How Positive Behaviour Support Can Improve Communication, Independence, and Daily Living
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is often associated with reducing behaviours of concern. While this is an important outcome, it represents only one part of a broader, more meaningful approach. In practice, PBS is about understanding behaviour as communication and supporting individuals to build skills that improve independence and everyday quality of life.
When delivered by a positive behaviour support practitioner, PBS focuses on identifying unmet needs, building functional communication, and supporting participation in daily routines. For participants with complex support needs, this approach can lead to significant and lasting improvements in independence, confidence, and emotional regulation.
This case study demonstrates how positive behaviour support works in real life, highlighting the impact that structured behaviour supports can have on communication, independence, and daily living skills.
Understanding the Role of a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
A positive behaviour support practitioner works collaboratively with individuals, families, and support teams to develop practical strategies that address the underlying causes of behaviour. Rather than focusing on control or compliance, behaviour supports aim to build skills that allow individuals to express their needs, make choices, and participate more fully in everyday life.
Under the NDIS, a qualified behaviour support practitioner or NDIS behaviour practitioner is responsible for assessing behaviour, developing behaviour support plans, and supporting consistent implementation across environments.
To better understand this professional role, you can read more about what a behaviour support practitioner does and how behaviour supports are delivered under the NDIS:
What Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Do? A Full Guide for Families and Carers
Case Study Overview: Behaviour Support Improving Daily Living Skills
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | 28 |
| Location | Queensland |
| Supports Involved | Behaviour Support, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy |
| Time Frame | 2 years and 8 months |
The participant presented with complex needs, including Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS), Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 3), intellectual impairment, anxiety, and reduced muscle tone. Over time, these conditions contributed to a significant decline in verbal communication, resulting in high levels of frustration and emotional distress.
Before engaging with behaviour supports, daily life was heavily dependent on others. Communication difficulties, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation frequently led to behaviours of concern that impacted the participant’s independence and living environment.
Challenges Before Behaviour Support Was Introduced
Prior to working with an NDIS behaviour practitioner, the participant experienced:
- Limited verbal communication, relying on behaviour to express needs
- Frequent emotional meltdowns, sometimes daily
- High levels of anxiety and frustration
- Minimal independence in daily living tasks
- Heavy reliance on support workers for household responsibilities
These challenges were not behavioural issues in isolation. They reflected unmet communication and emotional regulation needs.
Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
A comprehensive behaviour support plan was developed following a detailed functional assessment. The focus was on understanding the participant’s triggers, communication style, emotional capacity, and daily routines.
Key strategies included:
- Behaviour and anxiety mapping to identify triggers
- Teaching functional communication strategies
- Introducing structured choice-making tools
- Establishing predictable routines
- Consistent training for the support team
- Ongoing collaboration with family and carers
Communication Outcomes: How PBS Works in Real Life
One of the most significant outcomes was improved communication. As behaviour supports were implemented, the participant gradually developed the ability to express wants and needs verbally rather than through distress behaviours.
With the guidance of a positive behaviour support practitioner, the participant:
- Increased verbal communication
- Used words instead of emotional escalation to communicate needs
- Gained confidence in making choices
- Experienced reduced frustration and anxiety
Building Independence Through Behaviour Supports
In addition to communication, behaviour supports focused on increasing independence in daily living tasks. Through encouragement, structure, and consistency, the participant developed practical skills that supported autonomy.
Over time, behaviour support improving daily living skills led to the participant being able to:
- Complete washing and drying independently
- Prepare meals with supervision
- Transition from sleeping on a couch to sleeping in a bed
- Make, wash, and change bedding independently
Emotional Regulation and Long-Term Stability
As communication and independence improved, emotional regulation also strengthened. The participant experienced:
- A significant reduction in anxiety-driven behaviours
- No high-risk meltdowns for approximately 16 weeks
- Increased emotional resilience
- Greater confidence and willingness to engage in new activities
How FABIC Delivers Behaviour Support Under the NDIS
FABIC delivers behaviour supports using a person-centred, strengths-based approach. Behaviour support plans are practical, ethical, and designed to support real-world outcomes rather than short-term behaviour management.
Learn more about FABIC’s Behaviour Support services:
By understanding behaviour as communication and focusing on skill development, behaviour supports create lasting change that improves quality of life. These real-world behaviour support outcomes show what is possible when support is collaborative, consistent, and tailored to the individual.
If you are seeking support from an experienced positive behaviour support practitioner for yourself or someone you care for, FABIC’s team is here to help. Get in touch today to discuss your needs and explore personalised behaviour support options under the NDIS.
