Positive Behaviour Support Assessments for Teenagers and Adults

Every teenager and adult has their own strengths, goals, life experiences and support needs. A Positive Behaviour Support Assessment provides the foundation for understanding the whole person before recommendations are made.

Rather than focusing only on behaviours of concern, our experienced Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners explore the many factors that may be influencing everyday experiences, including communication, physical and mental health, sensory processing, relationships, routines, environments, personal goals and participation in home, education, employment and community life.

Adolescence and adulthood often involve significant life transitions, increased independence and changing support needs. Whether someone is preparing to leave school, accessing employment, living more independently or receiving support through Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), a comprehensive assessment helps ensure recommendations are tailored to their current circumstances and future goals.

Depending on the assessment findings, recommendations may include ongoing Positive Behaviour Support, a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA), the development or review of a Behaviour Support Plan, practical strategies to build independence and participation, or supporting clinical evidence where additional documentation is clinically appropriate.

If you'd like to learn more about the assessment process, visit our Positive Behaviour Support Assessments page.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support for Teens & Adults?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-informed approach that focuses on understanding why behaviours occur and developing strategies that support long-term positive outcomes.

Rather than asking:
"How do we stop this behaviour?"

​PBS asks:
"What is this behaviour communicating and what supports are needed?"
PBS focuses on:
  • Understanding behaviour
  • Building practical life skills
  • Improving emotional regulation
  • Increasing independence
  • Supporting community participation
  • Reducing behaviours of concern safely and ethically

Learn more about What Is Positive Behaviour Support?
Why Behaviour Can Be Challenging in Teenagers and Adults

Behaviour is often influenced by many interacting factors and is rarely simply a matter of choice.
Common contributing factors include:
  • Emotional regulation difficulties
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • ADHD
  • Intellectual disability
  • Psychosocial disability
  • Trauma
  • Executive functioning difficulties
  • Communication challenges
  • Cognitive conditions
  • Neurological conditions
  • Environmental stressors
  • Major life transitions
Understanding the reasons behind behaviour is the foundation of effective support.
Positive Behaviour Support for Teenagers

The teenage years involve significant emotional, social and developmental change.
Behaviour support for teenagers may focus on:
  • Emotional regulation
  • School participation
  • Community participation
  • Social relationships
  • Family relationships
  • Independence skills
  • Anxiety and mental health
  • Risk-taking behaviours
  • Transition planning
Support aims to help teenagers develop confidence, self-awareness and practical skills that support adulthood.
Positive Behaviour Support for Adults

Positive Behaviour Support can assist adults experiencing challenges that impact daily living, relationships, employment, safety or community participation.
Support may focus on:
  • Independent living skills
  • Emotional regulation
  • Community participation
  • Workplace participation
  • Relationships and social skills
  • Daily routines
  • Mental health support strategies
  • Managing stress and overwhelm
  • Safety and wellbeing
Many adults accessing PBS are supported through the NDIS, although private services may also be available.

Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support NDIS
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
What Does Positive Behaviour Support Look Like in Everyday Life?

Positive Behaviour Support is practical, individualised and focused on improving quality of life.
Rather than focusing solely on reducing behaviours of concern, PBS helps individuals build skills, increase independence and participate more fully in everyday life.
​
Emotional Regulation Support
Many teenagers and adults experience challenges managing stress, frustration, anxiety or emotional overwhelm.
Behaviour support may help individuals:
  • Identify emotional triggers
  • Recognise early warning signs
  • Develop coping strategies
  • Build self-awareness
  • Improve emotional regulation skills
Learn more about Emotional Regulation: What Causes Emotional Dysregulation?

