BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)  is an empirically validated, function-based approach used to eliminate challenging behaviour, replacing it with pro-social skills.

Blending behavioural science, empirically validated procedures, durable systems and change with an emphasis on socially important outcomes, PBS involves data-based decision making using Functional Behaviour Assessment and on-going monitoring of intervention impact.

• PBS can target an individual learner, an entire school or even a child at home as it does not focus exclusively on the learner, but also includes changing environmental variables such as the physical setting, task demands, curriculum, instructional pace and individualised reinforcement.
• Thus it is successful with a wide range of learners, in a wide range of contexts, across a wide range of behaviour.
• PBS is conducted as a dedicated, collaborative effort between parents, teachers, counsellors and administrators; all partners involved being committed to the plan and its implementation.

Planning, implementation and execution of the Functional Behavioural Assessment (FBA) are the most crucial parts of devising an effective PBS plan. Conducting FBAs has been proven to double the success rate of any intervention. This includes procedures for monitoring, evaluating and reassessment of the process, as may be necessary.

• The Plan contains a range of strategies that not only focus on the challenging behaviour but also include ways to support the child and ensure the child still has access to things that they need and that are important to them.
• This includes procedures for monitoring, evaluating and reassessment of the process, as may be necessary.

Parents are trained in the principles of PBS and supported in the following ways:

• A Behaviour Support Plan provides parents and teachers with a step-by-step guide to making sure the child not only has a great quality of life but also enables teachers/parents to identify when they need to intervene to prevent an episode of challenging behaviour from occurring.
• The Plan contains a range of strategies that not only focus on the challenging behaviour but also include ways to support the child and ensure the child still has access to things that they need and that are important to them.