Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach to understanding why behaviours of concern happen and what helps. It works with the person and the people around them to improve quality of life, build skills and change environments so they meet the person’s needs.
The WA Department of Communities describes PBS as “a human rights-based framework for reducing behaviours of concern and increasing quality of life outcomes”. It is not about controlling a person. It is about understanding what they may be communicating.
Behaviour is communication
Behaviour that worries people usually has a reason. It might be pain, tiredness, sensory overload, not being understood, a change in routine, or a need to escape something that feels unbearable. When we understand the reason, we can change the situation, teach new skills and respond in ways that help.
What PBS involves
- Getting to know the person: their strengths, interests, communication, culture and what a good life looks like for them
- A Functional Behaviour Assessment to work out when, where and why behaviours happen
- A Behaviour Support Plan written with the person and their supporters
- Changes to routines, spaces and expectations, which WA guidance calls “Capable Environments”
- Teaching skills such as communication, coping and regulation
- Coaching families, support workers and teachers so everyone responds consistently
- Reducing, and wherever possible removing, restrictive practices
- Regular monitoring and review
Who PBS is for
PBS can help children, young people and adults with disability, including autistic people, people with ADHD, intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or psychosocial disability. It also supports the people around them: parents, carers, siblings, support workers, schools and disability providers.
What success looks like
Success is not only fewer behaviours of concern. It is more good days: more connection, more choice, more participation at home, school, work and in the community, and more safety for everyone. As the WA guidance puts it, “PBS is the responsibility of everyone, not just behaviour support practitioners.”
PBS under the NDIS
Under the NDIS, PBS is delivered as specialist behaviour support by practitioners the NDIS Commission has found suitable. It follows the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, which set timeframes for plans and reviews.
This guide is general information only. It is not medical or legal advice. Talk with us about your situation.
