should Cover

The NDIS PBS Capability Framework organises practitioner competencies across seven domains. A well-structured referral and PBS response should address all of them:

Interim Response : Immediate safety strategies while a comprehensive assessment is underway.
Functional Behaviour Assessment: Identification of antecedents, setting events, functions of behaviour, and environmental factors.
Behaviour Support Planning: Collaborative, rights-based plan development with participant and support network.
Implementation: Coaching and capacity building for carers, support workers, and educators.
Know It Works : Data collection, monitoring, and plan review cycles.
Reduce and Eliminate Restrictive Practices: Authorisation processes, reporting, and active reduction strategies.
Continuing Professional Development and Supervision: Practitioner currency and quality assurance.

When reviewing a PBS provider's offering, these domains provide a useful audit framework. A provider who can articulate their approach across all seven (not just assessment and plan writing) is demonstrating genuine capability.

What Makes a High-Quality Referral

Incomplete referrals create delays and, more significantly, mean the practitioner begins work without the context needed to develop an effective plan. When referring to Sigma Therapies for PBS , the most useful information includes:

Clinical and background information:

Current diagnoses and relevant medical history
Previous behaviour support plans (if any)
Functional communication level and preferred communication methods
Known sensory, trauma, or anxiety considerations

Current behaviour context:

Description of behaviours of concern (topography, frequency, intensity, duration, where known)
Settings where behaviours occur (home, school, community, transport)
Current restrictive practices in use, if any, and whether NDIS Commission notification has occurred
Any existing safety or crisis plans

Support network:

Names and roles of key people in the participant's life (family, support workers, educators)
Any existing allied health team: Occupational Therapy , speech pathology, psychology
Support coordinator contact details for ongoing coordination

NDIS plan details:

Funding available under CB Relationships
Plan managed or agency managed
Plan review date

The more complete this picture, the faster we can mobilise, and the more targeted the initial assessment will be.

PBS and Restrictive Practice Compliance:
What Referrers Need to Know

This is the area where referrers sometimes feel uncertain — and it matters significantly.

If a participant is currently subject to any regulated restrictive practice (physical restraint, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, seclusion, or environmental restraint), the following apply:

A registered behaviour support provider must be engaged.
The restrictive practice must be authorised in accordance with state/territory requirements (in WA, this is governed through the Disability Services Act and NDIS Commission requirements).
The behaviour support plan must include active strategies to reduce and, where clinically appropriate, eliminate the restrictive practice over time.
The provider must report regulated restrictive practice use to the NDIS Commission.

Non-compliance in this area carries significant consequences for both the service provider delivering the restrictive practice and, increasingly, for other parties in the participant's support network who have awareness of the situation.

If you have a participant in this situation and are unsure about the next steps, contact our team. We're experienced in navigating these compliance requirements and can advise on appropriate referral pathways.

Sigma Therapies: Referral Pathway

Referring to Sigma Therapies for PBS is straightforward:

Step 1: Complete our referral form or contact our intake coordinator directly
Step 2: We'll review the referral and confirm the right practitioner level for the participant's needs
Step 3: Intake call with the participant and/or their support network
Step 4: Interim plan developed within agreed timeframes if required
Step 5: Functional behaviour assessment and comprehensive plan development
Step 6: Ongoing implementation support, coaching, and review cycles

Current wait times: Our intake process is done under 48 hours, with appointments usually secured within two weeks. We recommend you contact us for current availability as we maintain a priority pathway for participants with urgent restrictive practice compliance needs.

Accepted funding: NDIS self-managed, plan-managed and agency-managed.

Your Free Guide to Making Confident Positive Behaviour Support Referrals

Get In Touch

For referral enquiries, clinical consultations, or questions about complex cases, our team welcomes conversations with support coordinators and allied health professionals.

Call our intake team:

Why Choose NDIS Occupational Therapy for Children, Adults, and Aging People?

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 07:34:58 GMT

NDIS Occupational Therapy (OT) offers invaluable support to individuals with disabilities at any stage in their lives. It enhances their independence and overall quality of life.

From children developing essential skills to aging adults maintaining their self-reliance, Occupational Therapy provides tailored solutions to meet diverse needs.

