Understanding Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) stands as a validated method to address challenging behaviours often seen in those with disabilities. Within the framework of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), PBS is acknowledged as a research-backed technique beneficial for assisting individuals with disabilities and their families in navigating difficult behaviours.

Defining Positive Behaviour Support

At its core, Positive Behaviour Support is a behavioural management strategy that prioritizes encouraging, proactive measures over punitive or negative methods. PBS aims to facilitate the acquisition of new skills and behaviours that can act as substitutes for problematic ones. It also seeks to cultivate an environment conducive to fostering positive behaviours. Central to this approach is the determination of the root causes of the challenging behaviour, which are then addressed through constructive interventions.

Core Tenets of Positive Behaviour Support

Within the NDIS framework, several guiding principles underpin the application of Positive Behaviour Support:

• Individual Focus: PBS adopts an individual-focused approach, acknowledging the distinct needs and assets of every person. The strategy involves collaborating with the disabled individual, their family, and their support system to tailor a plan that aligns with their specific requirements.
• Team Effort: PBS champions a team-driven approach, necessitating collective efforts with the disabled individual, their family, and support group to pinpoint the root causes of difficult behaviours and formulate solutions.
• Research-Driven: PBS is rooted in the most recent findings and established practices in behavioural management.
• Constructive Orientation: At its heart, PBS is constructive, emphasizing the encouragement of positive behaviours and shaping an environment that nurtures them.

Advantages of Implementing Positive Behaviour Support in the NDIS

Integrating Positive Behaviour Support within the NDIS offers multiple advantages:

• Enhanced Life Quality: PBS can elevate the life quality of disabled individuals and their families by mitigating challenging behaviours and endorsing positive ones.
• Stress Alleviation: By equipping individuals and families with effective tools and techniques, PBS can diminish stress levels associated with managing difficult behaviours.
• Boosted Autonomy: Through PBS, disabled individuals can hone new skills and behaviours, amplifying their self-reliance and engagement in daily tasks.
• Cost Efficiency: As a behavioural management strategy, PBS is cost-efficient, potentially minimizing the dependence on pricier interventions and therapies.

Final Thoughts

Positive Behaviour Support stands as a research-validated technique beneficial for aiding disabled individuals and their families in handling difficult behaviours. With its individual-centric, team-driven, and constructive nature, PBS zeroes in on the root causes of challenging behaviours, devising strategies for their mitigation. By integrating PBS within the NDIS, disabled individuals can elevate their life quality, experience reduced stress, gain greater autonomy, and potentially lessen reliance on costlier therapeutic options.