Useful resources for professionals
You can use positive behaviour support (PBS) when an individual with a learning disability, autism or complex needs displays behaviours of concern that need addressing, and more socially-appropriate behaviours need promoting.
PBS has also been shown to be effective for individuals without additional needs.
How it complements other approaches
PBS is consistent with other treatment approaches that are person-centred or recovery-based. It does not work alongside restrictive or punishment-based interventions and is used instead of these approaches. PBS is grounded in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) psychology, which is the same grounding as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
Health conditions could be identified as an unmet need through PBS. The practitioner may refer the individual for additional services or seeks out advice from other professionals, as well as continuing to address unmet needs. PBS works to reduce the need for punishment or restrictiveness, such as restraint, seclusion and exclusions, or removal of privileges. It can also make homes, communities, and schools safer. The aim of PBS is to improve quality of life.
PBS takes a preventative and proactive approach, helping reduce the need for additional services, helping to free up resources for other individuals as well as preventing re-referrals.
PBS in Medway Council
PBS in Medway includes the following:
- awareness level training both externally, for example to foster carers and residential settings, as well as internally to our staff
- a Community of Practice that shares learning and experiences around learning disability, autism and complex needs with a focus around PBS
- 2 schools who completed the EU pilot for schoolwide application of PBS: Saxon Way Primary School and Lordswood School
- Kent and Medway have the PBS framework for placing our most complex individuals
- Medway Therapeutic Alliance provide positive behaviour support as well as other wellbeing resources.
Other useful resources for professionals
The following websites also have more
- Community of Practice webinars
- BILD self help resources
- National Autistic Society advice and guidance on behaviour
- PBS Academy
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities - webinars
- The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
- Part 1 - What do behaviours mean?
- Part 2 - What do behaviours mean?
- The Challenging Behaviour Foundation: Overview on PBS
- Guidance for developing effective behaviour support plans