The Importance of Occupational Therapy for NDIS Participants

Occupational Therapy focuses on enabling individuals with disabilities participate in the activities they want and need to do, whether it's daily living tasks, education, work, or leisure. It helps individuals develop the skills needed to perform activities independently. Tailored interventions assist people in overcoming physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that impact their everyday lives. The NDIS scheme recognises Occupational Therapy as a crucial service for achieving these goals by providing funding and support to access qualified therapists and interventions.

NDIS Reforms and Their Impact on Occupational Therapy

The NDIS is undergoing reforms following a 2024 review , aimed at improving the participant experience and ensuring the scheme's long-term sustainability. Some key changes include:

Individualised Planning: Focusing on more personalised and flexible plans that better address individual needs and goals.
N avigators and Support Coordination: Replacing the existing Local Area Coordinators and Support Coordinators with "Navigators" to provide more effective and personalised support.
Early Intervention Pathway: The development of a specific pathway for children under 9 to ensure early access to intervention services.

An increased emphasis is also placed on evidence-based practices. This means services like occupational therapy must demonstrate their effectiveness in achieving positive outcomes for participants. This push ensures that funding is allocated to therapies that are proven to make a difference.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Children

Occupational therapy brings considerable value during the early intervention for children with disabilities. It helps them develop essential skills in areas such as:

Fine Motor Skills: Skills necessary for writing, drawing, and manipulating small objects.
Gross Motor Skills: Skills required for movement, balance, and coordination.
Sensory Processing : Helping children manage and respond to sensory input from their environment.
Daily Living Skills : Assisting with tasks like dressing, eating, and hygiene.

By having access to NDIS funding, children have the opportunity to benefit from a range of Occupational Therapy services, including:

Assessment: Evaluating a child's strengths and challenges to develop a tailored intervention plan.
Therapeutic Intervention: Providing activities and exercises to improve specific skills.
Assistive Technology: Recommending and training children to use devices that enhance their abilities.

Example: A child with autism might benefit from Occupational Therapy to improve their sensory processing, social interaction, and self-regulation skills. Therapists can use sensory integration techniques, social skills training, and visual supports to help the child thrive in different environments.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Adults

Daily Living and Enhancing Independence and Community Participation

Adults with disabilities face unique challenges on a daily basis. Occupational Therapy activities can assist them in achieving greater independence and participating more fully in their communities. It can address a variety of needs, including:

Vocational Rehabilitation: Supporting adults to find and maintain employment.
Independent Living Skills: Assisting with household tasks, financial management, and community navigation.
Mental Health Support: Providing strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Occupational therapists can assist adults in modifying their environment or adopting assistive technology to facilitate independent living. This may look like:

Recommending and implementing home modifications (e.g., installing grab rails, building ramps).
Training on the use of adaptive equipment (e.g., modified utensils, dressing aids).
Teaching strategies for time management, task planning and organisation.

Example: An adult recovering from an acquired brain injury could benefit from Occupational Therapy to regain skills needed for daily living, return to work, and participate in social activities. Therapists can provide cognitive rehabilitation, motor retraining, and strategies for managing fatigue and emotional regulation.

Occupational Therapy for Aging People

As people age, they may experience physical and cognitive changes that impact their ability to perform daily tasks. Occupational therapy can help aging individuals maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life through:

Falls Prevention: Assessing and addressing risk factors for falls, such as balance problems, visual impairments, and environmental hazards.
Home Safety Assessments: Identifying and modifying risks in the home to prevent accidents.
Cognitive Support: Providing strategies for managing memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive challenges.
Pain Management: Teaching strategies for managing chronic pain and improving function.

The term 'interventions' is often used with Occupational Therapy services for an aging population, as they describe evidence-based strategies that elevate comfort levels and self-assurance with:

Home modifications to enhance safety and accessibility.
Provision of assistive devices like walkers, wheelchairs, or specialized utensils.
Therapeutic exercises to improve balance, strength, and coordination.

Example: An elderly person with arthritis could benefit from Occupational Therapy to manage pain, improve joint function, and maintain independence in daily activities. Therapists can provide ergonomic assessments, adaptive equipment, and education on joint protection techniques.

