Behaviour that challenges happens for a reason. Whilst it can be distressing for loved ones, someone may exhibit these behaviours as a form of non-intentional communication.
The framework set out in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) aims to provide a pathway to improve the quality of an individual’s life and the lives of those around them.
It can be used for people of all ages to help identify their needs and provide the support that they need.
What is challenging behaviour?
Challenging behaviour is often seen in people who have learning disabilities, autism, or mental health issues.
Typically, challenging behaviours include:
- Aggression towards others
- Self-injury
- Destruction of objects and surroundings
- Eating inedible objects
- Running off
- And other self-destructive behaviours.
Whilst these behaviours may be difficult to deal with, for those who show them they are a form of communication and a way to control what is going on around them.
What is the PBS framework?
PBS is a person-centred framework for providing long-term support for people who show or are at risk of displaying challenging behaviours.
It combines a person-centred approach with behavioural science to inform decision-making.
The approach is based on key principles to promote inclusion, choice, participation, and equality of opportunity.
The framework is broken into four key areas:
- Consider the person and their life circumstances, including both physical and mental wellbeing
- Creating environments that are supportive to people’s needs
- Teach people new skills that enhance their opportunities and offer alternatives to behaviour that challenges
- Involve input from professionals and specialists.
These principles aim to create not only a preventative approach but also a proactive one. The key aim of PBS is to improve wellbeing.
How do you implement PBS?
If one of your loved ones is showing behaviour that challenges, the first step is to find out the causes of the behaviour. This is called a functional assessment and aims to find out how the behaviour is learned and how it is maintained.
After these reasons have been established, a PBS plan is co-produced by everyone who is supporting the person, including loved ones and carers.
Our Support Workers are trained in PBS and work alongside families to create a plan in the best interests of our clients.
Together, Support Workers, Carers, family, and friends can work together to follow the PBS plan. This can create an environment that not only discourages challenging behaviour but allows your loved one to have all their needs met.
If you would like further support with challenging behaviour, get in touch with our team today.