5 Strategies to Safely Reduce Restrictive Practices

Restrictive practices limit a person's freedom of movement or decision-making. The NDIS Commission holds a mandate to reduce and eliminate these practices. Doing so safely requires clinical planning, staff consistency, and capacity building.

Our 5 Core Reduction Strategies

To Reduce restrictive practices safely without increasing risk, our practitioners use the following evidence-based approaches:

• 1. Environmental Modification: Changing the physical layout or sensory profile of a home (e.g. installing soundproofing or organizing spaces) to remove triggers that lead to escalation.
• 2. Functional Communication Training (FCT): Introducing speech devices, visual schedules, or sign support so the participant can ask for breaks, items, or attention without using challenging behaviours.
• 3. Early De-escalation Protocols: Training carers to spot early indicators of distress (pacing, vocalizations) and intervene with soothing, positive strategies before an escalation occurs.
• 4. Active Support Principles: Ensuring the participant is actively engaged in daily tasks at home, giving them control and reducing boredom or frustration.
• 5. Consistent Staff Coaching: Providing real-time coaching to support workers and family members on positive reinforcement models so everyone responds consistently.

"Fading out a restrictive practice is a journey of trust. When we replace restriction with communication and environmental safety, we build lasting independence."

Our clinical practitioners work closely with NDIS participants, families, and implementing providers to document fading strategies in Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans. Contact us to learn more.