Accessing NDIS Funding for OT

NDIS-funded occupational therapy typically falls under the "Improved Daily Living" and "Improved Health and Wellbeing" categories. Services can include:

Assessment: Comprehensive evaluations of a participant's functional abilities.
Therapeutic Intervention : Individualised treatment plans designed to address specific goals.
Assistive Technology: Recommendations, training, and support for using assistive devices.
Home Modifications: Assessments and recommendations for altering a participant's living environment.

To access NDIS funding for OT, individuals must first become NDIS participants and develop a plan that outlines their goals and support needs. Occupational therapists can then work with participants to develop a personalised therapy solution that aligns with these goals.

Telehealth is playing an increasing role in Occupational Therapy service delivery, particularly for individuals in remote areas. Future developments may include more sophisticated remote therapy platforms and digital tools to enhance accessibility and engagement.

NDIS Occupational Therapy is a critical service that empowers individuals of all ages with disabilities to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. Sigma Therapies advocates for an integrated care model which involves collaboration between Occupational Therapy and other health care disciplines, like psychology, and other healthcare disciplines. This holistic support addresses the complexity of needs unique to people living with disabilities.

Useful links: Check this fact sheet from NDIA about working with providers as a NDIS participant: "Working with Providers"

Change starts with one conversation.

Call us today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one.

F ree 15-minute phone consultation to understand your story.

How Psychologists with Positive Behaviour Support Expertise Transform NDIS Clients' Lives

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 01:13:03 GMT

Individuals with disabilities often find themselves dealing with a complex landscape. Specialised support is essential to manage behaviours that may limit their participation in daily life. Psychologists with expertise in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) are in a unique position to help NDIS participants.

PBS practitioners have the ability to guide their clients through the process of developing the required skills to navigate social situations, regulate their emotions, and manage stress.

Understanding Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Positive Behaviour Support is a holistic, person-centred approach that seeks to understand the underlying causes of challenging behaviours. Unlike traditional methods that focus on suppressing unwanted actions, Positive Behaviour Support aims to create supportive environments, teach new skills, and address individual needs to reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviours occurring in the first place. It's a proactive, rather than reactive, approach that enables individuals to live more fulfilling lives.

Key Principles of PBS:

Person-Centred : Every intervention is tailored to the individual's unique needs, preferences, and goals.
Understanding Behaviour : Challenging behaviours are viewed as attempts to communicate needs or escape unpleasant situations.
Proactive Strategies : Focus is on creating supportive environments and teaching new skills to prevent challenging behaviours.
Data-Driven Decision Making : Interventions are continuously monitored and adjusted based on data collected.
Collaboration : Involves the individual, their family, support workers, and other professionals in the planning and implementation process.

The effectiveness of PBS relies on a thorough understanding of the individual's behaviour and the factors that influence it. This is achieved through Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs). They are, in essence, a way of uncovering the "why" behind behaviours. FBAs are used to identify the function or purpose of a challenging behaviour. The process consists of gathering information about the behaviour itself, the antecedents (what happens before the behaviour), and the consequences (what happens after the behaviour).

Based on the results of the Functional Behaviour Assessment, a Positive Behaviour Support plan is developed. This plan outlines specific strategies and interventions designed to address the underlying function of the challenging behaviour.

The Role of Psychologists in Positive Behaviour Support

Psychologists who specialise in Positive Behaviour Support conduct comprehensive behavioural assessments to identify the underlying causes of certain behaviours. They use this insight to create personalised intervention plans. Positive Behaviour Support plans may involve teaching coping mechanisms, modifying environments to reduce stressors, and training caregivers to reinforce positive behaviours at home and in community settings.

By working closely with the individual and their support network, Positive Behaviour Support psychologists foster long-term behavioural improvements that enhance the person's overall wellbeing and ability to engage meaningfully in daily activities.

Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support for NDIS Participants

One of the most significant advantages of Positive Behaviour Support is its focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. This approach helps build confidence, develop healthier relationships, and participate more fully in the community. By reducing stress and frustration linked to challenging behaviours, Positive Behaviour Support also leads to improved mental health and a better quality of life. Families and caregivers benefit as well, as they receive guidance on how to provide consistent and effective support.

