Positive behaviour support

Evidence-based support to understand and reduce behaviours of concern and improve quality of life.

What it means

Positive behaviour support, often called PBS, is an evidence-based and person-centred approach to understanding behaviours of concern and reducing them over time. Rather than focusing on punishment or simply stopping a behaviour, it looks at why a behaviour is happening and what the person may be trying to communicate or achieve through it.

The core idea is that behaviours of concern often have a purpose, such as expressing a need, avoiding something difficult, or responding to an environment that does not suit the person. By improving the person's quality of life, environment and skills, PBS aims to make these behaviours less likely because the underlying needs are being met in better ways. It is built around respect for the person and their rights.

In practice

In practice, PBS usually involves a behaviour support practitioner who gets to know the person, observes what is happening, and works to understand the reasons behind behaviours of concern. They then develop a behaviour support plan that sets out practical strategies for the person and those who support them, focusing on prevention, teaching new skills and improving daily life.

PBS is overseen by the NDIS Commission, which sets expectations for how it should be delivered and who can provide it. A good plan is tailored to the individual, involves the people who know them, and is reviewed as circumstances change. If you think PBS might help, talk with your support coordinator or planner about including behaviour support in your NDIS plan and finding a suitable practitioner.

A real example

For example, Marcus sometimes becomes distressed and lashes out during busy, noisy activities. A behaviour support practitioner spends time getting to know him and works out that the noise is overwhelming. Together with his family, they develop a behaviour support plan that includes quieter routines, warning him before changes, and teaching him ways to ask for a break, which reduces his distress over time.

Positive behaviour support — FAQs

What is the goal of positive behaviour support?
The goal is to understand why behaviours of concern happen and reduce them by improving a person's quality of life, environment and skills. Rather than using punishment, PBS focuses on meeting the person's underlying needs in better ways. Over time this makes challenging behaviours less likely and helps the person live a safer, more fulfilling life.
Who develops a behaviour support plan?
A behaviour support practitioner usually develops the plan. They get to know the person, observe what is happening, and work out the reasons behind behaviours of concern. They then set out practical strategies focused on prevention, teaching new skills and improving daily life. The plan is created with input from the person and those who support them.
Is PBS about punishing behaviour?
No. PBS deliberately avoids punishment. It is a person-centred approach that looks at why a behaviour happens and what the person may be trying to communicate. By improving quality of life, environment and skills, it aims to meet needs in better ways. The focus is on respect, understanding and building a better everyday life for the person.
Who oversees positive behaviour support?
The NDIS Commission oversees positive behaviour support. It sets expectations for how PBS should be delivered and who is suitable to provide it. This oversight helps ensure the approach is safe, evidence-based and respects the rights of the person. Practitioners are expected to work within these standards when developing and carrying out behaviour support plans.
How do I arrange PBS in my NDIS plan?
Talk with your support coordinator or planner about including behaviour support in your NDIS plan. It helps to explain the behaviours of concern and how they affect daily life. From there, you can be connected with a suitable behaviour support practitioner who can assess the situation and develop a tailored behaviour support plan with you and those close to you.

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