When you hear the term “behaviours of concern”, it can sound clinical or even a little intimidating. But in the NDIS and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) world, this simply means any behaviour that puts a person or the people around them at risk, or any behaviour that significantly affects their daily life, wellbeing, or participation.
These behaviours are not the person’s fault. They are usually a sign that someone is overwhelmed, distressed, misunderstood, or trying to communicate a need they can’t express in another way.
The NDIS funds Positive Behaviour Support to help people understand these behaviours, reduce risk, and build safer, more meaningful lives.
What Counts as a Behaviour of Concern?
The NDIS recognises a wide range of behaviours that may require specialist support. Behaviours of concern are understood as actions that may cause harm to the person or others or significantly impact quality of life. The NDIS explains that behaviour support aims to “understand the reasons for your behaviour and find ways to meet your needs”.
Below is to provide examples of common behaviours the NDIS and behaviour support sector are frequently identifying as Behaviours of concern:
1. Physical Aggression
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- These behaviours can cause physical harm and create fear or distress for others.
2. Verbal Aggression
- Shouting, threats, name‑calling, or intimidating language.
- Verbal aggression can deeply affect a person’s emotional safety and sense of security.
3. Self‑Injury
- Behaviours such as head‑banging, cutting, scratching, or self‑biting.
- Self‑injury is often linked to distress, overwhelm, or difficulty expressing emotions.
4. Property Destruction
- Punching walls, breaking windows, damaging belongings, or throwing items.
- This can be a way of expressing frustration, anger, or emotional overload.
5. Non‑Compliance
- Refusing instructions, avoiding tasks, or not following routines.
- Non‑compliance may reflect stress, anxiety, communication barriers, or a need for autonomy.
6. Withdrawal or Isolation
- Avoiding people, refusing to join activities, or shutting down socially.
- Persistent withdrawal can signal loneliness, anxiety, depression, or trauma.
7. Repetitive or Obsessive Actions
- Repeating behaviours or becoming intensely focused on specific interests.
- These behaviours become concerning when they interfere with daily life or cause distress.
8. Inappropriate Social Behaviour
- Examples include undressing in public, using offensive language, or misunderstanding social boundaries.
- These behaviours can lead to conflict, misunderstandings, or social exclusion.
9. Sexualised Behaviour
- Non‑consensual touch, exposing genitals, or using explicit language in inappropriate settings.
- These behaviours can cause distress, social and community exclusion (e.g. unable to attend a local Gym) and may have legal consequences.
10. Food‑Related Behaviours
- Binge eating, vomiting after meals, refusing food, or eating inedible items.
- These behaviours can pose significant health risks and may indicate deeper emotional or developmental needs.
These examples are to help families and Supports recognise when a behaviour may need extra support. The NDIS and behaviour support sector emphasise that behaviours of concern are actions that may place a person or others at risk and are often a form of communication when someone is overwhelmed or struggling to cope.
It’s not just what the behaviour looks like.
A behaviour becomes concerning based on:
- how often it happens (frequency)
- how severe or risky it is (intensity)
- how long it lasts (duration)
- how much it affects safety, wellbeing or daily life
This aligns with NDIS behaviour support principles, which focus on understanding the reason behind the behaviour and reducing harm over time.
You don’t need to diagnose or analyse this yourself!
Families and support workers are not expected to interpret behaviour — simply noticing patterns and raising concerns early can make a huge difference. If something feels unsafe, unusual, or is increasing over time, it’s important to speak with:
- a behaviour support practitioner
- a psychologist
- an occupational therapist
- a speech pathologist
- a GP or paediatrician
- your Support Coordinator
- School Reports (Education Staff)
How Positive Behaviour Support helps?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is the NDIS‑preferred approach. It aims to:
- understand the reasons for the behaviour
- reduce stressors and triggers
- build safer, more effective ways for the person to communicate
- improve quality of life and dignity
The NDIS states that behaviour support should “increase your quality of life” and “reduce and manage behaviours of concern over time”.
Positive Behaviour Support is respectful, trauma‑informed, and focused on helping the person feel safer, calmer, and more understood.
If reading this has raised any questions or concerns about behaviours of concern or Positive Behaviour Support, you’re not alone — support is available.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Breakfree Psychology Services for further information and/or guidance tailored to your situation.
References & Where to Source More Information
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission 2020, Behaviour Support, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, viewed 26 February 2026, (ndiscommission.gov.au).
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission 2020, Regulated Restrictive Practices Guide, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, viewed 26 February 2026, (ndiscommission.gov.au).
NDIS 2021, Understanding Behaviour Support, National Disability Insurance Scheme, viewed 26 February 2026, (ndis.gov.au).
NDIS 2021, Improving Quality of Life Through Behaviour Support, National Disability Insurance Scheme, viewed 26 February 2026, (https://www.ndis.gov.au).
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission 2021, Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, viewed 26 February 2026, (ndiscommission.gov.au).