WHY BEHAVIOUR CAN BE CHALLENGING IN ADHD

Individuals with ADHD are not choosing to “misbehave” — behaviour is often linked to underlying differences in:

• Executive functioning (planning, organising, impulse control)
• Emotional regulation
• Attention and focus
• Sensory processing
• Fatigue and overwhelm

Understanding this changes how we respond.

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HOW POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT HELPS ADHD

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) looks at the why behind behaviour and builds practical supports.

PBS for ADHD focuses on:
✔ Reducing triggers
✔ Teaching self-regulation skills
✔ Creating structure and predictability
✔ Supporting independence
✔ Improving participation at home, school, and in the community

Learn more about PBS

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ADHD BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT STRATEGIES

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Proactive Strategies

• Clear routines and predictable schedules
• Breaking tasks into smaller steps
• Visual supports and reminders
• Reducing distractions in the environment
• Providing regular breaks

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Skill-Building Strategies

• Teaching emotional regulation strategies
• Developing organisational skills
• Practising problem-solving
• Supporting communication skills
• Building self-awareness

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Reactive Strategies

• Using calm, consistent responses
• Giving simple, clear instructions
• Allowing space to regulate
• Redirecting behaviour safely
• Avoiding escalation

Learn More About Strategies

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ADHD BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN

For children, behaviour support often includes:

• Parent coaching and guidance
• School-based strategies
• Routine development
• Emotional regulation support
• Play-based and practical interventions

Learn more about Behaviour Support for Children

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ADHD SUPPORT FOR TEENS & ADULTS

Support for teens and adults may focus on:

• Independence and daily living skills
• Time management and organisation
• Emotional regulation
• Workplace or study support
• Mental health and wellbeing

Learn more about Behaviour Support for Teens & Adults

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ADHD AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Many individuals with ADHD experience strong emotions and difficulty regulating them.
Support may include:

• Identifying early warning signs
• Teaching calming strategies
• Developing coping tools
• Building tolerance for frustration

Related support Psychology Assessments

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HOW BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT IS ASSESSED

A PBS practitioner may complete:

• Functional Behaviour Assessment
• Environmental review
• Goal setting aligned with NDIS

Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessments

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ADHD SUPPORT UNDER THE NDIS

Behaviour support for ADHD may be funded under the NDIS when:

• It aligns with participant goals
• There is a need for behaviour or emotional regulation support
• It is recommended by the support team

Learn more about NDIS PBS Support

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HOW WE SUPPORT ADHD AT BELONG HEALTH

​At Belong Health, we provide behaviour support for ADHD across:

• Children (early intervention and school support)
• Teens and adults (independence and regulation)
• Families and carers (coaching and strategies)

We offer:

Learn more about Core Behaviour Support Services

Learn more about Specialist Behaviour Support

Learn more about Telehealth PBS Services

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GETTING STARTED
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If you’re exploring support for ADHD:

• We can help you understand behaviour and next steps
• We provide tailored, practical strategies
• We support children, adults, and families​

​​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

free 20min PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner  is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
​Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions  ADHD Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
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What is Positive Behaviour Support for ADHD?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for ADHD is an evidence-based, person-centred approach that focuses on understanding behaviour, reducing challenges, and supporting individuals to build skills in attention, regulation, and daily functioning.

How is Positive Behaviour Support used for ADHD?
PBS supports individuals with ADHD by:

• Identifying triggers for behaviour
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Teaching organisation and coping skills
• Adjusting environments to reduce overwhelm
• Promoting consistent routines

What is the goal of Positive Behaviour Support for ADHD?
The goal is to improve participation, independence, and wellbeing by supporting skill development rather than focusing on punishment or control.

What triggers behaviours of concern in ADHD?
Common triggers may include:

• Transitions or unexpected changes
• High demands or long tasks
• Sensory overload or distractions
• Fatigue or emotional overwhelm
• Difficulty with impulse control

Why doesn’t yelling work for children with ADHD?
Yelling can increase stress and overwhelm, making it harder for a child with ADHD to regulate their behaviour. PBS focuses on calm, consistent, and supportive responses.

What should you avoid when supporting a child with ADHD?
Avoid:

• Punishment-based approaches
• Inconsistent expectations
• Overloading instructions
• Responding with frustration or escalation

What are Positive Behaviour Support strategies for ADHD?
Strategies may include:

• Clear routines and structure
• Visual supports and reminders
• Breaking tasks into smaller steps
• Positive reinforcement
• Movement and sensory breaks

What are proactive strategies for ADHD?
Proactive strategies aim to prevent challenges by:

• Setting clear expectations
• Using structured routines
• Preparing for transitions
• Reducing distractions

What are reactive strategies for ADHD?
Reactive strategies are used during difficult moments and may include:

• Staying calm and consistent
• Reducing demands temporarily
• Supporting de-escalation
• Redirecting attention

How can you support a child with ADHD at home using PBS?
At home, PBS may include:

• Creating predictable routines
• Using visual schedules
• Providing clear, simple instructions
• Reinforcing positive behaviours
• Supporting emotional regulation

How can you help calm a child with ADHD?
Helpful strategies may include:

• Reducing sensory input
• Offering movement or breaks
• Using calming techniques (e.g. breathing, quiet space)
• Supporting the child to express their needs

What helps children with ADHD stay focused?
Supports may include:

• Short, structured tasks
• Visual reminders
• Timers and prompts
• Movement breaks
• Minimising distractions

What does a Behaviour Support Plan for ADHD look like?
A Behaviour Support Plan outlines:

• Triggers and patterns of behaviour
• Proactive strategies
• Skill-building supports
• Reactive strategies
• Environmental adjustments

How are PBS strategies individualised for ADHD?
Strategies are based on a Functional Behaviour Assessment and tailored to the individual’s strengths, needs, and environment.

What are strengths commonly seen in individuals with ADHD?
Many individuals with ADHD may show strengths such as:

• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• High energy and enthusiasm
• Ability to think outside the box

PBS supports these strengths alongside areas of challenge.

Does the NDIS fund Positive Behaviour Support for ADHD?
Yes, PBS may be funded under Improved Relationships if behaviours of concern impact safety, participation, or daily functioning.

Who provides Positive Behaviour Support for ADHD?
PBS is delivered by qualified behaviour support practitioners who work with individuals, families, and support teams.

How does Positive Behaviour Support help individuals with ADHD?
PBS can help:

• Improve emotional regulation
• Increase focus and organisation
• Reduce behaviours of concern
• Support independence and participation

Can Positive Behaviour Support be used across different settings?
Yes, PBS can be used at home, school, and in the community to ensure consistency.

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