Calm in Chaos: A Guide to Positive Behaviour Support

According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, only 40% of caregivers feel confident in knowing how to support their child’s behavioural needs. Isolation lingers in the air like an unsaid symptom.

There is first the shock. Then the guilt, burdened with questions. "How did I miss it?" "Could this have been avoided?" Before, waves of overwhelm hit. It gets easier even if the early stages are always the hardest because you are managing different emotions at once.

Examples of these behaviours include participants running out the door or absconding in a sudden burst of anger, throwing their bodies on walls, rolling on the ground, crying, and refusing to participate in activities. It can be a lot.

However, there are ways to manage these situations. This is why Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) exists. This guide shows what PBS entails, its importance, core principles, and practical tips for putting PBS into action.

What is Positive Behaviour Support?

Wikipedia defines it as "the tools employed from applied behaviour analysis to improve the state of being in schools and individuals with learning/intellectual disabilities." It is a systematic approach for supporting specific behavioural patterns. 

Positive behavioural support (PBS) is used to understand and address the reasons behind challenging behaviours, most especially with individuals struggling with disabilities or those who may be at risk of developing behaviours.

Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) offers numerous strategies to reduce disruptive and challenging behaviour, eventually eliminating the need for 1:1 instruction in the later stages. It focuses on increasing quality of life, teaching coping skills, and setting up a successful environment for the individual, be it a child or an adult.

It addresses these problems by focusing on receiving motivating operations for those behaviours while attempting to teach functionally equivalent replacement skills through natural reinforcement contingencies.

Why is Positive Behaviour Support Important?

Positive Behaviour Support is hinged on improving quality of life by understanding why they act the way they do. These are the reasons why PBS is important:

• It recognises participants’ behaviour 

Participants' emotions are magnified 1000 times in a switch. All of their feelings are simultaneously illuminated in their brain. They may experience a range of emotions simultaneously, including claustrophobia, panic attacks, anger, sadness and embarrassment.

Caregivers and support staff can better comprehend that behaviours, no matter how difficult, are not random. This respectful point of view acknowledges that the person is making an effort to express a need or emotion, even if they are unable to do so verbally. PBS makes sure that the individual is seen, heard, and supported. Rather than dismissing them, it helps carers and families understand the reason for the behaviour. It promotes dignity, emotional safety, and a decrease in frustration.

• Tailored and Person-Centred Care

There is no one-size-fits-all approach used by PBS. It's very personal instead. The needs, triggers, and objectives of each person are taken into consideration when selecting tools and tactics. This guarantees that interventions are more significant and successful. It increases autonomy, relevance, and positive outcomes for the individual.

• Behavioural Management

Rather than reacting to behaviours with a strong-arm approach, PBS aims to prevent harmful situations proactively. There are different causes of tensions or outbursts. It could be because of a change in environment, frustration over an activity, or other factors. These things cause sensory overload and overwhelm.

One of the significant issues with individuals who have behavioural concerns is communication. One of the ways Support Network offers PBS is by understanding the "WHY" behind actions, instead of using a controlling, dominant approach. It pinpoints triggers and imparts fresh coping mechanisms. By doing this, you can make people's surroundings safer and calmer.

• Redirects Triggers to Safe Alternatives

Instead of punishing a behaviour, PBS identifies safer, healthier ways to address underlying emotional or sensory needs. It is forcing them to confront their feelings head-on. PBS offers guidance in understanding oneself and dealing with intense emotions. It involves validating perspectives and feelings, providing empathy, and redirecting harmful behaviours through training on restraints. An example would be providing a stress ball for when faced with stressful situations. They can hold onto that and press to ease tension. It encourages self-expression while reducing harm, shame, and discomfort.

• Understanding the use of Restraint 

PBS prioritises the person's physical and emotional safety by using the least restrictive approaches possible. It preserves trust and avoids retraumatisation. Aside from the fact that it can cause bodily harm, it erodes their rights. PBS doesn't look at the disabled person as another case study to be micro-managed. It creates preventative strategies by concentrating on the root causes of those behaviours, like physical aggression or persistent yelling. It increases trust, reduces fear, and cultivates a sense of control. 

• Positive Behaviours

Rather than focusing on what not to do, PBS encourages and rewards what's helpful, safe, or desired. It gives people more self-assurance and teaches them useful life skills. Self-awareness and empathy are examples of this. They receive instruction on how to recognise their advantages and disadvantages. They sit with themselves, learn about their natural talents, understand their composition, and refrain from criticising themselves. It increases social inclusion, skill development, and self-worth. Additionally, there are problem-solving and creative thinking exercises. They learn to make their own decisions if given the appropriate resources and techniques. PBS gives them a lifeline to make responsible choices.