Daily Living Skills
PBS often supports practical life skills that increase independence and confidence.
This may include:
  • Developing routines
  • Time management
  • Organisation skills
  • Household responsibilities
  • Community participation
  • Independent living skills

Communication and Relationships
Some behaviours occur because individuals struggle to communicate their needs, frustrations or goals effectively.
Support may focus on:
  • Self-advocacy
  • Communication strategies
  • Conflict resolution
  • Relationship skills
  • Social participation

Community and Workplace Participation
Behaviour support may help individuals participate more successfully in:
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Community activities
  • Volunteering
  • Social groups
  • Independent living environments

​Learn more about our NDIS Services
Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA)

When behaviours are complex, frequent or impacting safety, a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) may be recommended.
An FBA helps identify:
  • What happens before behaviour
  • What the behaviour looks like
  • What the behaviour may be communicating
  • What factors contribute to the behaviour
  • Which support strategies may be most effective
The assessment process provides the foundation for effective support planning.

Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessments
Behaviour Support Plans for Teens & Adults

Following assessment, a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) may be developed.
A Behaviour Support Plan provides practical guidance for the individual, family members, support workers and support teams.

​A Behaviour Support Plan may include:
  • Individual goals
  • Identified triggers
  • Early warning signs
  • Proactive strategies
  • Reactive strategies
  • Emotional regulation supports
  • Communication supports
  • Environmental adjustments
  • Skill-building strategies
For adults, plans often focus heavily on independence, community participation, emotional wellbeing and quality of life.

Learn more about Behaviour Support Plans and Positive Behaviour Support NDIS.
Behaviour Support and Mental Health

Behaviour and mental health are closely connected.
For teenagers and adults, behaviours of concern may sometimes be influenced by:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Stress
  • Burnout
  • Emotional overwhelm
Positive Behaviour Support does not replace psychology or counselling services but can work alongside them to provide a more comprehensive support approach.

Learn more about:
Positive Behaviour Support for Autism

Many autistic teenagers and adults benefit from Positive Behaviour Support.
Support may include:
  • Sensory regulation strategies
  • Communication supports
  • Routine development
  • Environmental adjustments
  • Emotional regulation strategies
  • Community participation supports

Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support for Autism.
Positive Behaviour Support for ADHD

Teenagers and adults with ADHD may experience challenges with:
  • Emotional regulation
  • Impulsivity
  • Executive functioning
  • Organisation
  • Time management
  • Daily routines
Positive Behaviour Support focuses on building practical skills and supports that improve independence and participation.

Learn more about Behaviour Support for ADHD.
Positive Behaviour Support for Cognitive & Neurological Conditions

Behaviour support may also assist individuals living with:
  • Dementia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • Cognitive impairment
Support focuses on improving quality of life, maintaining participation and supporting independence wherever possible.

Learn more about your Cognitive & Neurological Conditions Support services.
Positive Behaviour Support in Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Many NDIS participants living within Supported Independent Living (SIL) environments receive Positive Behaviour Support.
PBS can help:
  • Improve independence
  • Reduce behaviours of concern
  • Support emotional regulation
  • Improve communication
  • Enhance quality of life
  • Support staff consistency

Behaviour Support Practitioners often collaborate closely with SIL providers, support workers, Occupational Therapists and families to ensure strategies are implemented consistently across environments.
​
Individuals may also require assessments to support applications for housing and living supports. Learn more about our:
NDIS Positive Behaviour Support for Teens & Adults

Positive Behaviour Support is commonly funded through the NDIS under Improved Relationships when behaviour support is considered reasonable and necessary.