Real-Life Impact of PBS

Positive Behaviour Support is more than just a theory; it transforms lives. Let’s see how we could apply PBS techniques in practice to achieve valuable change:

For a child with autism: Imagine a 7-year-old girl with autism, struggling with severe meltdowns triggered by sensory overload. As her psychologists, we would use Positive Behaviour Support techniques to identify her stressors and implement strategies like structured routines, visual schedules, and a sensory-friendly home setup. Over time, she would learn self-regulation techniques, reducing the frequency and intensity of her meltdowns. She then could confidently attend school and enjoy social activities with friends.
A teen with ADHD: A 15-year-old with ADHD would find it difficult to focus in school and would hence engage in disruptive behaviour. As Positive Behaviour Support psychologists, we could introduce a reward-based system and teach him mindfulness techniques to manage impulsivity. By also involving his teachers and parents in the process, his environment would become more structured, helping him succeed academically while improving his relationships with peers.
An adult with an intellectual disability: A 35-year-old man with an intellectual disability could exhibit aggressive behaviours when frustrated. As his psychologists, we would work with him to develop communication skills, teaching him to express emotions through words instead of outbursts. We could guide his caregivers with de-escalation techniques, leading to a significant reduction in incidents. This would allow the client to live more independently and enjoy a stable routine with less stress.

Positive Behaviour Support plans have been shown to significantly improve the independence, happiness, and overall quality of life of NDIS clients.

Accessing Positive Behaviour Support Services Through NDIS

The NDIS Commission plays a vital role in setting standards and protecting the rights of people with disabilities. Recent announcements and developments highlight the increasing emphasis on PBS as a core component of quality support services.

NDIS participants can access Positive Behaviour Support services as part of their funded supports under the 'Improved Relationships' and 'Capacity Building' categories. These services can include one-on-one therapy sessions, family training programs, and consultations with professionals to refine behavioural strategies over time. Engaging with experienced PBS psychologists ensures individuals receive comprehensive, structured support tailored to their unique needs.

Psychologists with expertise in Positive Behaviour Support are making a profound difference in the lives of NDIS clients. By understanding the underlying causes of challenging behaviours and implementing person-centred, evidence-based interventions, they are giving individuals the opportunity to live more fulfilling, independent, and inclusive lives.

The future of addressing challenging behaviours is a holistic approach to treatment. By integrating Positive Behaviour Support with other therapies, such as occupational therapy and speech therapy, we can better address all aspects of a client's needs, enhancing their independence and wellbeing.

Find out more about Sigma Therapies’ holistic approach to mental health and physical wellbeing here .

Useful links: Check the fact sheets and other resources available to participants on the NDIA website: What is Positive Behaviour Support

Change starts with one conversation.

Call us today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one.

No pressure, just a chance to ask questions and see whether we're the right fit.

Call us today:

Or start a referral form:

Who is Eligible for NDIS Support? A Quick Guide for 2025

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:08:26 GMT

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an essential program in Australia, designed to provide support to people with disabilities. Individuals, families, and service providers alike benefit from a clear understanding of who is eligible for NDIS support.

So what are the NDIS eligibility criteria and its recent reforms? How do these changes impact individuals and organisations that work with disability?

Understanding NDIS Eligibility Criteria

NDIS eligibility isn't based solely on having a disability diagnosis. It involves a more holistic assessment of how the disability impacts a person's ability to participate in daily life. To be eligible, an individual must generally meet the following criteria:

Age: Be under 65 years of age when applying to the NDIS.
Residency: Be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent visa, or be a protected Special Category Visa holder.
Disability Requirements: Meet the disability or early intervention requirements.

Meeting the Disability Requirements

This is the most complex aspect of NDIS eligibility. An individual must prove the presence of a permanent disability that substantially impacts their ability to perform daily activities without assistance. This includes physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory, and psychosocial disabilities. Additionally, individuals who require early intervention to prevent further deterioration of their condition may also qualify for support under the NDIS.

For children under the age of 6, there are early intervention requirements. This means that the child has a disability or developmental delay that, without early intervention, would likely result in the child meeting the disability requirements later in life. Early intervention aims to reduce the impact of the disability and help children develop the skills they need.

Recent Reforms and Eligibility Criteria Changes (2024/2025)

The NDIS is a dynamic system, and changes are continually implemented to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. The recent reforms for 2024/2025 bring significant updates to eligibility criteria and the types of supports covered.

