What Strategies Are Used in Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive behaviour support strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The right strategy depends on the person, the purpose of the behaviour, the setting, the risk level and what the support team can realistically maintain.
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.
Changing The Environment
Sometimes the most effective strategy is changing what surrounds the person: noise, lighting, crowding, task length, waiting time, transitions, choices or the way instructions are given.
Improving Communication
Many behaviours intensify when a person cannot communicate pain, frustration, fear, choice, refusal or the need for a break. Visuals, communication devices, key words, gestures and consistent prompts can make needs easier to express.
Supporting Regulation
Regulation strategies may include sensory breaks, movement, predictable routines, calming activities, low-demand recovery time and early support before distress becomes overwhelming.
Teaching Replacement Skills
A replacement skill gives the person a safer way to meet the same need. For example, asking for help, requesting space, using a break card, choosing between two tasks or signalling pain.
Responding Safely During Escalation
Response strategies should reduce pressure, protect safety and preserve dignity. They should avoid power struggles and focus on calm, clear support.
Key Takeaways
- Strategies should match the reason behaviour is happening.
- Prevention is usually more effective than reaction.
- Support teams need simple steps they can follow under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rewards part of behaviour support?
Sometimes reinforcement can help build skills, but it should be respectful, meaningful and part of a broader plan.
What if strategies stop working?
That usually means something has changed. The plan should be reviewed rather than blaming the person or family.
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.
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This article was written by Brave Mental Health as an educational summary and is informed by official NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission resources.