Understanding Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): How It Works and Why It’s Essential
At Liberty Behavioural Services (Liberty), we are deeply committed to helping individuals with disabilities navigate their unique challenges through Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). PBS is an evidence-based approach that addresses behavioural challenges by focusing on understanding the root causes of those behaviours. The ultimate goal of PBS is to empower participants to live more fulfilling, independent lives by creating environments where they feel safe, supported, and understood.
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a proactive and holistic approach designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with behavioural challenges. Instead of simply managing or controlling behaviours, PBS focuses on understanding the reasons behind them and creating supportive strategies that meet the needs of each individual. At Liberty, we use PBS to help our participants build positive, meaningful behaviour changes that enable them to thrive in their daily lives.
PBS works by identifying the triggers behind challenging behaviours, whether they stem from frustration, anxiety, or an inability to communicate effectively. Once these triggers are understood, our team collaborates with participants and their support networks to develop tailored strategies that reduce challenging behaviours and encourage positive alternatives. By addressing the underlying causes of behaviour, PBS provides a structured framework that leads to lasting change.
Unmet Needs: The Root of Behavioural Challenges
Many challenging behaviours arise from unmet needs or communication barriers. For individuals with disabilities, particularly those with autism or intellectual disabilities, expressing their needs can be incredibly difficult. This can lead to behaviours that are often misunderstood or misinterpreted.
At Liberty, we recognise that all behaviour is a form of communication. Through observation, assessments, and close collaboration with the people in a participant's life—such as family members, support coordinators, and carers—we work to identify those unmet needs. Whether it’s the need for sensory input, emotional support, or more effective communication tools, our team uses these insights to tailor PBS strategies that address the underlying issues.
For example, if a participant’s aggressive outbursts are triggered by loud environments, our team might introduce calming strategies or sensory modifications to create a more supportive atmosphere. By addressing the cause, rather than the symptom, we help participants feel heard and understood, which has been proven to lead to significant improvements in behaviour.
Top Concerns PBS Addresses
PBS is highly effective in addressing a range of behavioural concerns, particularly those that impact participants' safety and well-being. Some of the key challenges that Liberty tackles through PBS include:
Physical Behaviours
Physical behaviours, such as self-harm or aggression toward others, are often the result of unmet needs or overwhelming emotions. Liberty works to identify the triggers behind these behaviours and develop strategies that keep participants safe. This might involve teaching safer ways to express frustration or anxiety, or introducing calming techniques to reduce stress.Verbal Aggression
Communication challenges often manifest as verbal outbursts or inappropriate language. At Liberty, we use PBS to help participants develop healthier communication methods, whether through speech, alternative communication systems, or behavioural cues. By providing participants with the tools they need to express themselves more effectively, we can reduce verbal outbursts and create more positive interactions.Property Damage
Behaviours that involve property damage can be dangerous for both the participant and those around them. Liberty uses PBS strategies to identify why these behaviours occur—whether due to frustration, boredom, or sensory overload—and provides safe alternatives. By creating structured routines, offering calming environments, and introducing positive behaviour rewards, we help participants reduce risk of harmful behaviours and engage in more constructive activities.
Outcomes of PBS
The outcomes of Positive Behaviour Support are transformative for both participants and their families. PBS helps to create an environment of peace, relief, and calm, where participants feel supported and in control of their behaviour. This not only reduces stress for the individual but also for their families and support networks .
Through PBS, participants experience improved self-esteem and a greater sense of independence. They gain new skills to manage their emotions and behaviours, which ultimately leads to a higher quality of life. Families and carers also benefit from the stability and structure that PBS brings, knowing their loved ones are receiving the care and support they need.
By restoring order and addressing the underlying causes of challenging behaviours, PBS helps to create safer, more supportive environments where participants can thrive.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a critical pathway that Liberty Behavioural Services provides to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. By addressing the root causes of challenging behaviours and offering tailored strategies to meet each participant’s unique needs, PBS empowers individuals to live with greater confidence, independence, and peace of mind.
If you or a loved one could benefit from PBS, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Liberty Behavioural Services, we are here to provide the understanding, support, and care you need to make positive changes in your life. Contact us today to learn more about our PBS services and how we can help you or your family members thrive.
Image by Pexels