What is Positive Behaviour Support:

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is a proactive, evidence-based approach to promoting positive behaviors and reducing challenging behaviors. It involves identifying the reasons or functions of a challenging behavior and then implementing strategies to teach and encourage more appropriate and desirable behaviors. The focus is on understanding the individual's needs, preferences, and strengths, and creating an environment that supports positive behavior while addressing the underlying causes of challenging behavior. PBS aims to enhance quality of life for individuals, and can be used in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, and workplaces.

What does PBS involve? 

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) involves several components, including:

1. Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA): A process used to identify the reason(s) behind a challenging behavior. This involves gathering information about the individual's environment, behavior, and the consequences that follow the behavior.

2. Person-centered planning: A collaborative process between the individual, their family, and professionals to develop a plan that addresses the individual's needs, preferences, and strengths.

3. Teaching alternative skills: This involves teaching the individual new skills that can replace the challenging behavior. For example, teaching communication skills, self-regulation skills, and social skills.

4. Environmental modifications: This involves modifying the environment to prevent or reduce the likelihood of challenging behavior from occurring. For example, creating visual schedules or providing sensory support.

5. Positive reinforcement: This involves using positive consequences to increase the likelihood of desirable behavior occurring. For example, providing praise, rewards, or access to preferred activities.

6. Monitoring and data collection: Regularly monitoring and collecting data to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and make adjustments as needed.

Overall, PBS is a collaborative and evidence-based approach that focuses on preventing and reducing challenging behavior while promoting positive behavior and enhancing the individual's quality of life.

What is a restricted practice? 

A restricted practice is a type of intervention or action that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a person with a disability, and is used to manage their behavior. Examples of restricted practices include physical restraints, seclusion, and chemical restraints (i.e. medications used to control behavior). These practices can only be used in very specific circumstances and are subject to strict regulations and oversight to ensure that they are only used as a last resort when all other interventions have failed and the person's safety or the safety of others is at risk.

How can my therapist work with me to reduce restricted practices? 

Your therapist can work with you to develop a positive behavior support plan that identifies the function of the behaviors and provides alternative behaviors that meet the same function. The plan may also include teaching replacement skills, modifying the environment, and reinforcing positive behaviors. By addressing the underlying reasons for the behaviors and providing alternatives, the need for restrictive practices can be reduced. Additionally, your therapist can work with you to create a crisis plan that outlines steps to take in the event that a behavior of concern does occur, with the goal of reducing the need for restrictive practices.

Who can PBS Practitioners work with?

PBS practitioners can work with individuals of all ages and abilities who display behaviors of concern, such as challenging behaviors or mental health conditions. This includes individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions that affect behavior. PBS practitioners can also work with families, caregivers, and support staff to help them understand and implement positive behavior support strategies in daily life. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, homes, group homes, and residential facilities.

 
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