Like many journeys, parenthood brings joy, learning, and challenges. In particular, understanding and addressing our children’s behaviours can be difficult. One compassionate and effective approach many families choose is developing a positive behaviour plan through Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). Let’s explore how PBS supports a more harmonious and supportive home. As you’ll see, it’s a valuable tool for many families.
What is a Positive Behaviour Plan and How Does PBS Help?
Positive Behaviour Support is a person-centered approach grounded in human rights and evidence-based practice. In some cases, it can also be termed Behaviour Support or Positive Behaviour Therapy.
At its heart, PBS is about understanding the reasons behind our children’s behaviours. Importantly, PBS is a gentle, evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying the underlying causes of challenging behaviours and addressing them with empathy and proactive strategies. In doing so, we not only help in reducing these behaviours but also enrich our children’s overall well-being.
In Australia, the NDIS specifically funds Positive Behaviour Support as a therapeutic support. For instance, it’s included when a participant experiences behaviours of concern, such as physical or verbal aggression. Furthermore, the NDIS requires both the Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and provider to be registered before delivering this support.
Your Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner will work closely with the individual, family/carers and wider stakeholders to develop and implement a positive behaviour plan, reducing behaviours and improving quality of life.
At Hively, we’re proud to offer a wonderful and supportive team of Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners.
Why Do Children Exhibit Challenging Behaviours?
Children communicate through their behaviours. Often, what we perceive as challenging behaviour is their way of expressing unmet needs, frustrations, or seeking attention. Therefore, recognising this is the first step toward addressing the root causes compassionately.
Autism-Friendly Therapy
PBS is a neuro-affirming, highly collaborative approach. It involves individuals, families, carers, schools, support workers, and allied health professionals. Together, they work to reduce behaviours and improve quality of life. For example, this includes working with individuals with Autism, ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and other forms of neurodivergence. Children who are autistic may struggle with change and transitions, and it is important to engage an autism-friendly therapist who will look at the reason for the behaviour, not the behaviour itself.
Key Principles of a Positive Behaviour Plan for Families
Understanding the Behaviour:
Recognise that all behaviours serve a purpose. As such, identifying the triggers and functions of challenging behaviours is essential in addressing them effectively.
Individualised Support Plans:
To support long-term success, develop tailored strategies that align with your child’s unique needs, preferences, and goals to encourage positive behaviours and skill development.
Collaborative Approach:
In addition, engage a team that includes family members, educators, support workers, and healthcare professionals to ensure consistent and holistic support across all environments.
Proactive Strategies:
Where possible, implement environmental modifications, teach alternative skills, and adjust routines to prevent the occurrence of challenging behaviours.
Focus on Quality of Life:
Above all, prioritise your child’s overall well-being by promoting inclusion, participation, and the reduction of restrictive practices.
Enhancing Family Life Through a Positive Behaviour Plan
Embracing Positive Behaviour Therapy for your child is not solely about addressing challenges. More importantly, it’s about enriching the family dynamic. By taking the time to understand and support our children’s needs, we foster stronger relationships, open communication, and a nurturing environment where everyone thrives.
In practice, implementing PBS takes ongoing commitment, training, and collaboration. All stakeholders in your child’s support network play a role. Ultimately, when everyone works together to understand and address the root causes of behaviour, the result is meaningful and lasting change for the entire family.
Curious or ready to explore a Positive Behaviour Plan for your child?
We provide direct service to the Sunshine Coast, Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast regions & telehealth nationwide.
Please contact us if you would like more information on how our Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners can support you and your family.
