What Are the Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a way of supporting people with autism and learning disabilities using a person-centred approach that focuses on understanding the unique behaviours of each individual. This approach takes into account an array of factors, including the physical and social environment in which the behaviour is displayed, as well as the specific views held by the individual.

PBS centres on evidence-based actions and has both a primary and secondary goal. PBS's primary goal is to improve quality of life, with a secondary goal of reducing the intensity and frequency of problematic behaviours.

What are challenging behaviours?

Challenging or difficult behaviours should always be viewed as a message. Although these behaviours are often attributed to the individual who is demonstrating them, it is often beneficial to seek to understand what is missing in their lives or their immediate surroundings to cause these behaviours.

The real challenge is for support workers and loved ones to understand the steps that need to be taken to ensure that people with autism are surrounded by social and environmental factors that are conducive to a content, stimulating, and fulfilled life. This is where positive behaviour support really comes into its own.

What are the benefits of positive behaviour support?

PBS can offer an array of benefits to both people with autism and those who are close to them. We have already touched upon how the main goal of this approach is to enhance the quality of life and this can have numerous positive knock-on effects which extend into every aspect of everyday life.

PBS can lead to behavioural improvements

Because PBS is an evidence-based strategy that focuses on an individual's needs, it can lead to a variety of specific behavioural changes that can dramatically improve the life of an individual and their loved ones. Every individual deserves and should have the opportunity to receive the very best support, and with PBS they will be more likely to experience the types of positive outcomes that will positively affect their specific behaviours.

PBS can lead to numerous positive outcomes

From participating in community life to developing everyday skills that will further boost the quality of life, there are numerous things that this approach can impact in a highly positive way. PBS is specifically designed to address all currently unmet needs, thereby enhancing positive engagement in many areas of life, including personal relationships and participation in activities.

PBS can mitigate the need to access additional services

We already know that without the right support, people with autism are likely to need to access numerous services throughout their lives, particularly mental health services. However, PBS can reduce the likelihood that people with autism will reach a point where they require support from these additional services, as they will benefit from access to the right resources, support, and therapies at the right times.

PBS can be hugely empowering

PBS is a proactive approach to supporting people with autism. As such, in many cases, individuals can feel empowered to advocate for themselves in numerous ways. From understanding the environment they need to thrive to participating in stimulating activities that give a feeling of fulfilment, this type of person-centred support can also promote positive and meaningful relationships with others, skill-building, and much, much more.

What is involved in the process of PBS?

It is vital that the person with autism, their support workers, family and loved ones are all involved in the process as this will help to drive the most positive outcomes.

Another critical part of the process is to conduct a thorough assessment-based intervention which details the specific behaviours of concern. Several factors should be considered during this process, including the location and timing of these behaviours, how they may have evolved over time, and how others perceive them. This information will eventually aid in identifying the core cause of these behaviours and highlighting the steps that may be taken to effectively address the issue.

From here, a PBS support plan can be developed, which should incorporate everything from skill-building to environmental improvements and access to specific therapies that will further improve outcomes for the individual and their loved ones.