When behaviour becomes unsafe, distressing or difficult to understand, families and support teams can feel as though they are constantly reacting to the next incident. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can help shift the focus from stopping a behaviour to understanding the person, their needs and the conditions that may support their wellbeing, safety and participation.
Positive Behaviour Support is a person-centred approach commonly used within the NDIS. It is particularly relevant when a person’s behaviour affects their wellbeing, relationships, access to community activities or ability to receive consistent support. Rather than assigning blame, PBS explores what a person may be communicating through their behaviour and what changes in support, environment or communication may be appropriate.
What Positive Behaviour Support is designed to do
Positive Behaviour Support is not simply a behaviour chart, a set of consequences or a plan developed without the person’s involvement. It is an evidence-informed approach that aims to improve quality of life while reducing behaviours of concern through practical, respectful and individualised support.
A behaviour of concern may include aggression, self-injury, property damage, absconding, verbal threats, refusal, or other actions that may place the person or others at risk. These behaviours can be associated with a range of factors, including unmet needs, communication barriers, pain, sensory overload, anxiety, trauma, changes in routine or demands that feel difficult to manage.
PBS recognises that behaviour occurs within a broader context. For example, a person who becomes distressed during personal care may be communicating fear, discomfort, a need for privacy, or difficulty anticipating what will happen next. PBS seeks to understand contributing factors and identify appropriate support strategies that promote dignity and safety.
A guide to Positive Behaviour Support in practice
A Positive Behaviour Support Plan should be tailored to the individual. It may incorporate information from the participant, family members, carers, support workers and relevant healthcare professionals. The person’s preferences, strengths, communication style, cultural background and goals should remain central throughout the process.
Start by understanding the whole situation
The first step is often a functional behaviour assessment. This explores what happens before, during and after a behaviour and considers factors that may contribute to its occurrence. A behaviour support practitioner may review environmental factors, routines, relationships, communication needs, medical considerations, sensory experiences, sleep patterns, diet, past experiences and current stressors.
Patterns are often easier to identify when observations are recorded over time. A person may become distressed at a certain time of day, in noisy settings, when transitioning away from a preferred activity, or when receiving support from unfamiliar staff. Understanding these patterns can assist the support team in developing informed strategies.
It is also important to identify existing strengths and supports. Some people may respond well to additional processing time, visual schedules, familiar support staff or opportunities to choose the order of activities. PBS aims to build on existing strengths while addressing areas of concern.
Create proactive supports, not just crisis responses
A strong plan prioritises strategies that may reduce the likelihood of distress before it escalates. These can include clearer communication, predictable routines, sensory supports, access to breaks, choice-making opportunities, skill development and changes to the physical environment.
For example, if a participant becomes overwhelmed in crowded community settings, a plan may recommend quieter appointment times, gradual exposure to activities, a clear exit option and support from a trusted person. Where communication difficulties contribute to frustration, strategies may include visual aids, key-word signs, communication devices or support to express preferences and needs.
The plan should also outline how supporters can respond when early signs of distress are observed. These signs may include pacing, withdrawal, raised voice, repetitive questioning or changes in facial expression. Early and consistent responses may assist with reducing escalation in some situations.
A useful plan provides practical guidance that families and support workers can apply in daily life. Clear instructions help promote consistency and support a shared understanding of how to respond in different situations.
Teach skills that give the person more choice
Reducing behaviours of concern is only one aspect of PBS. Another important focus is supporting the person to develop safer and more effective ways to communicate their needs and participate in everyday life. This may involve learning to request a break, communicate discomfort, manage changes in routine, use calming strategies, build social skills or take part in decision-making.
Skill development should be tailored to the person’s abilities, preferences and communication style. One person may benefit from verbal strategies, while another may prefer picture cards, gestures, visual countdowns or access to a quiet space.
Approaches that support understanding, autonomy and confidence may contribute to greater participation and independence. However, responses and outcomes vary between individuals, and support strategies should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate.
There can be trade-offs. A new strategy may initially require more time to implement than previous approaches, and changes in routines may require adjustments from family members or support services. Ongoing review can help determine whether strategies remain practical and aligned with the person’s goals.
Restrictive practices require careful oversight
In some circumstances, restrictive practices may be considered when there is a serious risk of harm. These practices can include physical restraint, seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint or environmental restraint. Within the NDIS, restrictive practices are regulated and must not be used for punishment, convenience or to manage ordinary behaviour.
The aim should be to minimise and, where appropriate, reduce the use of restrictive practices over time. Any use requires appropriate authorisation, reporting and behaviour support planning in accordance with relevant NDIS and state or territory requirements.
This is particularly important where a support strategy may limit a person’s freedom, such as restricting access to certain areas or resources. Families and service providers may wish to seek guidance from appropriately qualified professionals to understand their responsibilities and explore alternative approaches.
Making the plan work day to day
A plan is most effective when the people supporting the participant understand it and apply it consistently. This may include family members, support workers, educators, support coordinators and other health professionals where relevant. Roles and responsibilities should be clearly described, and opportunities for feedback and review should be available.
Consistency does not mean responding identically in every situation. People’s needs can change, environments vary and strategies may need to be adapted across home, education, employment and community settings. Flexibility within a consistent framework can support implementation.
Regular review is important. Goals may change, new challenges may emerge and strategies may need adjustment as skills develop. Monitoring outcomes can help determine whether supports remain aligned with the person’s needs, wellbeing and participation goals.
For NDIS participants, it may also be helpful to ensure behaviour support recommendations align with other funded supports. Services such as occupational therapy, psychology, speech pathology, capacity building, early childhood intervention and support coordination may contribute to an individual's broader support network where appropriate.
When professional behaviour support may be considered
Professional PBS may be considered when behaviours are increasing in frequency or intensity, safety concerns are present, restrictive practices are being used or considered, or support teams would benefit from additional guidance. It may also be relevant during significant life transitions or when a person is experiencing ongoing distress.
Behaviour support services can be delivered in a range of formats, including face-to-face appointments, telephone consultations or telehealth, depending on individual circumstances and service availability.
With assessment, collaboration and practical planning, Positive Behaviour Support aims to promote safety, communication, participation and quality of life while respecting the rights, preferences and individual needs of each person. Outcomes will vary between individuals, and support strategies should be tailored to the person's circumstances and goals.