Behaviour Support: A Gentle Introduction

For many families, carers, and support workers, the idea of behaviour support can feel a little overwhelming at first. You might picture behaviour being “managed” or “controlled”, but modern behaviour support is very different.

Today, we talk about Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). At its heart, PBS is about respect, dignity, and creating practical strategies that make everyday life easier for everyone involved. It focuses on why behaviours occur, what they mean, and how we can make positive changes in everyday routines and environments.

A Quick Guide to This Article

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What Is Positive Behaviour Support and Why Does It Exist?

Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based approach that supports people who experience behaviours of concern, such as aggression, self-injury, withdrawal, or behaviours that make daily life difficult at home, school, work, or in the community.

These behaviours don’t happen “out of the blue.” They usually serve a purpose, such as communicating unmet needs, coping with stress, or responding to environmental triggers. PBS exists to:

  • Understand the reasons behind behaviour.
  • Reduce the likelihood of behaviours of concern.
  • Build positive, practical strategies that support wellbeing and participation for the individual and those around them.

The Principles of PBS

PBS is guided by internationally recognised principles:

  • Respect and dignity – every person deserves kindness and understanding.
  • Focus on quality of life – strategies aim to enhance wellbeing, not just reduce behaviours.
  • Understanding first – behaviours are seen as communication.
  • Prevention over reaction – proactive strategies are prioritised.
  • Collaboration – carers, support workers, and professionals work together.
  • Consistency – strategies are used across all areas of a person’s life.

The 5 Steps of Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support is a structured process. While each person’s journey is unique, PBS is often described in five key steps:

1. Identify and Define the Behaviour of Concern

The first step is to clearly identify and describe the behaviour that is causing difficulty or risk. This includes what the behaviour looks like, how often it occurs, and in what situations.

2. Gather Information

Practitioners collect information from the person, carers, and support staff. They may observe behaviour in different settings and review any relevant reports or records. The goal is to build a detailed picture of what is happening and why.

3. Develop a Hypothesis

The practitioner considers the information gathered and develops a hypothesis (informed explanation) of why the behaviour is occurring. This often looks at what triggers the behaviour, what might reinforce it, and what the behaviour communicates.

4. Develop a Support Plan

Using the hypothesis, the PBS Practitioner works with the person and their support network to create a Behaviour Support Plan. This plan usually includes:

  • Proactive strategies to prevent behaviours of concern.
  • Skill development to teach safer, more effective ways of communicating or coping.
  • Environmental changes to make participation easier and safer.
  • Response strategies to guide carers and staff if behaviours occur.
  • Crisis planning for high-risk situations.

Restrictive Practices and NDIS Requirements

Sometimes, a Behaviour Support Plan may include restrictive practices (such as restraint, seclusion, or restricted access to items) where these are considered necessary for safety.

Under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, restrictive practices are tightly regulated and must always:

  • Be the least restrictive option.
  • Be used only when necessary to keep the person or others safe.
  • Be paired with proactive strategies that reduce and eliminate restrictions over time.

The NDIS recognises two types of plans where restrictive practices are involved:

  • Interim Behaviour Support Plan – created quickly in urgent situations while a full assessment is completed.
  • Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan – developed after a full assessment, with detailed proactive strategies and steps to reduce restrictions.

At Back to Basics, restrictive practices are only included when absolutely necessary, and the goal is always to reduce and eventually remove the need for them.

5. Monitor and Review

PBS is an ongoing process. Plans are monitored to see what is working and reviewed regularly — at least annually, or sooner if needed. Strategies are updated to remain relevant as the person’s needs, goals, or environment change.

PBS Across Age Groups

Positive Behaviour Support can look different depending on a person’s stage of life. While the principles are the same (respect, understanding, and proactive strategies) the focus shifts to match the needs and goals of each age group.

  • Children and Adolescents – PBS can support children and young people to build positive routines at home and school, develop social and communication skills, and reduce stress during transitions or challenging moments.
  • Adults – For adults, PBS may focus on building independence, supporting workplace or community participation, and strengthening relationships.
  • Older Adults – PBS can also benefit older adults, particularly when changes in memory, mobility, or health affect daily life.

