Positive Behaviour Support: A Simple Guide to Key Terms
If you’ve ever explored the world of behaviour support, you’ve probably encountered terms like "challenging behaviour", "positive behaviour support" (PBS), or “antecedent”. But what do they actually mean? Let’s break them down in plain language.
What Is Challenging Behaviour?
Challenging behaviour refers to actions or behaviours that can cause difficulties for the individual or those around them. These actions might put the person or others at risk, either physically or mentally.
Behaviours referred to as “challenging” might include things like aggression, self-injury, or refusal to follow instructions. It’s important to understand that challenging behaviour often serves a purpose for the person—it’s a way of communicating when words or other methods fail.
For example:
A child might scream because they’re overwhelmed or don’t know how to ask for help.
A person with sensory sensitivities might act out to escape a situation that feels unbearable to them.
Rather than labelling it as “bad” behaviour, it’s essential to look at the underlying reasons and think of it as a form of communication.
What is a Functional Assessment?
A functional assessment (also known as a functional behaviour assessment, or FBA) is a systematic way to understand why a behaviour happens. It’s like detective work for behaviour! This process helps identify the triggers, what the individual is trying to achieve, and what reinforces the behaviour.
From this, we can work out what purpose (or function) the behaviour serves (e.g. why it is happening). With this knowledge, a plan can be developed that supports the invidiual to get their needs met in alternative ways. This may be through making changes in their environment, or teaching a new skill.
Functional assessments are crucial because they shift the focus from simply stopping a behaviour to understanding and addressing its root cause. This approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and promotes lasting change.
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a practical and evidence-based approach for supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or other conditions that display (or are at risk of displaying) challenging behaviour.
The primary aim of PBS is to increase the individual’s quality of life. It focuses on understanding the reasons behind someone’s behaviour and creating strategies to meet their needs in a respectful and empowering way.
At its core, PBS works by:
Understanding behaviour as communication: Every behaviour has a purpose, whether it’s to express a need, avoid something unpleasant, or gain attention. PBS emphasises identifying this purpose through a detailed functional assessment.
Changing the environment: By adjusting surroundings or routines, PBS helps prevent triggers that may lead to challenging behaviours.
Teaching new skills: Instead of suppressing behaviour, PBS encourages teaching alternative ways to communicate or cope, such as using visual aids, learning relaxation techniques, or practicing asking for help.
Focusing on strengths and quality of life: PBS is about more than managing behaviour; it prioritises the individual’s overall well-being, independence, and opportunities for success.
PBS is widely recognised for its compassionate and effective methods in schools, homes, and therapeutic settings, making it a valuable tool for parents, educators, and professionals.
Other Useful Terms
Reinforcement: Anything that increases the likelihood of a behaviour happening again. It could be things like praise, a reward or social attention.
ABCs of Behaviour: A simple framework for understanding behaviour. This model helps break down behaviours into manageable pieces for analysis:
Antecedent (what happened before)
Behaviour (the action)
Consequence (what happened after)
PBS Plan: A PBS plan (sometimes called a Behaviour Support Plan) is a personalised plan that outlines a person’s likes, dislikes and needs. It looks at what might be causing behaviours that may be challenging and outlines the steps put in place to prevent difficulties before they happen. A PBS plan includes practical ways to make the environment more supportive, teach new skills, and encourage positive behaviours. The goal is to help the person feel happier, more independent, and better understood, rather than just trying to stop certain behaviours.
Proactive strategies (also referred to as antecedent strategies): These are steps taken to prevent challenging behaviours before they occur. Proactive strategies focus on creating a positive, supportive environment that reduces triggers. For example, using visual schedules, providing clear expectations, or teaching communication skills can prevent frustration or misunderstandings that may lead to challenging behaviour.
De-escalation strategies: These are techniques used to calm and diffuse a potentially challenging or high-stress situation before it escalates into a crisis. It involves staying calm, using a supportive tone, giving space, reducing sensory overload, offering clear choices, and validating emotions to help the individual regain control.
Why These Terms Matter
Understanding these concepts can help parents, educators, and professionals take a compassionate, proactive approach to supporting individuals who struggle with challenging behaviours. It’s not about punishing behaviours but understanding and addressing the reasons behind them.
By learning these terms and strategies, you can become more effective at supporting positive changes in behaviour and improving the quality of life for those you care for.
