Navigating the world of disability support can sometimes feel like learning a new language, filled with acronyms and specialised terms. One term you might hear is 'Positive Behaviour Support Plan' or PBSP. If you're wondering what that means, you're not alone.
At Liorn Support Services, we understand that discussing behaviour can be sensitive and challenging. We want to reassure you that a PBSP is not about blame or punishment. It’s a powerful, person-centred tool designed to improve quality of life, built on a foundation of understanding and compassion.
Let's gently unpack what a PBSP is and how it can make a positive difference.
What is a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?
A Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP) is a formal document created to help everyone understand and support a person who sometimes uses challenging behaviours to communicate their needs.
Think of it as a roadmap. It doesn't just focus on the behaviour itself; it looks at the whole person and their environment to understand why the behaviour is happening. The ultimate goal is to reduce and eliminate the need for these behaviours by finding better, more effective ways for the person to communicate and have their needs met.
Why is it Called "Positive"?
The word "positive" is key. This approach moves away from outdated, reactive methods that might focus on punishment. Instead, it focuses on:
- Building Skills: Teaching new communication skills, coping strategies, and daily living skills.
- Improving Quality of Life: Ensuring the person has a rich, meaningful life with strong relationships, enjoyable activities, and greater independence.
- Understanding Needs: Recognising that every behaviour, even a challenging one, is a form of communication. The plan helps us listen to what is being said.
What’s Inside a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?
A good PBSP is created collaboratively by a qualified NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner, working closely with the participant, their family, and support team. It’s tailored to the individual and typically includes:
-
A Deep Understanding of the Person: Information about their strengths, goals, likes, and dislikes. It puts the person, not the behaviour, at the centre.
-
The 'Why' Behind the Behaviour: The plan will outline the likely reasons, or 'functions', of the behaviour. Is it to escape a stressful situation? To get attention? To communicate pain or frustration? Understanding the 'why' is the first step to providing the right support.
-
Proactive Strategies: These are things we can do to prevent the behaviour from happening in the first place. This might involve changing the environment, adjusting routines, or teaching new skills to manage emotions and communicate needs effectively.
-
Reactive Strategies: This section provides clear, safe, and respectful instructions on how everyone should respond if the behaviour does occur. The focus is on de-escalation and ensuring the safety and dignity of the participant and those around them.
How Liorn Support Services Can Help
Having a plan is one thing; putting it into practice is another. That's where we come in.
Our dedicated support workers at Liorn are trained to understand and implement the strategies within a PBSP. We see ourselves as your partners in this journey. We work closely with you, your family, and your Behaviour Support Practitioner to ensure the plan is followed consistently and compassionately.
We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where participants feel understood, respected, and empowered to achieve their goals.
A Positive Behaviour Support Plan is more than just a document—it's a promise. It's a promise to listen, to understand, and to work together towards a better, happier, and more fulfilling life.
If you have a PBSP in place or have questions about how behaviour support works within your NDIS plan, please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. We're here to help.