Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Under NDIS Explained

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Under NDIS: A Complete Guide

If someone you support displays challenging behaviours, you might have heard about Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). It's a person-centered approach that helps people learn new skills and manage behaviours in positive, respectful ways. Let's explore how PBS works under NDIS.

What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

PBS is a framework focused on understanding why someone shows certain behaviors and helping them develop new, more positive ways of behaving. Rather than using punishment or restrictions, PBS uses positive strategies to support behavioral change and improve quality of life.

Key Principles of PBS

1. Person-Centered Approach

PBS starts with understanding the person—their strengths, preferences, goals, and what matters most to them. Support is designed around the individual, not the other way around.

2. Understanding Root Causes

Rather than just reacting to behaviors, PBS looks at what's causing them. Are they communicating a need? Are they uncomfortable? Are they struggling with change? Understanding the 'why' is crucial.

3. Positive Strategies

PBS uses positive rewards and encouragement rather than punishment. It teaches new skills and behaviors while celebrating small successes.

4. Environmental Modifications

Sometimes adjusting the environment prevents problems before they start. This might mean changing routines, reducing noise, or reorganizing spaces.

Who Might Benefit from PBS?

PBS can help people with:

• Autism spectrum disorder who show challenging behaviors
• Intellectual disability with behavioral support needs
• Acquired brain injury with behavior changes
• Mental health conditions affecting behavior
• Communication difficulties leading to frustration behaviors
• Any person showing behaviors that impact their quality of life or others' safety

What Does PBS Support Include?

Functional Assessment

A specialist assesses the person's behaviors, what triggers them, what maintains them, and what purpose they serve. This helps understand the root causes.

Behavior Support Planning

A detailed plan is created showing strategies to prevent challenging behaviors, teach new skills, and respond appropriately if behaviors occur.

Staff and Family Training

Everyone supporting the person learns the PBS strategies so they can apply them consistently. This might include support workers, family members, and teachers.

Implementation and Monitoring

PBS specialists help implement strategies and monitor progress. They adjust the plan based on what's working and what needs tweaking.

What PBS Doesn't Involve

• Punishment or harsh discipline
• Physical restraint or restriction
• Isolation or 'time out' as punishment
• Medication to manage behaviors (unless medically necessary)
• Blame or negative labels

How to Access PBS Through NDIS

Step 1: Discuss with your planner - If behavioral support is a need, mention it during your NDIS planning meeting. Explain the challenges you're facing.

Step 2: Include PBS in your plan - Your planner can include PBS support in your NDIS plan with appropriate funding for specialist assessment and training.

Step 3: Find a PBS specialist - Look for registered NDIS providers who offer PBS services in Shepparton. Make sure they're trained and experienced.

Step 4: Initial assessment and planning - The PBS specialist will meet with the person and their family to understand their needs, then develop a customized support plan.

Real Benefits of PBS

For the person: Better quality of life, more independence, improved relationships, reduced anxiety, and success in their goals.

For families: Reduced stress, clearer understanding of behaviors, practical strategies, and confidence in supporting the person.

For support workers: Training and confidence, clear guidelines, positive work environment, and meaningful impact on the person they support.

Questions to Ask Your PBS Provider

• What's your experience with my specific situation?

• How do you involve the person and their family?

• What training will my support team receive?

• How do you track progress and adjust plans?