Positive Behaviour Support

At Affinity Alliance, our goal is to empower you by developing personalised, evidence-based strategies that foster independence, enhance wellbeing and improve quality of life. We work closely with you and your supports to identify and meet a person’s support needs, particularly if someone is distressed and at risk of harming themselves or others.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing challenging behaviours in individuals, particularly those with developmental disabilities or mental health issues. The primary goal of PBS is to improve the quality of life for individuals by reducing occurrence of harmful behaviors and promoting positive, and socially acceptable behaviours.

Positive Behaviour Support is a holistic, person-centered approach that focuses on understanding the reasons behind harmful behaviours and implementing strategies to promote positive change, ultimately enhancing the individual’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Key Components of Positive Behaviour Support:

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Understanding Behaviour

PBS begins with a range of assessments to understand the underlying reasons for harmful behaviours displayed by individuals. Assessments assist in identifying the triggers, the behaviour itself, and the consequences that reinforce it. Early assessments may also include environmental audits to identify any restrictive practices.
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Person-Centered Approach

PBS is tailored to the individual, considering their specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. It emphasises respect, dignity, and the inclusion of the individual in decision-making processes.
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Proactive Strategies

The focus is on prevention rather than just reacting to harmful behaviours. This includes modifying the environment, teaching new skills, and providing support to prevent behaviors from occurring.
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Teaching New Skills

PBS aims to equip individuals with the skills they need to communicate their needs effectively, cope with stress, and interact positively with others. This may include social skills, communication strategies, or healthy coping mechanisms.
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Reinforcement of Positive Behaviors

Positive behaviors are encouraged and reinforced through rewards, praise, and other positive reinforcement techniques. This helps to build a pattern of desirable behaviors over time.
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Reduction & Elimination of Restrictive Practices

PBS seeks to minimize or eliminate the use of restrictive practices, such as physical restraints or punishment, in managing behaviors. The emphasis is on non-aversive methods that promote the individual’s autonomy and well-being.
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Ongoing Monitoring, Evaluation and Training

PBS is not a one-time intervention but an ongoing and dynamic process. The effectiveness of strategies is regularly evaluated, and adjustments are made as needed to ensure continued success and improvement in the individual’s behaviour and quality of life. Our practitioners provide regular and ongoing training for support teams.

Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support

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Improved Quality of Life

By reducing behaviours of concern (sometimes known as challenging behaviours) and promoting positive interactions, individuals experience a better quality of life.
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Empowerment

Individuals are empowered through skill development and positive reinforcement, leading to greater independence.
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Enhanced Relationships

Positive behaviour changes often lead to improved relationships with family, caregivers, and peers.
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Long-Term Success

Behaviour support strategies are designed to have lasting effects, promoting sustainable behaviour change and ongoing support.