Funding may support:
  • Functional Behaviour Assessments
  • Behaviour Support Plans
  • Behaviour Support Practitioner services
  • Ongoing implementation support
  • Team collaboration
  • Restrictive practice reduction strategies
Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support NDIS.
Telehealth Behaviour Support Across Western Australia

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support via telehealth throughout Western Australia.
Telehealth may be suitable for:
  • Rural and remote participants
  • Families requiring flexible appointments
  • Adults living independently
  • Support teams requiring consultation
Learn more about Telehealth Positive Behaviour Support.
How Belong Health Supports Teens & Adults

Our Behaviour Support Practitioners work collaboratively with:
  • Participants
  • Families
  • Support workers
  • Support coordinators
  • Schools
  • SIL providers
  • Allied health professionals
We provide:
  • Core Behaviour Support
  • Specialist Behaviour Support
  • Functional Behaviour Assessments
  • Behaviour Support Plans
  • Emotional regulation support
  • NDIS behaviour support services

​Learn more about:
Looking for a Behaviour Support Practitioner in your area? 
​
Belong Health has PBS options across Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham and surrounding areas, with telehealth across WA where appropriate.
Find a PBS Practitioner Near Me

Positive Behaviour Support in Perth

Our Perth Behaviour Support team supports adolescents and adults across a broad range of metropolitan areas, including home, community, SIL, SDA and telehealth settings where appropriate.
Explore Positive Behaviour Support Perth
PBS for Teenagers & Adults in Forrestdale and Southern Perth

Belong Health has a Forrestdale-based Behaviour Support Practitioner with immediate capacity, supporting teenagers and adults up to age 50.

Mobile Positive Behaviour Support is available within approximately 30 minutes of Forrestdale, including home and community visits, with telehealth also available.

The practitioner also provides Saturday appointments at our Falcon clinic.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support Forrestdale
GETTING STARTED
​
If behaviour is impacting daily life, independence, relationships, safety or wellbeing, our team can help you understand what may be happening and what support options may be appropriate.

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support services for teenagers and adults across Perth, Mandurah, the Peel Region and regional Western Australia through home visits, community visits and telehealth.
​
Contact our friendly team today to discuss your support needs and the next steps.
​
​​
​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.

    Positive behAviour supports ENQUIRY FORM

Frequently Asked Questions Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for Teens & Adults

What is Positive Behaviour Support for teens and adults?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach that helps teenagers and adults understand behaviour, develop practical skills and improve participation, independence and quality of life.

What is the goal of Positive Behaviour Support for adults?
The goal of Positive Behaviour Support is to improve quality of life by reducing behaviours of concern, building skills, supporting independence and helping individuals participate more fully in everyday life.

How does Positive Behaviour Support work for teens and adults?
Positive Behaviour Support works by:
  • Understanding the reasons behind behaviour
  • Identifying triggers and contributing factors
  • Teaching alternative skills
  • Adjusting environments
  • Supporting consistent responses across settings

What causes behaviours of concern in teenagers and adults?
Behaviours of concern may be linked to:
  • Communication difficulties
  • Emotional regulation challenges
  • Anxiety
  • Mental health difficulties
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • Environmental stressors
  • Unmet needs
  • Difficulty coping with demands
Behaviour is often a form of communication.

What is the first step in Positive Behaviour Support?
The first step is understanding why the behaviour is occurring through assessment and information gathering before developing support strategies.

What is the ABC model in Positive Behaviour Support?
The ABC model stands for:
  • Antecedent (what happens before behaviour)
  • Behaviour (the behaviour itself)
  • Consequence (what happens after behaviour)
This framework helps identify patterns, triggers and maintaining factors.

What are Positive Behaviour Support strategies for teens and adults?
Strategies may include:
  • Structured routines
  • Communication supports
  • Emotional regulation strategies
  • Environmental modifications
  • Skill-building supports
  • Choice-making opportunities
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Independence-building supports

What are proactive strategies in Positive Behaviour Support?
Proactive strategies are used before behaviour occurs and may include:
  • Predictable routines
  • Clear expectations
  • Environmental adjustments
  • Communication supports
  • Transition planning
  • Emotional regulation supports

What are reactive strategies in Positive Behaviour Support?
Reactive strategies are used during or after behaviour occurs and focus on maintaining safety, reducing escalation and supporting recovery in a respectful and least restrictive manner.

