The service is committed to supporting individuals with an identified ABI such as traumatic, stroke, substance, infection, tumour or hypoxic related brain injury. The ABI Behaviour Consultancy aims to minimise socially impactful behaviours such as aggression, sexual disinhibition and withdrawal.
 
The key functions of the ABI Behaviour Consultancy are as follows:

Direct behaviour intervention

Flexible, time-limited community behaviour support encompassing a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s behaviour and environment, a positive intervention plan and progress monitoring

Secondary consultation

Clinical advice and short-term support to community services with the aim of improving outcomes for people with ABI and complex behaviours of concern

Education & Training

Education and training for community services, families and carers in relation to positive behaviour support for people with ABI

What are behaviours of concern?

Behaviours that prevent community access, or are harmful to the individual with ABI or others. Behaviours of concern often include:
•    Verbal or physical aggression
•    Sexual or social disinhibition
•    Wandering and absconding
•    Reduced initiation or withdrawal
•    Repetitive actions

What is behaviour support?

Behaviour support aims to minimise socially impactful behaviours. It is a neurobehavioural approach to responding to individuals with ABI when their behaviour limits community access, or is harmful to them or others. It involves using strategies and techniques to minimise behaviours of concern and maximise quality of life through positive adjustments of the environment, support network and the individual’s skills.

What will working with the ABI Behaviour Consultancy involve?

A thorough assessment of the individual’s skills, needs, goals, environment and support network. The assessment phase will also include obtaining a clear description of behaviours and the events, times and situations associated with occurrence and non-occurrence of these behaviours. 

If indicated a positive behaviour support plan (BSP) including goals and positive interventions will be implemented and reviewed at regular intervals, in collaboration with those actively involved in the individual’s life. Interventions are likely to emphasise proactive strategies such as changing the environment in order to minimise triggers and teaching new skills to counteract behaviours of concern, but may also include reactive strategies such as removing maintaining factors and providing positive reinforcement for more functional behaviours.

In instances where a BSP is not required, secondary consultation or education opportunities may be offered as an alternative. 

The Team

The ABI Behaviour Consultancy consists of a team of neuropsychologists and a psychiatrist with expertise and experience in supporting individuals with ABI in the community. The service is funded by the Disability Services Division of the Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS) and auspiced by Austin Health.

Referral criteria

The ABI Behaviour Consultancy aims to assist Victorians who are:
•    18 - 65 years of age
•    Demonstrate behaviours of concern as a result of traumatic, stroke, substance, infection, tumour or hypoxic related brain injury.
•    Non-compensable

Location

The ABI Behaviour Consultancy is based at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre campus of Austin Health at 1 Yarra Boulevard, Kew, VIC 3101.

Information and referral

The ABI Behaviour Consultancy together with the Community Brain Disorders Assessment and Treatment Service (CBDATS) comprise the Brain Disorders Program Community Services.

Referrals can be made to either service by visiting www.bdpv.org or telephoning the Brain Disorders Program Community Services on (03) 9490 7366 and speaking to a clinician.

Further information can be found on the website or via the above telephone number.