Navigating the world of disability support can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you or a loved one are dealing with complex or challenging behaviours. You might feel stressed, isolated, or unsure of where to turn. Please know, you are not alone, and there is specialised, compassionate support available.
At Liorn Support Services, we often get asked about one of the key roles in this space: the Behaviour Support Practitioner (BSP). Let’s gently unpack what a BSP does and how they can become a supportive partner on your journey.
What is a Behaviour Support Practitioner?
A Behaviour Support Practitioner is a qualified professional who works alongside NDIS participants, their families, and their support network. Their primary goal is not to 'manage' or 'control' behaviour, but to understand it.
Think of them as a detective and a guide, rolled into one. They look beneath the surface of a behaviour to understand what purpose it serves and what a person might be trying to communicate. Their focus is always on improving a person's quality of life, increasing their opportunities, and reducing the need for restrictive practices.
It’s Not About ‘Fixing’ People
This is the most important thing to understand. Positive Behaviour Support is not about changing who a person is. It’s a compassionate, person-centred approach that recognises a fundamental truth: all behaviour is a form of communication.
Challenging behaviours are often a sign of an unmet need. Perhaps the person is feeling pain, anxiety, frustration, or is unable to communicate their wants and needs effectively. A BSP’s job is to listen to that communication and help find more effective and positive ways for the person to have their needs met.
How Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Help?
The process is a collaborative partnership, built on trust and respect. Here’s what it typically looks like:
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Getting to Know You: The first step is always listening. The BSP will spend time with the participant and their family, understanding their strengths, their goals, their challenges, and what a good life looks like to them.
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Understanding the ‘Why’: The BSP will carefully and respectfully gather information to understand the reasons behind a particular behaviour. This is called a Functional Behaviour Assessment. They look at what happens before, during, and after the behaviour to identify patterns and triggers.
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Creating a Positive Plan: With this deep understanding, the BSP works with you to develop a Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP). This isn’t a list of rules or punishments. It’s a roadmap filled with proactive strategies. It might include:
- Changing the environment: Making simple adjustments to surroundings to reduce stress or triggers.
- Teaching new skills: Helping the person learn new ways to communicate their needs, manage emotions, or handle difficult situations.
- Positive Reinforcement: Focusing on and celebrating what’s going well to build confidence and self-esteem.
- Team Strategies: Ensuring everyone in the person’s life (family, support workers, teachers) is on the same page with consistent, supportive responses.
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Ongoing Teamwork: A plan is a living document. The BSP provides training and support to the people implementing the plan and regularly reviews its progress to make sure it’s still working and meeting the participant’s evolving needs.
The Liorn Support Services Promise
At Liorn Support Services, our approach to behaviour support is grounded in empathy and respect for the individual. We see the person, not the behaviour. Our practitioners are dedicated to working with you, not for you, to create lasting, positive change that enhances dignity and quality of life.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, remember that understanding is the first step toward a more positive future. A Behaviour Support Practitioner can be the guide who helps you take that step.
Ready to Learn More?
If you have any questions or would like to chat about how a Behaviour Support Practitioner could support you or your family, please reach out to our friendly team at Liorn Support Services. We’re here to help.