Positive Behaviour Support and How it Can Help
What is Positive Behaviour Support and How Can It Help?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is guided by a behaviour support practitioner and aims to improve a person’s life when behaviours of concern are active. PBS works as it is evidence based and person-centred, and focuses on the three elements that contribute to behaviours of concerns1:
· The person, their past, present, and what they've learned.
· The thoughts, emotions, and actions of the individuals around them.
· The places, people, and cultures around them.
By focusing on these 4 elements, PBS strategies pay attention to:
· Collaboration and Teamwork: PBS thrives on collaboration among stakeholders, like educators and family, creating a united support system for the individual.
· Preventive Strategies: PBS is about stopping issues before they happen, identifying triggers, and creating an environment that supports positive growth that is based on the individual’s likes, dislikes, and goals.
· Environmental changes: PBS improves the environment by not only removing triggers, but also adding sensory preferences to the individual’s everyday life to help with emotion regulation.
· Communication: PBS considers the individual’s communication style and builds on them. For example, using visual aides, a communication dictionary, and/or assistive technology for non-speech users, so that their support system can better understand them.
An approach that considers all the parts in a person’s life will result in reduced behaviours of concern, but more importantly it will result in a happier and more fulfilled individual.
When Do You Need PBS?
If an individual is experiencing the following:
· Verbal Aggression
· Physical Aggression
· Sexualised behaviours
· Self-harm
· Absconding/wandering
· Property damage
· Other Behaviours of concern
How Do I Get Access To PBS?
PBS is funded by the NDIS under the improved relationships category (specialist behaviour support, and behaviour management). Ask your support coordinator, NDIS planner, or Local area coordinator for assistance accessing this funding if needed.
If you're uncertain, feel free to email us at Info@intertwinedhealth.com.au, and we'll do our best to guide you to suitable services and resources. Currently, our services are focused in the inner-city Sydney and surrounding areas. If you are out of area and need assistance with behaviour support, send us an email, and we'll help direct you to the appropriate services and resources available in your location.
Resources
1. Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT)
https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/uploads/documents/Therapy/Aspect-Digital-Manuals/Sample-Pages-from-A-Guide-for-Positive-Behaviour-Support-Aspect-Digital-Manuals.pdf
2. Exploring neurodiversity podcast
https://playlearnchat.com/podcast-5/
3. NDIS commission
https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/providers/understanding-behaviour-support-and-restrictive-practices-providers#:~:text=Behaviour%20support%20focuses%20on%20evidence,who%20require%20specialist%20behaviour%20support.