Focus on Functional Capacity

A key shift is the increased emphasis on functional capacity. The NDIS Amendment Bill updates require applicants to demonstrate how their disability affects their daily activities. This means providing detailed information about how the disability impacts:

Mobility (e.g., walking, transferring)
Communication (e.g., speaking, understanding)
Self-care (e.g., showering, dressing)
Social interaction (e.g., engaging with others, building relationships)
Learning (e.g., acquiring new skills, problem-solving)
Self-management (e.g., managing medication, making decisions)

This focus ensures that resources are directed toward individuals with the 'greatest' needs. For NDIS occupational therapists , this means assisting clients in clearly articulating the impact of their disability through comprehensive assessments and documentation.

How to Apply for NDIS Support

The application process begins with checking eligibility through the NDIS website or consulting a Local Area Coordinator. If eligible, the next step involves collecting medical documentation, functional assessments, and other supporting evidence from healthcare professionals. This documentation should clearly outline how the disability affects daily life and the types of support required.

Once all necessary documents are prepared, the individual can submit their application online, via phone, or through an NDIS partner organisation. If the application is successful, an NDIS planning meeting is arranged, during which the participant discusses their goals, needs, and preferred support services. Based on this discussion, a personalised NDIS plan is developed, outlining the funding and services available to them.

NDIS Support Lists: What's Covered?

On October 3, 2024, the NDIA released NDIS Support Lists. These lists are crucial because they clearly outline which supports the NDIS will cover. The lists are temporary, pending the agreement of final rules by governments, and affect access and planning decisions.

This development has significant implications for NDIS participants. It is meant to provide greater clarity on the types of supports funded by the NDIS. Also, its goal is to help participants and providers develop realistic and targeted support plans. Just as important, it informs how NDIS budgets should be allocated to ensure access to essential supports.

This information will allow NDIS providers, such as psychologists and occupational therapists, to provide informed advice to clients on which services are covered and to tailor their offer of assistance accordingly. This might also involve advocating for necessary supports that aren't initially included, demonstrating their value and necessity.

What Happens If an Application Is Denied?

If an NDIS application is denied, one has the right to request a review of the decision. This process involves submitting additional evidence or clarifications regarding the individual's needs. Seeking assistance from an NDIS support coordinator or advocacy service can increase the chances of a successful appeal, ensuring that those who genuinely require support receive the funding they need.

Eligibility Reassessments: Extended Timelines

The NDIA has extended the timeline for submitting reassessment documents from 28 to 90 days. This change is designed to alleviate stress and provide participants with more time to gather the required information. The NDIA has also committed to improving communication throughout the reassessment process.

This is a positive development, as it allows individuals and their support networks (including providers) more time to prepare comprehensive documentation. This can lead to more accurate assessments and better-tailored support plans.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Psychology, PBS (positive behaviour support), and OT (occupational therapy) practices like Sigma Therapies play a vital role in supporting individuals navigating the NDIS. They conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the functional impact of a disability and prepare detailed documentation to support NDIS applications and reassessments. By creating tailored support plans, they make sure the participant’s goals align with the NDIS support lists.

They also provide evidence-based therapies and interventions to improve functional capacity and quality of life for participants. And many will advocate for clients to ensure they receive the supports they need. Allied health providers focus often on educating clients and their families about the NDIS, eligibility criteria, and available supports, which makes a real difference in the lives of people with disability.

Market Impact and Industry Responses

The updated eligibility criteria and support lists have had a noticeable impact on the disability support market.

Increased Scrutiny

The updated criteria have led to *increased scrutiny* on borderline cases, particularly those involving variable conditions. This means that applicants need to provide more detailed documentation to demonstrate the impact of their disability. This could lead to a higher administrative burden for both applicants and providers. It also necessitates a deeper understanding of the NDIS framework and the legislation around it.

Shifting Support Responsibilities

The introduction of clear support lists may result in some supports being shifted to state or community services. This could impact the availability of certain services and may require participants to seek alternative funding sources.

For Sigma Therapies, as an example, this means we are staying informed about the services available outside the NDIS, so we are able to connect clients with appropriate resources.

Technology Integration

Implementing digital tools could enhance communication and streamline the eligibility reassessment process further. This could involve using online platforms to share documentation, track progress, and communicate with the NDIA.

Ongoing Training

Providers will need ongoing training to navigate the evolving landscape effectively and ensure they provide high-quality support services. Education about changes in NDIS, new therapeutic techniques and other information assists clinicians to deliver up to date service.

