Positive Behaviour Support: A Plain English Guide for Families
Positive Behaviour Support, often shortened to PBS, is a respectful and evidence-informed approach that focuses on understanding the person and improving quality of life. It asks what behaviour is communicating and what needs to change around the person.
This article is general education for NDIS participants, families, carers and support teams. It does not replace individual advice, clinical judgement, legal advice, emergency support or a personalised Behaviour Support Plan.
PBS Is Not Just Being Positive
Positive Behaviour Support does not mean ignoring risk or pretending things are easy. It means responding in ways that are proactive, respectful, rights-based and focused on long-term skill development.
Quality Of Life Comes First
PBS looks at participation, relationships, safety, communication, routines, choice, sensory comfort and belonging. Behaviour often improves when life becomes more predictable, meaningful and supported.
The Role Of Assessment
PBS uses assessment to understand why behaviour occurs. Without this step, strategies can become guesswork or may accidentally make behaviour worse.
Reducing Restrictive Practices
Where restrictive practices are present or being considered, PBS should focus on safer alternatives, better supports, skill-building and reducing reliance on restrictive responses over time.
Key Takeaways
- PBS is respectful, practical and evidence-informed.
- The focus is quality of life, not control.
- Understanding the person is the foundation of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PBS suitable for autism and ADHD?
It can be helpful for autistic people and people with ADHD when strategies are individualised, sensory-aware and respectful of neurodiversity.
Does PBS replace therapy?
No. It can work alongside counselling, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, psychiatry and other supports.
Need behaviour support?
Brave Mental Health supports NDIS participants, families, carers, schools and support teams across Melbourne and via telehealth. You can book a free 20-minute consultation to talk through what is happening and what the next step could look like.
Book Free ConsultationSources And Further Reading
This article was written by Brave Mental Health as an educational summary and is informed by official NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission resources.