• Advocacy and Empowerment

PBS promotes self-advocacy whenever it is feasible because even people with significant support needs deserve agency. The individual should be treated as a human being. Despite these challenges, they can be responsible for their own lives. It provides them with the tools to express their needs, control their behaviour, and complete tasks. It is the main objective of this strategy. It gives people more power, protects their rights, and respects their choices.

Principles of Positive Behaviour Support

Principles, in every system, set the standard for decision-making. Positive Behaviour Support uses the same approach. It outlines the basis for providing personalised service to individuals who need it. Here are five core principles of positive behaviour support.

• Person-centered approach

Kindness and genuineness are one of the main principles of PBS. The core is a person-centred approach. PBS respects each person's uniqueness. Difficult behaviours are often the outcome of an individual's inability to express themselves. For example, a nonverbal person may scream or strike when they are upset or overstimulated. Support Network provides methods for transforming them into a complete individual on all levels, i.e social, psychological, emotional, and physical.

• Emotional Well-Being and Regulation

Emotional control has an impact on behaviour. People who are experiencing these emotions may struggle to communicate them. This is because they don’t know how to express themselves. Instead, they become hostile. Understanding emotional states and creating plans to strengthen emotional resilience are crucial parts of comprehending behaviour in PBS. Ask questions like, “What healthy habits can they imbibe consistently?” These are not just strategies. They are guides for mastery. Support Network provides the opportunity for participants to develop positive skills and effectively manage their emotions.

• Environmental Influences

A person's mentality is influenced by their environment. The individual gets more agitated in an unstructured environment. This is caused by a lack of structure. On the other hand, a calm setting nurtures mature conversation and better manages emotions. It is beneficial for the person with behavioural issues. This proactive strategy works better than merely responding to a behaviour after it occurs.

• Biological and Health Factors

Physical health and biological makeup also affect behaviour. It entails knowing what kind of care ought to be provided. For example, a child who has a toothache but can’t communicate it properly suddenly becomes fussy. This is particularly for people who struggle to express their emotions. These conditions cause behavioural issues. PBS wants to develop a more personalised strategy that promotes timely positive change for everything from hormonal levels to chronic conditions.

• History and Learned Patterns

Old patterns persist because of repetition. New patterns can also be built with consistency. A person's past experiences often shape them. Positive Behaviour Support aims to reinforce new thinking and new habits that can transform their lives. It is done by assessing the challenging behaviour and figuring out how to develop appropriate interventions to fit the circumstances. Understanding behaviour means evaluating the person's history. What strategies have worked before? What hasn't? With this, you make more compassionate decisions.

Developing a Positive Behaviour Support Plan

A positive behaviour support plan fosters accountability and social and emotional learning. It creates a personalised approach built on forming positive skills that would change the individual internally. These are the ways to do that:

• Perform the Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

Gather data to understand why a person displays certain behaviour. FBA is a test conducted to understand the reasons why they act the way they do. Identify the issue at the root. When does it occur? What triggers it? How does the person behave before, during, and after the crisis? Additionally, get information from those in their immediate vicinity to conduct a thorough analysis of their triggers.

• Identify Strengths and Preferences

Focus on areas they naturally excel in. Look at past performance and study the places where they have applied their skills with joy. Tasks or achievements they engage in naturally put them in high spirits. These strengths help create support strategies that are person-centred. Look for characteristics that show hidden strengths

• Establish Goals 

Clearly state the goal and be specific in outlining each objective. Make it time-bound, relevant, and quantifiable. For example, improving communication skills for a moody person. To measure progress, break down the goals into objectives. For instance, Case Study A is a young male adult struggling with aggressive behaviours at work due to trauma. He seeks out help to stimulate positive behaviour. As his specialist, the goal would be to work on his communication skills. The first quarter should be invested in understanding the "why" behind the behaviour and developing reactive strategies. The second quarter is dedicated to teaching communication skills and handling tense situations better. The third quarter provides mechanisms for control and a more proactive approach. With this, it is easy to monitor results.

• Create Supportive Environments

Focus on modifications that can have a positive impact on individual well-being. It covers ensuring consistency in actions and providing necessary support. To cut down on distractions, modify the physical surroundings. It might involve adjustments at work, school, or home. Provide a designated area for different activities and ensure there is accessibility of tools to focus on positive strategies.

• Teach Alternative Skills

Alternative skills are finding other ways to respond to a situation. It is guiding the individual towards learning new skills to adapt to a difficult situation. Examples of these communication skills include breathing exercises, word gestures, and eye contact, all of which help ensure better control of emotions.

• Use Proactive and Reactive Strategies

Proactive strategies prevent behaviours from occurring. If the behaviour does occur, a reactive strategy outlines how to react in a safe and courteous manner by learning how to relax when feelings are running high. Instruct them on how to deal with their feelings. Advice like taking a stroll or enjoying some calming music would be beneficial.

