Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Explained: Strategies, Examples, and When to Use It
Positive Behaviour Support, commonly referred to as PBS, is a widely recognised and evidence-based approach used to support individuals who experience behaviours of concern. Rather than focusing on correcting behaviour, PBS is built on understanding why behaviour occurs and supporting individuals who require support, to develop new skills that improve daily life, independence and wellbeing.
Families, carers and support teams often seek clarity around what PBS involves, how it works in practice and when it should be used.
Here is a clear breakdown and explanation of what positive behaviour support is, outlining practical strategies, real-world examples and highlights the role of a positive behaviour support practitioner and positive behaviour specialist in supporting outcomes that lead to greater independence, confidence and quality of life.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support is a person-centred framework that combines behavioural science, functional assessment and human rights-based practice. At its core, PBS recognises that behaviour is a form of communication. When an individual uses behaviour to express distress, frustration or avoidance, PBS seeks to understand the underlying need rather than suppress the behaviour itself.
Positive Behaviour Support aims to:
- Improve quality of life
- Teach functional, life-enhancing skills
- Reduce behaviours of concern
- Reduce restrictive practices
- Create supportive and predictable environments
- Strengthen relationships between individuals and their support networks
A positive behaviour support practitioner works collaboratively with individuals, families and carers to ensure strategies are meaningful, ethical and sustainable.
Why Positive Behaviour Support Is Effective
PBS is an effective approach on long-term skill development rather than short-term behaviour management. It supports individuals to gain confidence, communication skills with emotional regulation, reducing the need for behaviours of concern over time.
Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support include:
- Increased independence
- Improved emotional regulation
- Stronger communication skills
- Reduced stress for families and carers
- Safer and more predictable environments
- Improved participation in home, school, work and community settings
PBS also aligns with NDIS requirements, particularly around reducing restrictive practices and promoting participant choice and control.
How Positive Behaviour Support Works in Practice
PBS follows a structured but flexible process that adapts to each individual’s needs. While every plan is different, most PBS approaches include the following key components.
1. Functional Behaviour Assessment
The first step in PBS is understanding the function of behaviour. A positive behaviour specialist completes a functional assessment by gathering information from observations, interviews and historical data.
This assessment explores:
- Triggers and patterns of behaviour
- Environmental factors
- Communication abilities
- Sensory needs
- Emotional and social influences
Understanding the reason behind behaviour ensures strategies are targeted and effective.
2. Developing a Positive Behaviour Support Plan
Once an assessment is complete, a Positive Behaviour Support Plan is developed. This plan outlines proactive strategies that support learning, prevent escalation and improve daily functioning.
A Positive Behaviour Support plan may include:
- Skill-building strategies
- Predictable routines and structure
- Environmental adjustments
- Early warning signs and responses
- Support strategies for carers and staff
- Safety considerations where required
The goal is to create strategies that fit naturally into everyday life.
3. Teaching New and Functional Skills
One of the most important elements of PBS is teaching new skills that replace behaviours of concern. When individuals learn alternative ways to communicate, regulate emotions or manage challenges, the need for certain behaviours decreases.
Skill development may include:
- Communication strategies
- Emotional regulation tools
- Social interaction skills
- Problem-solving strategies
- Coping mechanisms for stress or change
These skills empower individuals and support long-term independence.
4. Creating Supportive Environments
PBS recognises that a NDIS participant who requires support from a positive behaviour support practitioner, the environment plays a critical role in behaviour. Adjusting routines, environment, expectations and surroundings can significantly reduce stress and improve outcomes.
Examples include:
- Visual schedules
- Clear and predictable routines
- Reduced sensory overload
- Consistent expectations across environments
Supportive environments help individuals feel safe and understood.
Examples of Positive Behaviour Support Strategies
Below are practical examples that illustrate how PBS strategies may be applied in everyday situations.
Example 1: Supporting Communication
If a person uses behaviour to express frustration, PBS may introduce visual supports, communication devices or structured choices. As communication improves, behaviours of concern often reduce naturally.
Example 2: Establishing Predictable Routines
Individuals who struggle with transitions may benefit from consistent routines. Visual timetables and preparation for change reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation.
Example 3: Sensory Regulation Supports
PBS may involve identifying sensory needs and introducing calming or alerting strategies such as movement breaks, quiet spaces or sensory tools.
Example 4: Choice and Autonomy
Providing meaningful choices supports autonomy and reduces power struggles. Choice-making is a foundational PBS strategy that builds confidence and trust.
How Positive Behaviour Specialists Support Families
Families often ask how positive behaviour specialists help beyond writing a plan. Their role includes:
- Coaching families and carers
- Supporting implementation across settings
- Training support workers
- Reviewing progress and adapting strategies
- Reducing reliance on restrictive practices
- Advocating for participant wellbeing
A positive behaviour support practitioner works alongside families to ensure strategies are realistic, respectful and sustainable.
When Should Positive Behaviour Support Be Used?
Positive Behaviour Support is recommended when:
- Behaviours of concern impact daily life
- A person struggles with communication or regulation
- Families need clear and consistent strategies
- Support environments feel unpredictable or stressful
- Long-term, skill-based change is required
PBS is suitable for people of all ages and abilities and once a plan is in place, it can be adapted across home, school, work and community environments.
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For a deeper understanding of practitioner roles, read:
https://www.fabic.com.au/blog/what-does-a-behaviour-support-practitioner-do/
Positive Behaviour Support is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that prioritises understanding, learning and long-term wellbeing. By focusing on skill development and supportive environments, PBS empowers individuals and strengthens the people around them.
With the guidance of a skilled positive behaviour support practitioner, families and support networks can create meaningful change that supports independence, participation and quality of life.
If you would like support from an experienced positive behaviour specialist, contact FABIC today to explore Positive Behaviour Support tailored to your needs.
