In classrooms, homes, and support environments, we all strive to create spaces where individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered. One effective approach that helps us achieve this is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), a values-based, person-centred framework that promotes positive change by understanding behaviour and supporting individual needs.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support is a person-centered approach grounded in human rights and evidence-based practice. It can also be referred to as Behaviour Support or Positive Behaviour Therapy.
PBS is more than just a set of techniques — it’s an evidence-based approach that focuses on why behaviours occur. Challenging behaviours often arise from unmet needs, communication difficulties, or environmental stressors. Rather than reacting with control or punishment, PBS seeks to understand the function of the behaviour and to use proactive, compassionate strategies to prevent it and promote alternatives.
Who might benefit from PBS
Behaviour Support can be beneficial to anyone of any age with behaviours of concern. This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, neurological conditions such as dementia, complex mental health and co-occuring disabilities.
Is PBS an autism-friendly therapy?
PBS is neuro-affirming and highly collaborative, working with the individual, families, carers and support workers, schools and allied health professionals to reduce behaviours and improve quality of life. This includes working with individuals with autism, ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and other forms of neurodivergence.
Core Principles of PBS
Person-Centred Planning
PBS starts with the individual. Support plans are tailored based on the person’s strengths, goals, and preferences.
Understanding the Function of Behaviour
Every behaviour serves a purpose. Tools like Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA) help identify triggers and motivations — such as escaping a task, seeking attention, or addressing sensory needs.
Proactive Strategies Over Reactive Responses
PBS focuses on preventing behaviour before it occurs by changing the environment, improving communication, and building skills.
Skill Building
Helping individuals learn new, positive ways to meet their needs — whether through speech, signs, or coping tools — is central to PBS.
Respect and Dignity
PBS promotes inclusive, ethical support practices that uphold the rights and dignity of every person.
Why Positive Behaviour Support Works
Research shows PBS can significantly reduce behaviours of concern while enhancing well-being for both individuals and their support networks. It leads to stronger relationships, increased independence, and more inclusive environments across homes, schools, and care settings.
Putting PBS into Practice
Implementing PBS isn’t a quick fix, it’s a process that requires collaboration, training, consistency, and reflection. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or support worker, embracing PBS can help you:
- Build stronger, trust-based relationships
- Minimise restrictive practices and exclusion
- Create environments where individuals feel supported and understood
Positive Behaviour Support is more than a behavioural tool — it’s a mindset built on empathy, understanding, and the belief in every person’s potential for growth.
You can learn more about Positive Behaviour Support here: What is positive behaviour support? An Easy Read fact sheet.
Interested in how Positive Behaviour Support can help?
Our experienced PBS practitioners at Hively Health offers tailored PBS strategies to support individuals and teams. Reach out today to learn how we can support you.
