Resources
Practical support, thoughtfully explained.
Clear, person-centred information about Positive Behaviour Support, communication and behaviour support planning.
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How to Prepare a Behaviour Support Referral
A useful referral helps the support team understand the person, their goals and the situations where support may be helpful. You might include the person’s preferred name and communication style, strengths and interests, important relationships, current concerns, relevant routines and what has helped or not helped before. The person should be involved in the referral wherever possible. Information can be gathered gradually; a referral is a starting point for listening and working together.
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What Positive Behaviour Support Is
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach to understanding behaviour, strengthening quality of life and building practical supports. PBS starts with the person’s strengths, preferences, communication and goals. It looks at what a behaviour may be communicating and the environments around it, then works with the person and their supporters to make meaningful changes. Support may include teaching new skills, adapting routines, improving communication and creating safer, more...
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Reducing Restrictive Practices
Reducing restrictive practices is a person-centred process focused on safety, dignity, choice and quality of life. It starts with understanding why a restriction is being used, listening to the person and identifying safer ways to meet the same need. Positive supports may include environmental changes, communication supports, skill development and stronger relationships. Progress is best supported through shared planning, careful monitoring and regular review. The goal is meaningful reduction...
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What Happens in a Functional Behaviour Assessment
A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) brings together information to understand when a behaviour happens, what it may communicate and what supports could help. The process usually includes conversations with the person and their supporters, observation where appropriate, review of routines and environments, and careful consideration of strengths, health, communication and context. The outcome is a shared understanding that can guide a Behaviour Support Plan. An FBA is collaborative and...
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Understanding Behaviour as Communication
Behaviour can communicate a need, feeling, preference or response to an environment, even when spoken communication is difficult. A curious, respectful approach asks what happened before the behaviour, what the person may be experiencing and what changes afterwards. This helps supporters notice patterns without labelling the person or assuming intent. Listening to behaviour means making space for the person’s communication, relationships, sensory needs and choices. It supports practical...
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Interim and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans
An Interim Behaviour Support Plan provides practical, immediate guidance when a person needs support while more information is gathered. A Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan is developed from a fuller assessment and shared understanding of the person’s goals, communication, strengths, environments and support needs. Both plans should be clear, usable and developed with the person and their supporters. They should describe proactive supports, skill development, responses to distress and how...