CQC defines Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) as:
“a person-centred framework for providing long-term support to people with a learning disability, and/or autism, including those with mental health conditions, who have, or may be at risk of developing, behaviours that challenge.”
It is a proactive approach to managing challenging behaviours in individuals, particularly those with developmental disabilities, by enhancing their lives and reducing the incidence of behaviour that challenges.
In this blog we wanted to outline the key components of PBS and illustrate its effectiveness as a supportive practice.
What is PBS?
Positive Behaviour Support combines the principles from behaviour and biomedical science to construct a comprehensive, person-centred approach to behavioural support. It’s based on an understanding that challenging behaviour often serves a function for the individual, such as communicating needs or coping with distress.
The primary goal of PBS is not just to reduce challenging behaviour but to improve the individual’s overall quality of life. This includes enhancing personal skills and expanding opportunities for social inclusion. By focusing on these areas, PBS helps to address the underlying causes of challenging behaviour and supports meaningful and positive change in the individual’s life. At Health Now, our staff are fully trained in Positive Behaviour Support. Some of the strategies included within PBS are:
- Assessment: Identifying the reasons behind challenging behaviours through functional assessment.
- Intervention: Developing proactive strategies tailored to the individual’s needs, preferences, and the contexts in which they live and work.
- Education: Providing training and support to caregivers and service providers to implement these strategies effectively.
Other Aspects of PBS
A unique aspect of PBS is its emphasis on consistency and collaboration across all environments where the individual spends time—be it home, school, or the community. This holistic approach ensures that positive supports are ubiquitous, reinforcing desired behaviours across all settings.
PBS is committed to using the least restrictive interventions possible. This ethical stance respects the individual’s dignity and autonomy, promoting interventions that are supportive rather than controlling, and focusing on skills development rather than mere compliance.
Research supports the efficacy of PBS in significantly reducing the occurrence of challenging behaviours while improving social, educational, and emotional outcomes. By implementing evidence-based practices, PBS ensures that interventions are not only effective but also grounded in scientific research.
Summary
Positive Behaviour Support is a thoughtful, comprehensive approach that respects the individual’s needs and promotes their best possible functioning. Through assessment, tailored interventions, and ongoing support, PBS empowers individuals to lead more fulfilling lives, thereby embodying a truly transformative approach to behavioural support.