NDIS Behaviour Support & Restrictive Practices: What You Need to Know

Behaviour support is one of the most important — and most regulated — areas of the NDIS. If you're a participant, family member, or support coordinator, understanding the rules around restrictive practices is essential to ensuring the rights, dignity, and safety of the people you support.

At MyHealth Solutions, we are committed to providing behaviour support that is ethical, evidence-based, and always prioritises the least restrictive approach. This article explains the key concepts, the legal framework, and where to find the official NDIS Commission guidelines.

What Are Restrictive Practices?

Restrictive practices are interventions that limit a person's rights or freedom of movement. Under the NDIS framework, they are classified into five categories:

• Seclusion — Confining a person alone in a room or space they cannot leave.
• Chemical Restraint — Using medication to control behaviour rather than treat a medical condition.
• Physical Restraint — Using physical force to restrict movement.
• Mechanical Restraint — Using a device to limit movement.
• Environmental Restraint — Restricting access to places, objects, or activities.

The Legal Framework

Restrictive practices are governed by the NDIS (Behaviour Support) Act 2018 and overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. The key principle is clear:

"Restrictive practices must only be used when there is a risk of harm, and only after all other strategies have been tried or considered."

— NDIS Commission Guidelines

This means restrictive practices are always a last resort. Before any restrictive practice can be used, the following conditions must all be met:

1. Immediate risk of harm — There must be a serious risk to the person or others.
2. Last resort — All less restrictive strategies have been tried or considered.
3. Behaviour Support Plan — The practice must be documented in an NDIS behaviour support plan.
4. Authorisation — Required approvals must be obtained from relevant authorities.
5. Regular review — All restrictive practices must be regularly reviewed and minimised over time.

The Zero Restrictive Practice Philosophy

At MyHealth Solutions, we believe in working towards the elimination of restrictive practices wherever possible. This means using proactive, trauma-informed strategies to understand the function of behaviour and address the underlying needs — rather than just controlling the behaviour itself.

A qualified behaviour support practitioner will conduct a functional behaviour assessment, develop a positive behaviour support plan, and work with the participant, their family, and their support team to build skills and improve quality of life. The goal is always to reduce — and ultimately eliminate — the need for restrictive practices.

Your Rights as a Participant or Family Member

You have the right to:

• Be informed about any restrictive practices being used or proposed.
• Give or withhold informed consent (except in emergencies).
• Request a review of any behaviour support plan at any time.
• Ask providers about their restrictive practice use and request alternatives.
• Make a complaint to the NDIS Commission if you have concerns.