• Monitor and Review

Measure performance. In order to identify which coping mechanisms worked and which didn't. It is crucial to monitor development over time. This is why gathering data is important. With this information, behaviour support plans are tailored to meet goals and objectives.

Different Types of People Who Implement PBS

Contrary to popular belief, not only do support workers provide support for building positive behaviours. These are the different types of people who implement PBS.

• Support Workers and Carers

Support workers observe and record the individual's progress, taking notes of both positive and negative behavioural patterns. Their role is to work with the participants and caregivers to develop strategies that assist individual needs and goals. It is done by first conducting functional behaviour assessments (FBAs) to understand why participants do what they do.

• Behaviour Specialists 

These trained professionals focus on understanding patterns of participants. It is hinged on individuals' strengths, preferences, and goals. They conduct assessments and offer training to others involved based on data. Specialists can then provide strategies to prevent these challenging behaviours.

• Family Members and Loved Ones

Families are not left out of this. Their involvement ensures consistency in behaviour in social and domestic settings. By establishing a disciplined setting that takes into account their psychological, emotional, and physical needs, they support positive behaviours.

• Teachers and School Staff

Participants interact not only with family members but also with their peers and teachers at school. Teachers are also entrusted with providing positive behaviour support by making participants feel seen and heard. Classrooms are set up to adapt to different learning styles and methods. Reward systems are given to encourage them when they improve on specific behaviours.

• Health and Allied Professionals

Psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists are not left out. They also offer PBS. This includes proactive steps and tactics catered to the particular requirements and preferences of each person. It raises people's general standard of living.

• The Individual

The individual also has a role to play. There is support, but there is also responsibility on the side of the individual. This is done to promote accountability and autonomy.

Practical Tips for Putting PBS into Action

There is no one-size-fits-all method for practising PBS. It blends empathy and consistency. All backed with evidence-based tactics. Regardless of your role, support worker, family member, educator, or therapist. The following useful advice will help you implement PBS successfully:

• Know the Person 

This drives inclusivity. A Positive Behaviour Support plan can only feel personalised when thorough research has been done to understand the participants' needs, preferences, interests, and goals. Make sure you understand what drives them. This is crucial for creating strategies that work and enhance well-being.

• Perform the Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

It is easier to implement positive behaviour support when a functional behaviour assessment has been conducted. By doing this test, you can understand the behaviours of participants and the proactive measures taken to reduce stress levels. FBAs help prevent these behaviours from escalating into more serious issues.

• Understand the 'Why' Behind the Behaviour

Cause and effect are fundamental concepts in the Positive Behaviour Support Plan. It involves understanding behavioural triggers and their impact on participants. Once these are addressed, systems can be tailored to meet individuals' needs, but it starts from knowing why. The "Why" leads to the "How," which is finding the best measures to control emotions.

• Involve the Person 

Encourage participants to take a proactive role in their recovery plans. It allows for the prevention of challenging behaviours rather than just reacting. One of the behavioural concerns is anger management. The participants are involved by learning how to take breathing exercises and pauses to calm their nerves. These skills would aid the individual with crisis management even when alone.

• Teach Positive Skills

Cross-correct negative patterns. Show them ways they can express themselves without being aggressive. Teach collaboration. Open them up to developing social skills. Pair the participant with other people to test their ability to work with teams to achieve a common goal. It would enhance social connection and decision-making and promote overall well-being.

• Use Consistent Communication

It's a game of consistency. Participants find it easier to replicate what has been shown repeatedly. Clear, consistent communication helps individuals understand the type of behaviour or reaction expected in given situations. It establishes stability and security.

• Foster Positive Behaviours

Train participants to use relaxation techniques. This includes deep breathing or taking a walk. With these, they know how to control their emotions better, especially when it become unmanageable. However, these behaviours must be reinforced consistently. The result is better social skills and healthier relationships.

Conclusion

Positive behavioural support is a journey. It is one that is individualised, compassionate, and consistent in the most effective way. Support Network recognises that every behaviour has a purpose. Rather than placing blame on the individual, our aim is to understand these behaviours. Caretakers can gain a better understanding of these behaviours and respond in ways that actually aid in their improvement by closely observing, investigating, and working together. You can reach out to a service provider via the Support Network website.

FAQs about Positive Behaviour Support 

• Which techniques can be used to encourage positive behaviour?

By paying attention to them. Creating a calm and organised space also reinforces positive behaviour. Show them positive skills they can imitate.

• What type of approach does behaviour support take?

The Positive Approach. The person with a disability or behavioural concerns is first and foremost a human being who needs to be understood before attempting to teach them new positive skills.

• Who provides positive behaviour support?

Different people can provide PBS. From support workers to family members, allied health professionals, NDIS workers, etc.