What are examples of Positive Behaviour Support strategies in daily life?
Examples may include:
  • Visual schedules
  • Reminder systems
  • Emotional regulation tools
  • Communication supports
  • Sensory supports
  • Community participation supports
  • Daily living skill programs

What is a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan is an individualised document developed by a Behaviour Support Practitioner that outlines strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and improve quality of life.

What should be included in a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan may include:
  • Functional Behaviour Assessment findings
  • Behaviour triggers
  • Early warning signs
  • Proactive strategies
  • Reactive strategies
  • Skill-building goals
  • Environmental recommendations

What is a Positive Behaviour Support Plan for adults?
A Behaviour Support Plan for adults outlines practical strategies that support independence, emotional regulation, safety, participation and quality of life while reducing behaviours of concern.

What does a Behaviour Support Plan look like for adults?
Adult Behaviour Support Plans are tailored to individual goals and may focus on:
  • Independent living
  • Community participation
  • Emotional regulation
  • Employment participation
  • Communication skills
  • Relationship skills
  • Daily living skills

What does Positive Behaviour Support look like for adults?
Positive Behaviour Support for adults may include routine development, communication supports, emotional regulation strategies, environmental modifications, community participation supports and coaching for support teams.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help with mental health?
Positive Behaviour Support can complement mental health supports by addressing behaviours linked to anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties and everyday participation challenges.

Can Positive Behaviour Support be used in Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Yes. Positive Behaviour Support is commonly used within Supported Independent Living (SIL) environments to improve independence, safety, participation and quality of life.

How is Positive Behaviour Support implemented in SIL and SDA?
PBS strategies are incorporated into daily routines, staff practices, environmental supports and skill-building programs to promote successful participation and independence.

How can support workers use Positive Behaviour Support?
Support workers may:
  • Follow Behaviour Support Plans
  • Implement proactive strategies
  • Support skill development
  • Monitor triggers
  • Respond consistently
  • Promote independence
  • Support emotional regulation

How do you access Positive Behaviour Support under the NDIS?
Positive Behaviour Support is typically funded under Improved Relationships within an NDIS plan when behaviours of concern impact participation, safety, relationships or daily functioning.

Who can access Positive Behaviour Support under the NDIS?
NDIS participants may access Positive Behaviour Support when behaviour support is considered reasonable and necessary and aligns with their goals and support needs.

Who provides Positive Behaviour Support for teens and adults?
Positive Behaviour Support is delivered by qualified Behaviour Support Practitioners who work collaboratively with individuals, families, support workers, schools, employers and other professionals.

Can Positive Behaviour Support be delivered at home?
Yes. Behaviour support can be provided in homes, workplaces, community settings, Supported Independent Living environments and through telehealth where appropriate.

How does Positive Behaviour Support help adults?
Positive Behaviour Support can help adults:
  • Improve independence
  • Develop emotional regulation skills
  • Improve communication
  • Increase community participation
  • Strengthen relationships
  • Reduce behaviours of concern
  • Improve quality of life

How does Positive Behaviour Support help teenagers?
​Positive Behaviour Support can help teenagers:
  • Develop emotional regulation skills
  • Improve school participation
  • Build independence
  • Strengthen communication skills
  • Improve coping skills
  • Navigate social challenges
  • Increase confidence

Who can benefit from Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS may benefit teenagers and adults living with:
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Intellectual disability
  • Psychosocial disability
  • Acquired brain injury
  • Neurological conditions
  • Emotional regulation difficulties

​How does Positive Behaviour Support support independence?
PBS supports independence by teaching practical skills, reducing barriers to participation, improving confidence and helping individuals achieve meaningful personal goals.
Related Resources

Positive Behaviour Support Teen & Adult Behaviour Support ​
NDIS & Independent Living Supports
Assessments & Reports
Last reviewed: July 2026
This page is reviewed periodically to reflect current evidence, clinical practice and relevant NDIS guidance.
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