Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach to understanding and responding to behaviours of concern that some people with disability experience. In the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), PBS is recognised as an evidence-based practice that can be used to support people with disabilities and their families in managing challenging behaviours, often with the help of a Behaviour Support Practitioner.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support is an approach to behaviour management that emphasises positive, proactive strategies rather than punishment or aversive techniques. The goal of PBS is to help individuals learn new skills and behaviours that will replace problematic behaviours, and to create an environment that supports positive behaviours. The focus is on identifying the underlying causes of the challenging behaviour, and addressing those causes through positive interventions.
The Principles of Positive Behaviour Support
There are several key principles that guide the use of Positive Behaviour Support in the NDIS. These include:
- Person-centred: PBS is a person-centred approach that recognises the unique needs and strengths of each individual. It involves working with the person with a disability, their family, and support network to develop a plan that meets their specific needs.
- Collaborative: PBS is a collaborative approach that involves working together with the person with a disability, their family, and support network to identify the underlying causes of challenging behaviours and develop strategies to address them.
- Evidence-based: PBS is an evidence-based practice that is based on the latest research and best practices in the field of behaviour management.
- Positive: PBS is a positive approach that focuses on reinforcing positive behaviours and creating an environment that supports those behaviours.
The Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support in the NDIS
There are several benefits to using Positive Behaviour Support in the NDIS, including:
- Improved quality of life: PBS can help individuals with disabilities and their families to improve their quality of life by reducing challenging behaviours and promoting positive behaviours.
- Reduced stress: PBS can help to reduce stress for individuals with disabilities and their families by providing them with tools and strategies to manage challenging behaviours.
- Increased independence: PBS can help individuals with disabilities to develop new skills and behaviours that will increase their independence and ability to participate in everyday activities.
- Cost-effective: PBS can be a cost-effective approach to behaviour management that can reduce the need for more expensive interventions and treatments.
In Conclusion
Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based practice that can be used to support individuals with disabilities and their families in managing challenging behaviours. It is a person-centred, collaborative, and positive approach that focuses on identifying the underlying causes of problematic behaviours and developing strategies to address them. By using Positive Behaviour Support in the NDIS, individuals with disabilities can improve their quality of life, reduce stress, increase independence, and reduce the need for more expensive interventions and treatments.
