Introduction to Positive Behaviour Support 

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach designed to improve quality of life by addressing and reducing behaviours of concern.  

It is grounded in the understanding that all behaviour has a purpose and is influenced by environmental, biological and personal factors. By identifying these underlying reasons, PBS seeks to implement strategies that promote positive behaviours while reducing the likelihood of challenging ones. This framework is widely used in settings supporting individuals with disabilities, including those participating in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

At Bloom Healthcare, our multidisciplinary team integrates PBS principles into our person-centred care, ensuring that interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. 

Understanding Challenging Behaviour

Challenging behaviour is a multifaceted issue that significantly impacts individuals with disabilities, their families, and their support networks. To develop effective support strategies, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes of challenging behaviour. These behaviours can stem from a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and social influences.

Biological factors, such as pain or discomfort, can often lead to challenging behaviours. For instance, an individual experiencing physical pain may exhibit behaviours that are out of character as a way to communicate their distress. Psychological factors, such as anxiety or stress, also play a significant role. An individual who feels overwhelmed or anxious may display challenging behaviours as a coping mechanism. Additionally, social factors, such as a lack of social interaction or communication skills, can contribute to these behaviours. When individuals struggle to express their needs or interact with others, they may resort to challenging behaviours as a form of communication.

Understanding these underlying causes is essential in developing a behaviour support plan. A behaviour support plan is a tailored strategy that focuses on the individual’s unique goals and needs. By adopting a person-centred approach, these plans aim to improve the individual’s quality of life and achieve positive outcomes. At Bloom Healthcare, we prioritize understanding the root causes of challenging behaviour to create effective, individualized support plans that promote positive behavioural change.

Key Principles of Positive Behaviour Support 

PBS is underpinned by several core principles:

• Person-centred approach: PBS focuses on the individual’s strengths, needs, and preferences.
• Collaborative efforts: Success is driven by involving families, caregivers, and support networks.
• Proactive rather than reactive: It focuses on preventing challenging behaviours before they arise.
• Skill-building: Rather than just reducing behaviours, PBS encourages learning new skills to replace unwanted actions.

Bloom Healthcare is committed to ensuring that these principles are upheld in our practice, providing holistic support to improve overall well-being. 

Assessing Behaviour and Developing a Plan 

The first step in PBS is conducting a thorough functional behavioural assessment to understand the individual’s behaviours.

This includes identifying triggers, patterns, and the functions of the behaviour—whether it’s to communicate a need, avoid a situation, or gain attention. 

Bloom Healthcare’s allied health professionals, including behaviour support practitioners, use comprehensive assessments to gain these insights, involving the individual, their family, and other support systems in the process.  

Based on these assessments, a tailored PBS intervention plan is developed, A behaviour support practitioner guides the development and implementation of these plans, ensuring they are person-centred and aligned with the individual’s NDIS goals.

Reinforcement Strategies for Positive Behaviour 

At the heart of PBS is the use of positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours.  

This might involve verbal praise, rewards, or other motivators that are meaningful to the individual. The goal is to make positive behaviours more appealing and likely to be repeated. 

At Bloom Healthcare, our team works closely with participants to identify effective reinforcement strategies that fit their preferences, promoting long-lasting behavioural change. 

Teaching New Skills and Replacement Behaviours 

For PBS to be effective, it is essential to teach new skills that help individuals cope with challenging situations. This can involve learning communication techniques, social skills, or emotional regulation strategies to replace challenging behaviours. 

At Bloom Healthcare, we place a strong emphasis on empowering participants through skill development, ensuring they have the tools to navigate everyday situations more independently and confidently. 

Functional Communication Training 

Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a key component of PBS, particularly for individuals who exhibit challenging behaviours due to difficulties in expressing themselves.  

FCT involves teaching individuals to use alternative methods of communication, such as speech, sign language, or assistive technology, to meet their needs in a positive way. By incorporating FCT into our PBS plans at Bloom Healthcare, we ensure that participants can express their wants and needs more effectively, reducing the frustration that often leads to challenging behaviour. 

Proactive Strategies for Preventing Behaviours of Concern 

Proactive strategies are central to PBS, as they aim to reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviour by addressing the environmental and emotional factors that may trigger it. Reducing or eliminating restrictive practices through proactive, evidence-based approaches is crucial in protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals with disabilities. This could involve adjusting routines, providing sensory supports, or creating structured environments that promote calm and predictability. 

At Bloom Healthcare, our professionals work to create tailored environments and interventions that proactively support participants, helping them feel safe and secure while minimising potential triggers for challenging behaviours. 

Collaborating with Families and Caregivers 

Family and caregiver involvement is crucial for the success of any PBS plan. Collaboration ensures that strategies are consistent across all environments and that the individual receives support both at home and in the community. Involving the participant’s support network and other professionals ensures a united effort to improve the individual’s quality of life and achieve specific objectives.

At Bloom Healthcare, we encourage families and caregivers to be active participants in the PBS process. We provide guidance and resources to help them implement strategies effectively and foster a supportive environment that promotes positive behavioural change.

Training and Supporting Staff in Positive Behaviour Support 

For PBS to be successful, staff must be adequately trained in its principles and strategies. Ongoing training ensures that staff can implement PBS plans with confidence, ensuring consistent and positive interactions with participants. 

Bloom Healthcare is committed to the continuous development of our team, ensuring that all staff are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to support individuals through a PBS framework. This commitment helps us deliver the highest quality of care and support for those we work with. 

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting 

PBS is not a one-time solution but a dynamic process that requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Regularly reviewing progress allows for the evaluation of what’s working and what isn’t, ensuring that the PBS plan evolves to meet changing needs. 

At Bloom Healthcare, we continuously monitor each participant’s progress, making necessary adjustments to PBS strategies to ensure they remain relevant and effective. This process of evaluation ensures that participants continue to make meaningful progress toward their goals. 

 “Positive Behaviour Support is an essential framework for promoting meaningful behavioural change and improving the quality of life for individuals, particularly those with disabilities.”
– Sam Smith, Managing Director, Bloom Healthcare 

By focusing on proactive strategies, skill development, and collaboration, PBS helps individuals navigate their environments more effectively while reducing challenging behaviours.  

At Bloom Healthcare, our commitment to PBS ensures that every individual receives personalised, evidence-based care that empowers them to reach their full potential.