What is Positive Behaviour Support

You might have heard the term Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) — but what does it actually mean?

At its heart, PBS is about understanding people, not controlling them.

It’s an evidence-based, person-centred approach that looks beyond the behaviour we see and asks:

“What is this person trying to communicate?”

Because all behaviour serves a purpose.

Instead of focusing on stopping behaviour through punishment or consequences, PBS helps us step back and explore:

• What exactly is happening?

• When and where does it occur?

• What happens before and after it?

• What need is the behaviour meeting?

Often behaviours of concern are linked to things like:

– Difficulty communicating

– Sensory overwhelm

– Anxiety or trauma

– Wanting to escape a situation

– Seeking connection or predictability

PBS recognises that behaviour is a form of communication — especially when someone doesn’t yet have the skills, language, or regulation tools to express what they need in another way.

So what does Positive Behaviour Support actually involve?

✔ Completing a Functional Behaviour Assessment (to understand the “why”)

✔ Teaching replacement skills (communication, coping, self-regulation)

✔ Adjusting the environment to reduce triggers

✔ Building predictable routines

✔ Supporting caregivers, teachers and support staff

✔ Using trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approaches

Importantly, PBS focuses on building skills and quality of life — not just reducing behaviour.

When we teach someone safer, more effective ways to have their needs met, the behaviour naturally decreases because it is no longer needed.

Good PBS also reduces reliance on reactive strategies and restrictive practices. It strengthens relationships. It increases independence. It improves safety for everyone involved.

Most importantly, it protects dignity.

Positive Behaviour Support is not about compliance.

It is not about “being strict.”

And it is not about forcing change.

It is about understanding, compassion, structure, and teaching skills in a way that sets someone up for long-term success.

When we change the environment and build capacity, behaviour changes with it.

If you would like to know more about how PBS works in homes, schools, or NDIS settings, feel free to reach out.