Why Do Behaviours Happen?

Behaviours often serve a purpose. They may be linked to:

• Communication difficulties
• Emotional regulation challenges
• Sensory needs
• Environmental stressors
• Cognitive or developmental differences

Understanding the “why” behind behaviour is the first step in effective support.

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What Does PBS Focus On?

PBS focuses on:
✔ Understanding behaviour
✔ Teaching new skills
✔ Reducing risks safely
✔ Supporting independence
✔ Improving participation in daily life

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Examples of Positive Behaviour Support

Examples may include:

• Teaching communication alternatives
• Adjusting routines or environments
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Using visual supports or structure
• Building coping strategies

Explore more practical examples

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Who is PBS For?

PBS can support:

• Children with developmental delays
• Individuals with autism or ADHD
• Adults with mental health challenges
• Older adults with cognitive changes (e.g. dementia)

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How Does PBS Work?

PBS typically involves:

1. Understanding the behaviour
2. Identifying triggers and patterns
3. Teaching new skills
4. Supporting the environment
5. Monitoring and adjusting strategies

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If you’re looking for more detailed guidance:
Learn how PBS works in the NDIS

Learn how PBS works in the NDIS

Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessment

Explore our PBS services

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GETTING STARTED
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If you’re exploring behaviour support for yourself, your child, or someone you support:

• You can speak with our team
• We can guide you through NDIS pathways
• We can help determine the right level of support

Start with a free conversation below or  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.

Get Started with Positive Behaviour Support
If you’re looking for Positive Behaviour Support services in Perth, Mandurah or the Peel region, our team is here to help.

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

Frequently Asked Questions – Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
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What is meant by Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviour and supporting individuals to develop safer, more effective ways to meet their needs.

What is the main focus of Positive Behaviour Support?
The main focus of PBS is improving quality of life by reducing behaviours of concern and building skills in communication, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.

What is the goal of Positive Behaviour Support?
The goal of PBS is not just to reduce behaviour, but to understand it and support long-term positive outcomes through skill development and environmental supports.

How does Positive Behaviour Support work?
PBS works by:

1. Understanding the purpose (function) of behaviour
2. Identifying triggers and contributing factors
3. Teaching alternative skills
4. Adjusting environments
5. Supporting consistent responses across settings​

What are the key principles of Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS is based on principles such as:

• Person-centred and individualised support
• Evidence-based practice
• Focus on quality of life
• Least restrictive approaches
• Collaboration with families and support teams

What are the stages of Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS typically involves:

• Assessment (understanding behaviour)
• Planning (developing strategies)
• Implementation (putting supports in place)
• Review (monitoring and adjusting strategies)

What is the most important aspect of PBS?
Understanding the reason behind behaviour is the most important aspect, as behaviour is often a form of communication.

How does PBS prevent challenging behaviour?
PBS prevents behaviour by:

• Reducing triggers
• Teaching new skills
• Improving communication
• Creating predictable, supportive environments

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

What should be included in a Behaviour Support Plan?
A BSP 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?
A BSP is a detailed, individualised document developed by a behaviour support practitioner, tailored to the person’s needs, environment, and goals.

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

• Visual schedules and routines
• Teaching communication skills
• Reinforcing positive behaviours
• Adjusting environments
• Supporting emotional regulation

What are proactive strategies in PBS?
Proactive strategies are supports used before behaviour occurs, such as:

• Predictable routines
• Clear expectations
• Environmental modifications
• Skill teaching

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

Can Positive Behaviour Support be used at home?
Yes, PBS is commonly used at home, as well as in schools, workplaces, and community settings.

How is Positive Behaviour Support used in schools?
In schools, PBS supports students through structured routines, behaviour strategies, and collaboration with teachers to improve participation and learning.

How is PBS used with individuals with autism?
PBS supports individuals with autism by understanding behaviour as communication and building skills in communication, regulation, and daily routines.

Who benefits from Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS supports children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities, including autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and psychosocial conditions.

What does a Positive Behaviour Support practitioner do?
A PBS practitioner:

• Conducts assessments
• Identifies triggers and behaviour functions
• Develops Behaviour Support Plans
• Coaches families and support teams
• Monitors progress over time

Who can write a Behaviour Support Plan?
Under the NDIS, Behaviour Support Plans must be developed by an authorised behaviour support practitioner.

What is Positive Behaviour Support in the NDIS?
PBS in the NDIS is a funded support that helps participants reduce behaviours of concern and improve daily functioning through structured, evidence-based strategies.

How do you qualify for Positive Behaviour Support in Australia?
Access is based on functional need, particularly where behaviours of concern impact safety, independence, or participation.

What is the 20-day rule for PBS?
If restrictive practices are used, an interim Behaviour Support Plan must be developed within 20 business days under NDIS guidelines.

Do you have to pay for Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS is typically funded through an NDIS plan if approved. Private options may also be available if NDIS funding is not in place.

What are the benefits of Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS can help:

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

How does PBS help children?
PBS helps children by building skills, supporting routines, improving behaviour understanding, and empowering families with practical strategies.

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