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Big feelings and meltdowns: what to look for and where to get help

Big emotions, meltdowns, aggression, or defiance that feel bigger than age.

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Understanding behavioural challenges

Many parents worry when they notice their child is developing differently from other children the same age. These feelings are common, and help is available. Many allied health professionals in Australia work with children in this area.

Below are the services that most often help children with behavioural challenges, and what each one does.

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Providers who can help with behavioural challenges

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

Medicare pays a rebate for some psychology sessions when your GP writes a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral first. Some private health extras policies pay part of the cost of psychology. If your child's NDIS plan includes behaviour support, you can use it to pay a behaviour support practitioner.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • NDIS price limit

    $252.99 an hour

    Psychology, 2026–27.

  • Medicare rebate

    $101.55 a session

    Psychologist, up to 10 sessions a year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

Why does my child have such big meltdowns?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says young children are still developing the parts of the brain that help them manage strong emotions and calm themselves down. It also says behaviour is a form of communication. Emerging Minds says a tantrum is not something a toddler plans or chooses to do. It is a sign their body is overwhelmed by a need or feeling they can't explain.

What should I do while a meltdown is happening?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says to focus on being with your child in the moment before trying to change their behaviour. It suggests getting down to your child's eye level, speaking in a calm, steady voice and staying close. When your child is frustrated or overwhelmed, it says their brain is in a state where it is hard to listen, think clearly or follow instructions. Emerging Minds says showing your child you understand what they are feeling helps them feel loved and safe.

Do I still need rules and limits?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says children need boundaries to feel safe. It says boundaries help them understand what is expected of them and what will happen next. It also says routines may help your child feel more secure and less frustrated. It says acknowledging your child's efforts, not just the outcomes, will help them feel capable and supported while they are still learning new skills.

When should I get help, and where can I turn if I am finding it hard?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says you may wish to seek more support if your child is often very distressed, if their behaviours are intense, frequent, getting worse or affecting their daily life, or if you feel overwhelmed as a parent. It says to start by speaking with your child's doctor, who may refer you to a specialist in paediatrics or mental health. Emerging Minds says to call a parent helpline if you are finding it hard to cope with your own feelings or your child's emotions or behaviours.

Can anxiety look like tantrums and meltdowns?

It can. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne lists sudden emotional or angry outbursts, tantrums or meltdowns among the signs of anxiety. If your child seems overly worried or anxious, or feels anxious most of the time, the Royal Children's Hospital says to start by speaking with your child's doctor or another trusted healthcare provider.

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