Positive behaviour support is provided by qualified healthcare professionals for children who are on the autism spectrum and those with obvious behavioural issues. Here in Australia, we have the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which was set up to fund essential support services for people with disabilities. Once you have registered with NDIS, the next step is to contact an agency that connects occupational therapists with needing patients.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive behaviour support focuses on promoting positive behaviour to improve the overall quality of the person’s life. One main goal is to understand what causes negative behaviour and develop strategies to address these behaviours.
The following steps can be used;
- Understand the reasons behind challenging behaviour – The first step is to examine factors like communication, sensitivity and unmet needs that might be driving the behaviour. It isn’t always evident why a person does something, which is where the occupational therapist comes into play.
- Holistic approach – Uniquely treating each person, with the outcome of overall improvement in quality of life. Focusing on the individual’s strengths, preferences and needs, the support is tailored in a way that optimises development.
- Skills development – It is paramount to identify and develop specific skills within the individual and create a development plan that includes the input of all parties. Goals are achieved within timelines and new skills are introduced at a pace that suits the individual.
- Modifying the immediate environment – This is often a key driver toward development; it might be changing furniture or changing daily routines; the therapist would assess the environment and make recommendations. Communication systems are reviewed and discussions with the individual are ongoing.
- A team effort – There might be as many as 5 people involved in the positive behaviour support program; an occupational therapist, daily carer, family and perhaps a psychologist would work together on developmental support, exchanging views daily. Here are a few mindful New Year’s Resolutions that might interest you.
Behaviour Support Plan
Once a person registers with NDIS, the next step is basically assessment; an occupational therapist would carry out a series of assessments and this data would form the basis for a behaviour support plan. The plan has two objectives; to guide support workers and carers with practical advice and to help the individual to acquire new skills that improve their quality of life. Positive behaviour support differs from psychology, which is done on a one-on-one basis with the healthcare professional helping to identify barriers to achieving goals. Team development is another important aspect of the program, with each team member bringing specific skill sets to the table and through collaboration and dialogue, a plan is put together and implemented according to the timeline. All involved parties would be in constant communication with each other using a range of digital platforms.
Plan Implementation
A vital stage in the development program, the implementation would incorporate the following steps.
- Understanding & assessment – To understand the person’s needs, current skills and factors involved with challenging behaviour.
- Patient-centred approach – The individual’s well-being is at the forefront of the program, focusing on the person’s needs.
- Skills development – Specific skills are developed according to a timeline, taking note of progress.
- Positive reinforcement – This is critical to motivate the individual and all parties are on the same page and reinforce positive behaviour.
- Collaboration within the team –Carers, therapists and other healthcare professionals exchange ideas on a daily basis, which might be via email, phone or text messages. Issues are discussed and team players are confident enough to suggest options.
- Ongoing support – It is important to monitor the program and ensure the support is ongoing; should there be any issues, the team will work together to overcome obstacles.
Range of Skills to Develop
Positive behaviour support can involve a range of skills, such as communication skills, social interaction, emotional control and a few relaxation strategies. Constant assessment reveals skillsets that need to be developed and a plan is compiled. There might be addiction issues, which obviously need to be addressed. This would involve all parties and repetitive challenging behaviour might require intervention.
Ability Action Australia
This is an organisation that connects healthcare professionals with disabled people, they offer a wide range of services and work closely with NDIS-registered patients. Ability Action Australia is committed to assisting disabled people receive the essential help that they need.
If you or a family member is disabled, contact the NDIS and check for eligibility, then you can make contact with a local healthcare provider such as Ability Action Australia. This will set the ball rolling for assessments and this will lead to developing a positive behaviour support plan that is holistic and focuses on the needs of the individual.
