Behaviour Support for Teens & Adults

Behaviour support for teens and adults focuses on understanding behaviour, building practical skills, and supporting independence across everyday life.
Some individuals may experience challenges with:

• emotional regulation
• impulsive or reactive behaviour
• mental health-related behaviours
• difficulty managing daily tasks
• social or communication challenges
• behaviours that impact relationships or safety

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) helps by identifying what is happening underneath the behaviour and developing strategies that support long-term outcomes.

---

WHY BEHAVIOUR CAN BE CHALLENGING IN TEENS & ADULTS

Behaviour is often influenced by a combination of factors, including:

• emotional regulation difficulties
• executive functioning challenges (planning, organisation, impulse control)
• mental health (anxiety, depression)
• autism or ADHD
• cognitive or neurological conditions
• life stressors, transitions or changes
• communication difficulties

Behaviour is not simply a choice, it is often a response to unmet needs, overwhelm, or difficulty managing internal and external demands.

---

HOW POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT HELPS

Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding behaviour and building supports that are practical and sustainable.
PBS aims to:
✔ identify triggers and patterns
✔ reduce environmental stressors
✔ teach new skills
✔ support emotional regulation
✔ improve independence and participation
✔ reduce behaviours of concern safely

Learn more about PBS here

---

BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT STRATEGIES FOR TEENS & ADULTS

Proactive Strategies

• establishing consistent routines
• reducing environmental triggers
• planning ahead for known stressors
• adjusting expectations and demands
• supporting structure and predictability

Skill-Building Strategies

• emotional regulation strategies
• communication skills
• problem-solving skills
• organisation and planning
• coping strategies for stress and anxiety

​Reactive Strategies

• using calm, consistent responses
• reducing verbal demands
• allowing space for regulation
• focusing on safety
• supporting recovery before problem-solving

Learn more about PBS strategies

---

COMMON AREAS WE SUPPORT

We support teens and adults experiencing:

• Emotional regulation difficulties
• Anxiety, depression and behavioural responses
• Autism and ADHD-related behaviours
• Cognitive and neurological conditions
• Behaviours impacting independence or safety
• Difficulty managing daily routines and responsibilities

---

BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH

Behaviour and mental health are closely linked.
For teens and adults, behaviour support may include:

• identifying emotional triggers
• developing coping strategies
• supporting communication
• reducing overwhelm
• improving daily functioning

Learn more about Emotional regulation support

---

SUPPORT FOR AUTISM, ADHD & COGNITIVE CONDITIONS
Behaviour support can be particularly helpful for individuals with:

---

Autism

• sensory and environmental adjustments
• communication supports
• structured routines

Learn more about Autism Behaviour Support

---

ADHD

• executive functioning supports
• emotional regulation strategies
• routine and organisation support

Learn more about ADHD Behaviour Support

---

Cognitive & Neurological Conditions
(e.g. dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s, MS)

• simplifying routines
• reducing environmental stress
• supporting safety and independence

Learn more about Cognitive & Neurological ConditionsBehaviour Support

---

FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT

If behaviour is complex, frequent or impacting safety, a Functional Behaviour Assessment may help identify:

• what triggers behaviour
• what the behaviour looks like
• what the behaviour is communicating
• what strategies may help

Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessment

---

NDIS BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT FOR TEENS & ADULTS

Behaviour support may be funded under the NDIS when:

• it aligns with the participant’s goals
• there is a need for behaviour or emotional regulation support
• it is recommended by the support team

Learn more about NDIS PBS Support

---

HOW BELONG HEALTH SUPPORTS TEENS & ADULTS

At Belong Health, we provide behaviour support tailored to the individual’s needs, goals and environment.
Our Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner supports teens and adults with:

• complex behaviour needs
• emotional regulation difficulties
• mental health-related behaviours
• cognitive and neurological conditions
• functional behaviour assessments
• behaviour support plans

Learn More About Specialist Behaviour Support:

---

TELEHEALTH SUPPORT ACROSS WA

We provide behaviour support via telehealth across Western Australia, including rural and regional areas.

Learn More About PBS Telehealth

---

GETTING STARTED
​
If behaviour is impacting daily life, independence, relationships or wellbeing, our team can help you understand what is happening and what support options may be appropriate.​
​​
​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 is Positive Behaviour Support for teens and adults?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach that supports teenagers and adults to understand behaviour, build skills, and improve participation in daily life.

What is the goal of Positive Behaviour Support for adults?
The goal is to improve quality of life, independence, and safety by reducing behaviours of concern and supporting skill development.

How does Positive Behaviour Support work for teens and adults?
PBS works by:

1. Understanding the reasons behind behaviour
2. Identifying triggers and contributing factors
3. Teaching alternative skills
4. Adjusting environments
5. Supporting consistent responses across settings

What causes behaviours of concern in teens and adults?
Behaviours may be linked to:

• Communication difficulties
• Mental health or emotional regulation challenges
• Sensory sensitivities
• Environmental stressors
• Unmet needs or lack of support

What is the first step in Positive Behaviour Support?
The first step is understanding the function of behaviour through assessment, rather than trying to immediately change it.

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 helps identify patterns and triggers.

What are Positive Behaviour Support strategies for teens and adults?
Strategies may include:

• Structured routines and supports
• Communication strategies
• Emotional regulation techniques
• Environmental adjustments
• Skill-building supports

What are proactive strategies in PBS?
Proactive strategies aim to prevent behaviours and may include:

• Predictable routines
• Clear expectations
• Reducing environmental stressors
• Supporting independence skills

What are reactive strategies in PBS?
Reactive strategies are used during or after behaviour to maintain safety and support de-escalation in a calm and respectful way.

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

• Supporting routines for daily living
• Teaching coping strategies
• Adjusting environments (e.g. noise, demands)
• Supporting communication needs

What is a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is an individualised plan that outlines strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and support skill development.

What should be included in a Behaviour Support Plan?
A BSP typically includes:

• Functional Behaviour Assessment findings
• Triggers and early warning signs
• Proactive strategies
• Reactive strategies
• Skill-building supports
• Environmental adjustments

What does a Behaviour Support Plan look like for adults?
It is tailored to the individual and may focus on:

• Independent living skills
• Community participation
• Emotional regulation
• Safety and wellbeing

Can Positive Behaviour Support be used at home or in the community?
Yes, PBS is commonly used across home, community, workplace, and supported living environments.

How is Positive Behaviour Support implemented in supported living (SIL) or SDA?
PBS strategies are integrated into daily routines, staff support, and environmental design to promote safety, independence, and participation.

How can support workers use Positive Behaviour Support?
Support workers:

• Follow Behaviour Support Plans
• Use consistent strategies
• Support skill development
• Respond calmly and safely

How do you access Positive Behaviour Support under the NDIS?
PBS can be accessed through NDIS funding under Improved Relationships, usually with a referral or identified need.

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

Can Positive Behaviour Support be delivered at home?
Yes, PBS can be delivered via home visits, community settings, or telehealth depending on the individual’s needs.

How does Positive Behaviour Support help adults?
PBS can help:

• Improve independence
• Reduce behaviours of concern
• Support emotional regulation
• Increase participation in daily life

Who can benefit from Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS supports teenagers and adults with a range of needs, including autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and psychosocial disability.

How does PBS support independence?
By teaching practical skills, improving routines, and reducing barriers to participation, PBS helps individuals build confidence and autonomy.

---