In the NDIS support ecosystem, Occupational Therapists and Behaviour Support Practitioners often work with the same participants — but they do not always work together as effectively as they could. When the collaboration between these two disciplines is working well, participants get a clearer picture of their support needs, better-evidenced NDIS plans, and more targeted interventions.

What does each discipline bring?

Occupational Therapists assess functional capacity — the ability to perform daily life activities across self-care, mobility, communication, social participation, and self-management. OTs also assess the environment and make recommendations about modifications, equipment, and support structures.

Behaviour Support Practitioners assess behaviour — the functions of behaviour, the triggers and contexts in which behaviour occurs, and the supports and strategies that can reduce behaviour of concern and improve quality of life.

These are different but deeply connected bodies of work. Behaviour does not occur in a vacuum — it occurs in the context of a person’s functional capacity, their environment, their relationships, and their daily routines.

Where OT and behaviour support genuinely overlap

– Functional communication

Behaviour of concern is often communicative — a person’s way of expressing a need when they do not have access to a more effective method. OTs assess communication capacity as part of an FCA, and communication limitations are among the most important findings a BSP needs to understand the function of behaviour.

– Sensory processing

Sensory processing differences are a significant driver of behaviour of concern for many participants, including those with autism, intellectual disability, and acquired brain injury. OT assessment can provide specific, evidence-based information about a participant’s sensory profile that is directly relevant to behaviour support planning.

– Daily routine and activity structure

Behaviour of concern often has a strong relationship with routine — with transitions, unstructured time, and demands placed on the participant during activities they find difficult. OT assessment of daily routines and environmental factors provides important context for understanding why behaviour occurs at particular times and settings.

– Restrictive practices

Where a Behaviour Support Plan includes restrictive practices, OT assessment can contribute directly — for example, by assessing whether environmental modifications or changes to activity structure might reduce the need for restrictive practices.

What happens when the two assessments are not connected

When an OT FCA and a Behaviour Support Assessment are completed independently, without reference to each other, the gaps become apparent in the plans they produce. The participant ends up with two reports that are not quite talking to each other — a common and entirely avoidable problem.

What good collaboration looks like

• Share assessments and reports — the OT should have access to existing Behaviour Support Plans, and vice versa
• Communicate during the assessment process — even a brief phone call between OT and BSP can identify shared concerns and avoid duplication
• Reference each other’s findings in reports — situating each assessment within the broader clinical picture
• Brief the support team together where possible — so workers understand how the functional and behaviour support picture fits together

Sina OT’s approach to collaborative practice

Sina OT actively supports collaborative practice with Behaviour Support Practitioners. When completing a Functional Capacity Assessment for a participant who has an existing Behaviour Support Plan or an active BSP, the assessing OT welcomes communication with the BSP and incorporates behaviour support context into the functional assessment where clinically relevant.

To discuss a referral or explore how OT and behaviour support assessment might be coordinated for a participant, contact Sina OT on 0467 712 199 or at sina@sinaot.com.au.

Refer to Sina OT

Sina OT is an independent Occupational Therapy practice providing Functional Capacity Assessments across Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. All assessments are completed by experienced, registered Occupational Therapists. Services are available in English and Farsi (Persian). 400+ FCAs completed.