Effective Behaviour Support Interventions: Strategies That Make a Difference
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach that seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals by addressing challenging behaviours through evidence-based strategies. Within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) sector in Queensland, PBS plays a critical role in delivering effective behaviour support interventions. These interventions not only aim to reduce challenging behaviours but also promote skill development, enhance social inclusion, and improve overall well-being.
Understanding Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
PBS is rooted in the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which combines an understanding of human behaviour with a compassionate approach to supporting individuals with complex needs. The primary goal is to develop and implement proactive, ethical, and individualised strategies. This approach aligns closely with the NDIS Practice Standards, which emphasise person-centred practices and the use of evidence-based interventions to achieve positive outcomes.
Key Strategies in Behaviour Support Interventions
Antecedent Interventions
Antecedent interventions focus on modifying the environment or context that triggers challenging behaviours. By understanding what happens before a behaviour occurs, support staff can proactively prevent or reduce the likelihood of the behaviour happening. For example, if a person exhibits anxiety in noisy environments, an antecedent intervention might involve creating a quieter space or scheduling activities during less busy times.
Real-World Example: In a case study involving a young man with autism, antecedent interventions were employed to address his aversion to crowded spaces. By adjusting his daily routine to include quieter, more predictable environments, incidents of challenging behaviour significantly decreased. This improved his daily experiences and enhanced his ability to participate in community activities.Reinforcement Techniques
Reinforcement is a core principle in PBS, where positive behaviours are encouraged through the use of rewards or reinforcers. This strategy helps individuals learn new skills and behaviours by associating them with positive outcomes. Reinforcement can be immediate, such as verbal praise, or delayed, such as earning a token that can be exchanged for a preferred item or activity.
Real-World Example: A PBS intervention plan for a person with an intellectual disability included a token economy system, where tokens were earned for completing daily living tasks. These tokens could later be exchanged for a preferred activity, like watching a favourite TV show. Over time, this reinforcement strategy led to increased independence in daily living skills and reduced reliance on prompts from support staff.Skill-Building Approaches
Skill-building is a proactive strategy within PBS that teaches new skills to replace challenging behaviours. This approach emphasises the development of communication, social, and adaptive skills, enabling individuals to express their needs and interact more effectively with their environment.
Real-World Example: A skill-building program was developed for a young woman with Down syndrome who exhibited aggressive behaviours when she was unable to communicate her needs. The program focused on teaching her alternative communication methods, such as using picture cards and sign language. As she became more proficient in expressing herself, her aggressive behaviours decreased, leading to more positive interactions with her family and support staff.
Evidence-Based Practices in the NDIS Sector
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission in Queensland mandates that behaviour support interventions are grounded in evidence-based practices, ensuring that individuals receive the highest standard of care. Research has consistently shown that PBS strategies, including antecedent interventions, reinforcement, and skill-building, are effective in reducing challenging behaviours and improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
For instance, a review published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlights the effectiveness of PBS in reducing the use of restrictive practices and promoting positive outcomes in individuals with complex support needs. This aligns with the NDIS Practice Standards, which emphasise the reduction of restrictive practices and the promotion of positive behaviour support.
Additionally, studies conducted within the NDIS framework have demonstrated that individualised behaviour support plans, which incorporate PBS strategies, lead to better outcomes in terms of behaviour reduction and skill acquisition. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each participant, a core principle of the NDIS.
Conclusion
Effective behaviour support interventions, rooted in the principles of PBS, are essential for achieving positive outcomes in the NDIS sector in Queensland. By employing strategies such as antecedent interventions, reinforcement techniques, and skill-building approaches, support staff can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. These evidence-based practices not only reduce challenging behaviours but also empower individuals to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.
As the NDIS continues to evolve, the commitment to person-centred, evidence-based behaviour support remains at the forefront of delivering high-quality services. By adhering to the principles of PBS, organisations like Lucid Mind Positive Behaviour Support can ensure that they are making a meaningful impact on the lives of those they support.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Positive Behaviour Support: Evidence for best practice. Retrieved from AIHW Website
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission. (2021). NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. Retrieved from NDIS Commission Website
Carr, E.G., Dunlap, G., Horner, R.H., Koegel, R.L., Turnbull, A.P., Sailor, W., ... & Fox, L. (2002). Positive behaviour support: Evolution of an applied science. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 4(1), 4-16.
This blog post integrates evidence-based practices within the NDIS framework, showcasing the effectiveness of PBS strategies in delivering positive behaviour support interventions in Queensland.
Written By: Ben Dowton
With over 5 years of experience, Ben Dowton has worked extensively with individuals of all ages who have complex behavioural needs.
He is highly skilled in creating and implementing positive behaviour support plans that promote individual growth and development while also reducing challenging behaviours. Ben is passionate about providing person-centred care and ensuring that each individual's unique needs are met with empathy and respect.