Supporting NDIS Participants in Perth

Navigating NDIS eligibility and the application process can seem overwhelming, but understanding the key criteria and steps involved makes it more manageable. By following the correct procedures and providing thorough documentation, individuals can access the essential services they need to enhance their independence and overall wellbeing.

Understanding the intricacies of NDIS is complex. Professional support from psychology, PBS (positive behaviour support) practitioners, and Occupational Therapists is vital to ensure you understand your NDIS benefits.

Useful links: Check if you're eligible on the NDIS website: Am I eligible | NDIS

Change starts with one conversation.

Call us today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one.

F ree 15-minute phone consultation to understand your story.

sigma-therapies

Can Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Help Your Family?

You have a child or family member who finds certain situations overwhelming, who struggles to communicate what they need, or whose behaviour has started to affect daily life at home or school.

If you've been searching for support for them, you might have come across the term Positive Behaviour Support , or PBS.

Like many families, you may have wondered, "What actually is this? Is it right for us? And where do I even start?"

What Is Positive Behaviour Support?

What Does PBS Actually Look Like in Real Life?

Is PBS Just for Kids?

Common Questions Families Ask Us

What Families in Perth Tell Us They Want

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Change starts with one conversation.

Call us today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one.

No pressure, just a chance to ask questions and see whether we're the right fit.

Referring to Positive Behaviour Support: What Support Coordinators Need to Know

As a Support Coordinator or allied health professional working with NDIS participants, the quality of your PBS referrals directly affects participant outcomes.

﻿ Understanding what good PBS looks like and how to match participants to the right level of support is one of the most valuable skills you can develop in your role.

PBS Under the NDIS: Funding and Registration

Key registration considerations for referrers:

The Seven Capability Domains: What Your Referral Should Cover

What Makes a High-Quality Referral

Clinical and background information:

Current behaviour context:

Support network:

NDIS plan details:

PBS and Restrictive Practice Compliance: What Referrers Need to Know

Sigma Therapies: Referral Pathway

Your Free Guide to Making Confident Positive Behaviour Support Referrals

Get In Touch

For referral enquiries, clinical consultations, or questions about complex cases, our team welcomes conversations with support coordinators and allied health professionals.

Why Choose NDIS Occupational Therapy for Children, Adults, and Aging People?

NDIS Occupational Therapy (OT) offers invaluable support to individuals with disabilities at any stage in their lives. It enhances their independence and overall quality of life.

From children developing essential skills to aging adults maintaining their self-reliance, Occupational Therapy provides tailored solutions to meet diverse needs.

The Importance of Occupational Therapy for NDIS Participants

NDIS Reforms and Their Impact on Occupational Therapy

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Children

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Adults

Daily Living and Enhancing Independence and Community Participation

Occupational Therapy for Aging People

Accessing NDIS Funding for OT

Change starts with one conversation.

Call us today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one.

How Psychologists with Positive Behaviour Support Expertise Transform NDIS Clients' Lives

Understanding Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Key Principles of PBS:

The Role of Psychologists in Positive Behaviour Support

Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support for NDIS Participants

Real-Life Impact of PBS

Accessing Positive Behaviour Support Services Through NDIS

Change starts with one conversation.

Call us today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one.

No pressure, just a chance to ask questions and see whether we're the right fit.

Who is Eligible for NDIS Support? A Quick Guide for 2025

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an essential program in Australia, designed to provide support to people with disabilities. Individuals, families, and service providers alike benefit from a clear understanding of who is eligible for NDIS support.

Understanding NDIS Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the Disability Requirements

Recent Reforms and Eligibility Criteria Changes (2024/2025)

Focus on Functional Capacity

How to Apply for NDIS Support

NDIS Support Lists: What's Covered?

What Happens If an Application Is Denied?

Eligibility Reassessments: Extended Timelines

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Market Impact and Industry Responses

Increased Scrutiny

Shifting Support Responsibilities

Technology Integration

Ongoing Training

Supporting NDIS Participants in Perth

Change starts with one conversation.

Call us today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one.

Understanding what good PBS looks like and how to match participants to the right level of support is one of the most valuable skills you can develop in your role.

The Seven Capability Domains:
What Your Referral Should Cover

PBS and Restrictive Practice Compliance:
What Referrers Need to Know