Positive behaviour support services are designed to help participants live safer, more fulfilling lives by understanding the reasons behind behaviours and responding with care, respect, and practical strategies. Rather than focusing on stopping behaviours, positive behaviour support looks at what those behaviours are communicating and how support can be shaped around the person’s needs, environment, and goals. This approach places dignity, choice, and quality of life at the centre of every decision.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a therapeutic, evidence-based approach that aims to improve a participant’s quality of life by understanding and changing behaviours that may be harmful or limiting.
PBS is grounded in the principle that every behaviour has a purpose. Instead of focusing only on stopping a behaviour, PBS takes the time to understand what the behaviour is communicating, and then supports you to build safer and more helpful ways to express your needs.
To understand PBS, imagine a person trying to solve a coded message. Instead of reacting to the noise of the message itself, PBS acts as the code-breaker, figuring out the hidden meaning so that the sender can eventually learn to speak clearly and no longer needs to use the code.
The Core Objectives of Positive Behaviour Support
1) Understanding the “Why”
PBS looks at triggers and reasons why a person uses certain behaviours. This helps everyone understand what is happening and why.
2) Developing Skills
PBS supports you to learn new ways to communicate your needs or cope with difficult situations, so you have more options in everyday life.
3) Environmental Adjustments
PBS can include changes to your surroundings to better meet your needs, such as adjusting lighting or establishing regular routines.
4) Reducing Restrictive Practices
PBS works to decrease or try to eliminate regulated restrictive practices over time. These are actions that restrict rights or freedom of movement.
5) Upholding Rights
PBS is focused on respecting your dignity and human rights, and supporting you in ways that are safe and respectful.
How Positive Behaviour Support Works
Positive behaviour support is delivered through a structured process led by a registered specialist behaviour support provider.
1) Functional Behaviour Assessment
A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is where a practitioner collects information through interviews, observations, and previous reports. This helps identify:
- What happens before the behaviour (antecedents)
- The behaviour itself
- What happens after the behaviour (consequences)
2) Behaviour Support Plans
Behaviour support plans are developed based on what the assessment shows.
- Interim Behaviour Support Plan: This is a short-term plan focused on immediate safety and risk management while a full assessment is underway.
- Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan: This is a detailed, long-term plan based on the Functional Behaviour Assessment. It includes proactive strategies to build capacity and support lasting positive change.
For a more detailed look at behaviour support plans, read our guide on Behaviour Support Plans.
3) Collaboration and Training
PBS is not something you do alone. Practitioners work with your family, carers, and other providers (with your consent) so everyone uses the same strategies. Training is also provided to support workers so they can implement the plan effectively.
Is NDIS funding available for Positive behaviour support?
Positive behaviour support NDIS funding, provided by the NDIA, helps participants access specialist support when behaviours are affecting daily life or safety, with funding focused on assessments, behaviour support plans, and training that build skills and improve quality of life. When this support is person-centred, collaborative, and aligned with a participant’s goals, it creates meaningful, long-term change by helping people feel understood, supported, and empowered to achieve what matters most to them.
At Better Rehab, we support adults, teens, and younger children through a warm, collaborative approach to positive behaviour support. Our focus is on understanding each person’s individual needs, supporting meaningful goals, and building skills that encourage independence in everyday life. Learn more about our Positive Behaviour Support services and Get in touch to learn how our team can support you or someone you care about.
