When behaviours of concern impact a person's daily life, relationships or ability to participate in their community, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person centred approach that focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviour and working alongside you, your family and support network to create positive, lasting change.
Rather than asking "How do we stop this behaviour?", PBS asks "What are you trying to communicate, and how can we better support you?"
What does a PBS Practitioner Do?
PBS Practitioners work with you and the people around you to understand individual needs, strengths and goals.
This may involve:
Gathering information from you, your family members, support workers, teachers and other professionals.
Identifying the factors that may be contributing to behaviours of concern.
Completing Functional Behaviour Assessments to better understand why behaviours occur.
Developing Behaviour Support Plans that are tailored to your needs and circumstances.
Teaching skills that help you communicate your needs, regulate emotions and build independence.
Coaching families and support teams to provide consistent support.
Monitoring outcomes and adjusting strategies as needs change.
Supporting the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices wherever possible.
The goal is not simply to reduce behaviour. The goal is to improve quality of life by helping you communicate, participate and achieve the outcomes that matter most to you.
What PBS doesn't do
PBS Practitioners play an important role, but they are not a replacement for other clinical or support services.
They do not provide:
General counselling or psychotherapy
Psychology treatment or mental health services
Occupational Therapy or Speech Pathology services
Medical or psychiatric treatment
Support Coordination or NDIS plan management
Emergency or crisis response services
Legal or court reports
Instead, PBS Practitioners focus specifically on understanding behaviour, building skills and creating the conditions for positive and sustainable outcomes.
What difference can PBS make?
The impact of Positive Behaviour Support is best understood through the changes it can create in everyday life. These are just some PBS Practitioners stories that highlight the impact of the service.
When PBS Practitioner Sharne began supporting a 10 year old client, he was attending school less than 10 per cent of the time and had become largely disengaged from education. By working closely with this client, his family and support network to understand the barriers he was experiencing, positive strategies were introduced to support his engagement. Today, he attends school full time and is enjoying opportunities to learn, socialise and participate alongside his peers.
PBS Practitioner Kylie worked with a 52 year old client who was subject to a number of restrictive practices, including having the pantry in her home locked. Through careful assessment and collaboration with her support network, alternative strategies were introduced that improved both safety and independence. As a result, the pantry is now unlocked during the day, giving this client greater choice and control in her everyday life.
For another client ongoing property damage was causing significant concern and impacting those around him. After working with PBS Practitioner Alex to better understand the reasons behind the behaviour and implement proactive supports, the client has not engaged in any property damage for more than two years.
While every person's journey is different, these stories highlight what can be achieved when support focuses on understanding, skill-building and meaningful outcomes.
Is PBS right for you?
PBS may be beneficial if:
Behaviours of concern are affecting daily life, relationships or community participation.
Restrictive practices are being used and there is a goal to reduce or eliminate them.
Families, carers or support teams need practical strategies and guidance.
You would like support to strengthen communication, emotional regulation or independence.
There is a desire to better understand the reasons behind behaviour and create positive change.
At Gateways, our PBS team works alongside clients, families and support networks to build understanding, develop practical strategies and support outcomes that improve everyday life.
"Positive Behaviour Support is about understanding the person behind the behaviour, building on their strengths and creating more opportunities for choice, independence and participation in everyday life."
Gateways Support Services currently has capacity for several new Positive Behaviour Support clients, with immediate allocation available. Meet the team and submit an enquiry here: Positive Behaviour Support | Gateways