Examples of Positive Behaviour Support Strategies

Explore practical examples of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies for children and adults. Learn techniques to support behaviour, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.

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Examples of Positive Behaviour Support Strategies

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies focus on understanding behaviour and supporting individuals with practical, respectful, and effective approaches.
Rather than simply reacting to behaviour, PBS strategies aim to:

Prevent behaviours of concern
Teach new skills
Support emotional regulation
Improve everyday functioning

New to PBS? Start here:

What Is Positive Behaviour Support

WHY STRATEGIES MATTER

Behaviour is often a form of communication.
When we understand why behaviour happens, we can respond with strategies that:
✔ Reduce stress
✔ Build skills
✔ Improve relationships
✔ Support independence

TYPES OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT STRATEGIES
PBS strategies are typically grouped into three key areas:

1. Proactive Strategies (Preventing Behaviour)

These strategies aim to reduce the likelihood of behaviours occurring.
Examples:

Creating predictable routines
Using visual schedules
Preparing for transitions in advance
Adjusting the environment (noise, lighting, demands)
Offering choices to increase control

These are often the most effective strategies in PBS.

2. Skill-Building Strategies (Teaching New Skills)

These strategies help individuals learn alternative ways to meet their needs.
Examples:

Teaching communication skills (verbal or AAC)
Emotional regulation strategies (e.g. calming techniques)
Problem-solving skills
Social interaction skills
Daily living skills

This is where long-term change happens.

3. Reactive Strategies (Responding Safely)

These are used when behaviours occur, focusing on safety and de-escalation.
Examples:

Staying calm and reducing demands
Using clear, simple language
Giving space when needed
Redirecting to safer alternatives
Following a structured response plan

Reactive strategies should always be safe, respectful, and consistent.

EXAMPLES OF PBS STRATEGIES IN REAL LIFE

Child with Emotional Regulation Difficulties

Visual schedule for daily routines
Calm-down corner with sensory tools
Teaching “help” or “break” communication

 Individual with Autism

Structured routines and predictable environments
Visual supports and communication tools
Gradual transitions between activities

Learn more about Autism Support with PBS

Adult with Mental Health Challenges

Identifying triggers and early warning signs
Developing coping strategies
Adjusting expectations and environments

Older Adult with Dementia

Simplifying routines
Reducing environmental stressors
Using familiar cues and prompts

COMMON PBS TECHNIQUES USED BY PRACTITIONERS

PBS practitioners may use structured approaches such as:

Functional Behaviour Assessment (to understand behaviour)
Behaviour Support Plans
Environmental modifications
Skill-building programs
Carer and support team training

Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessments

WHAT PBS STRATEGIES ARE NOT

PBS does NOT focus on:

Punishment-based approaches
Controlling behaviour without understanding it
Short-term fixes without long-term support

Instead, PBS is:
✔ Person-centred
✔ Strength-based
✔ Evidence-informed

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT STRATEGY

The right strategy depends on:

The reason for the behaviour
The individual’s strengths and needs
Their environment
Their communication style

This is why assessment is often important.

GETTING STARTED

If you're looking for support to understand and manage behaviour:

Our team can help identify strategies tailored to your situation
We work with children, adults, and older individuals
We provide both Core and Specialist Behaviour Support

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 – Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

What are Positive Behaviour Support strategies?
Positive Behaviour Support strategies are practical, evidence-based approaches used to reduce behaviours of concern and support individuals to develop safer, more effective ways to meet their needs.

What types of strategies are used in Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS strategies are generally grouped into:

Proactive strategies (prevent behaviour)
Teaching strategies (build skills)
Reactive strategies (respond safely)

What are the three main strategies of Positive Behaviour Support?
The three core strategy types are:

Proactive strategies (prevention)
Skill-building strategies (teaching new behaviours)
Reactive strategies (safe responses during behaviour)

What are proactive strategies in Positive Behaviour Support?
Proactive strategies are supports used to prevent behaviours of concern before they occur by reducing triggers and increasing predictability.

What are examples of proactive behaviour support strategies?
Examples include:

Creating structured routines
Using visual schedules
Preparing for transitions
Adjusting sensory environments
Reducing demands during stress

Why are proactive strategies important in PBS?
They address the cause of behaviour rather than reacting to it, which leads to more sustainable long-term outcomes.

What are teaching strategies in Positive Behaviour Support?
Teaching strategies focus on helping individuals develop alternative skills to replace behaviours of concern.

What are examples of skill-building strategies in PBS?
Examples include:

Teaching communication skills (e.g. requesting help)
Emotional regulation strategies
Problem-solving skills
Social interaction skills
Daily living skills

What is functional communication training in PBS?
It is a strategy that teaches individuals to communicate their needs in a more effective way instead of using behaviour.

What are reactive strategies in Positive Behaviour Support?
Reactive strategies are used during or after behaviour to maintain safety and support de-escalation.

What are examples of reactive strategies?
Examples include:

Staying calm and consistent
Reducing demands during escalation
Providing space if needed
Using agreed de-escalation approaches

Are reactive strategies about punishment?
No. PBS avoids punishment-based approaches and focuses on safe, respectful, and least restrictive responses.

What are some examples of Positive Behaviour Support strategies in everyday life?
Examples include:

Using visual routines at home
Offering choices to reduce frustration
Teaching a child to ask for a break
Using positive reinforcement
Creating predictable environments

What are examples of behavioural interventions in PBS?
Interventions may include:

Environmental adjustments
Skill teaching
Reinforcement strategies
Communication supports

What is the ABC model in Positive Behaviour Support?
The ABC model stands for:

Antecedent (what happens before behaviour)
Behaviour (the action)
Consequence (what happens after)

It is used to understand why behaviour occurs.

How is the ABC model used in PBS strategies?
It helps practitioners identify triggers and outcomes, allowing strategies to target the root cause of behaviour.

How can Positive Behaviour Support strategies be used at home?
At home, PBS strategies can include:

Consistent routines
Clear expectations
Teaching communication skills
Supporting emotional regulation

How are PBS strategies used in schools?
In schools, strategies include:

Structured classroom routines
Visual supports
Behaviour plans
Collaboration between teachers and therapists

What are three ways to implement Positive Behaviour Support?

Understand the reason behind behaviour
Teach alternative skills
Create supportive environments

Which strategies are most effective in Positive Behaviour Support?
The most effective strategies are those that are:

Individualised
Consistent across environments
Based on assessment
Focused on skill development

How do Positive Behaviour Support strategies improve behaviour?
They reduce triggers, build skills, and provide consistent responses, leading to improved regulation and participation.

What strategies are included in a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan includes:

Proactive strategies
Teaching strategies
Reactive strategies
Environmental supports

How are PBS strategies individualised?
Strategies are based on a Functional Behaviour Assessment and tailored to the person’s needs, environment, and goals.