What is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-informed way of supporting people who display behaviours of concern — behaviour that might place them, or the people around them, at risk, or that makes everyday life harder than it needs to be.

The starting point of PBS is a simple idea: behaviour happens for a reason. A behaviour of concern is usually communicating something — a need, a feeling, or a response to the environment. Rather than trying to stop or punish the behaviour, PBS works to understand what it is telling us, and then to change things so the person has better ways to get that need met.

What PBS looks like in practice

• Understanding first. We look at what tends to happen before and after a behaviour, and what the person may be trying to communicate.
• Changing the environment. Often the most powerful changes are to the world around the person — routines, communication, sensory needs, relationships.
• Building skills. We help the person develop new ways to communicate and cope.
• Supporting the team. Families and support workers are coached so everyone responds consistently.

The aim is to improve the person’s quality of life and, over time, reduce the need for restrictive practices.

What PBS isn’t

PBS is not a quick fix, and it isn’t about control or compliance. Good behaviour support takes time, works alongside the person and the people who know them best, and treats dignity and quality of life as the point — not a side effect.

How to access it

Behaviour support is usually funded through the Capacity Building part of an NDIS plan. A behaviour support practitioner works with the participant to understand what’s happening and develop a behaviour support plan.

If you’d like to talk about whether this could help someone you support, get in touch.