New Year, New NDIS developments. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is currently undergoing a major refresh to make the scheme fairer and more consistent. By mid-2026, the way funding is allocated and planned is set to shift, while there will be a greater emphasis on positive behaviour support (PBS).
Read on for the full lowdown to help you navigate these changes:
What’s changing?
Emphasising positive behaviour support
The NDIA has made the reduction and eventual elimination of regulated restrictive practices (RRP) one of its leading priorities for the 2025-2026 period, leading to a greater emphasis on positive behaviour support (PBS), such as those therapies offered by Butter Fish Services.
Positive behaviour support has a wealth of benefits including improved emotional regulation, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved resilience and coping skills. What’s more, these therapies are suitable in multiple situations, including:
- Panic disorders
- Aggression,
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Sensory issues
- Phobias
Positive behaviour support can take many forms, and take place via in-person and remote therapy sessions, including:
- Applied behaviour analysis (ABA)
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)*
- Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBA)*
- Play therapy
Changes to NDIS planning
In mid-2026, the NDIS planning process will gradually change to a process called “New Framework Planning”. The new process is designed to be fairer, more consistent, and less burdensome for participants. Instead of looking purely at a diagnosis, the assessment practice will factor in a participant’s whole life, including how they manage daily tasks, safety, and goals.
Whilst the first participants will start using the new planning approach from May-July (dates still to be confirmed by the NDIA), don’t worry about current behaviour support plans – it will be a phased introduction, so you may not see any changes for a while.
The key aims of the change are simple:
- Use a person-centric and strengths-based approach
- Create fairer and more consistent budgets
- Reduce the need for expensive reports
- Result in simpler, more flexible plans
Plans will cover longer periods (up to 3-5 years), so participants will have more certainty and have fewer scheduled plan reviews – meaning more time living their lives rather than worrying about changes to their plan. What’s more, participants will still be able to request reviews of therapeutic needs if circumstances change.
Do get in touch with Butter Fish Services if you have any questions on how the new NDIS planning process will impact behaviour support services for you and your loved ones.
Navigating plan reviews
Regardless of whether its under the current system, or part of the new planning process, navigating NDIS plan reviews requires proactive preparation to ensure that your funding aligns with your current goals and life changes.
- Prepare early: Gather reports from therapists, practitioners, doctors, and specialists. Note down what is, and isn’t, working within your existing plan;
- Identify changes: Clearly articulate changes in circumstances, such as health, living arrangements, or desired goals, to justify any necessary funding adjustments;
- Focus on goals: Frame your needs around specific, measurable goals as opposed to just listing generic services. Make sure your new goals are S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) to help justify funding;
- Review meeting: Be honest, focus on goals and outcomes;
- Post-review: Review the draft plan for accuracy in budgets, goals, and management types before final approval.
If you require behaviour support after completing your plan review, you can start your therapy journey with Butter Fish by filling out our online referral form.
*To practice Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, practitioners must generally be qualified allied health professionals who are registered with their respective professional bodies and approved by the NDIS Commission.