How Positive Behaviour Support Helps Participants

Understanding Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based framework that helps people with disability lead safer, more fulfilling lives by understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern and developing positive strategies to address them. It is a compassionate and person-centred approach that focuses on improving quality of life rather than simply managing behaviour. At InLife, our PBS practitioners are part of our therapy and allied health services and are dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change for participants and the people around them.

What Are Behaviours of Concern?

Behaviours of concern are actions that put a person or those around them at risk of harm, or that significantly limit the person's ability to participate in everyday life. Examples may include:

Self-injurious behaviour, such as head-banging or skin-picking
Physical aggression towards others
Property destruction
Elopement (leaving a safe environment without warning)
Severe withdrawal or refusal to engage in daily activities

It is important to understand that behaviours of concern are not the person's fault. They are often a form of communication, a response to unmet needs, environmental factors, or a lack of appropriate support.

How PBS Works

PBS takes a holistic view of the person and their environment. A qualified PBS practitioner will work through several key steps:

Functional Behaviour Assessment: The practitioner observes the participant, speaks with their support network, and gathers data to understand the function (or purpose) of the behaviour. Why is it happening? What need is it trying to meet?
Behaviour Support Plan (BSP): Based on the assessment, the practitioner develops a comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan. This plan outlines proactive strategies to prevent behaviours of concern, reactive strategies for when they do occur, and skill-building goals to help the participant develop alternative ways to communicate and cope.
Implementation and Training: The PBS practitioner works with support workers, family members, and other stakeholders to implement the plan. Training is provided so that everyone in the participant's life understands the strategies and can apply them consistently.
Monitoring and Review: PBS is an ongoing process. The practitioner regularly reviews the plan, monitors progress, and makes adjustments as needed.

The Role of Restrictive Practices

In some cases, restrictive practices (such as physical restraint or environmental restrictions) may be used as a last resort to keep people safe. Under the NDIS, the use of restrictive practices is heavily regulated. Any use must be authorised, reported, and included in a behaviour support plan with the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating restrictive practices over time.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission oversees the use of restrictive practices and ensures that participants' rights are always protected.

Every behaviour has a reason behind it. Positive Behaviour Support is about understanding that reason and finding better, kinder ways to meet the person's needs.

Who Can Benefit From PBS?

PBS can benefit any NDIS participant who displays behaviours of concern, regardless of age or disability type. It is particularly effective for people with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, acquired brain injury, and complex support needs. The benefits extend beyond the participant to their families, support workers, and communities. You can learn more about the broader role of therapy in our article on the benefits of allied health for NDIS participants.

How PBS Is Funded

PBS is funded under the Capacity Building budget in your NDIS plan, typically within the Improved Relationships or Improved Daily Living categories. If you believe PBS could help you or someone you support, speak with your support coordinator or LAC about including it in your plan.

PBS at InLife

At InLife, our PBS practitioners bring both expertise and genuine compassion to their work. We believe that everyone deserves to be understood, respected, and supported to live their best life. If you would like to learn more about how PBS could help you or a loved one, contact our team for a confidential conversation. You can also get in touch with us directly.