Across every age group, PBS aims to create safe, supportive environments where people can participate in daily life in ways that feel meaningful and respectful.

Benefits and Evidence

Positive Behaviour Support is built on research and practice evidence. While every person’s situation is different, studies indicate that PBS approaches may bring a range of benefits for both individuals and their support networks. These can include:

  • Improved quality of life – strategies focus on meaningful activities, communication, and participation in everyday routines.
  • Reduced behaviours of concern – proactive approaches and environmental adjustments may lower the frequency or intensity of behaviours that create stress or safety risks.
  • Safer environments – clear, respectful response strategies can help reduce the need for restrictive practices and promote safety for everyone involved.
  • Better communication – teaching and encouraging alternative ways to express needs can help reduce frustration and misunderstandings.
  • Increased participation – with the right supports, people may be more able to take part in school, work, community, or leisure activities.
  • More predictable routines – carers and support staff may find that consistent strategies bring calmer, easier daily patterns.
  • Confidence for support networks – carers, educators, and staff may feel better equipped when they have clear, practical strategies to follow.
  • Flexibility over time – because plans are reviewed regularly, strategies can adapt as the person’s needs, goals, or environment change.

Everyday Examples of PBS

PBS strategies are woven into daily life and can be tailored to each person’s needs, routines, and environments. Some examples might include:

  • Using visual supports for routines – A practitioner might suggest a visual schedule with pictures or symbols to help someone know what’s coming next during their day. This can reduce anxiety around transitions like moving from school to home or preparing for bedtime.
  • Adapting environments – Small changes can make a big difference. For example, reducing noise or clutter in a shared space may help someone feel calmer. In a supported accommodation setting, adjusting lighting or creating quiet zones can support comfort and participation.
  • Building communication skills – If a person finds it difficult to express needs verbally, PBS might introduce communication aids such as key word sign, picture exchange systems, or assistive technology. This can provide safer, clearer alternatives to behaviours of concern.
  • Supporting emotional regulation – Strategies could include teaching calming routines such as deep breathing, listening to music, or using sensory tools. Practising these skills during calm times means they’re more likely to help during moments of stress.
  • Encouraging independence in daily tasks – PBS can include step-by-step supports for everyday activities, such as cooking a simple meal, getting ready in the morning, or using public transport. Breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps helps build confidence.
  • Guiding responses to behaviours of concern – Plans often outline clear, respectful ways for carers or staff to respond if behaviours do occur. For instance, giving space, using calm communication, or redirecting to a preferred activity may prevent escalation.
  • Promoting community participation – A plan might include strategies for gradually supporting someone to attend a community group, go shopping, or use public transport, with staff providing reassurance or prompts as needed.

These examples highlight how PBS is practical, person-centred, and focused on everyday life — whether at home, in school, in supported accommodation, or out in the community.

PBS Across Environments

Because behaviour happens everywhere, PBS adapts to different settings:

  • Home – routines for mealtimes, bedtime, or mornings.
  • School/education – supporting learning, play, and friendships.
  • Work or volunteering – helping adults manage tasks, routines, and stress.
  • Community – building skills for public transport, shopping, or recreation.
  • Aged care or SDA/SIL – supporting people with daily routines, communication, and participation in supported accommodation settings.

How PBS Works at Back to Basics

At Back to Basics Health Group, PBS follows the same five steps, but we also make sure the process is clear and collaborative for the people we support. Here’s what it usually looks like with us:

  • Referral – New families, support coordinators, or services complete our online referral form. If you already have services with us, just send an email to info@backtobasicshealthgroup.com.au.
  • Allocation – Our admin team reviews the referral and sends out onboarding forms for completion. Once the forms are returned we’ll place you on our wait list while we find a PBS Practitioner available when and where you are.
  • Initial appointment – Usually via telehealth, where we gather background information and discuss behavioural challenges.
  • Plan development and training – The practitioner works with the person, their carers, and support network to develop a plan and provide training on strategies.
  • Ongoing support and reviews – Appointments may be via telehealth or in-person. Plans are reviewed regularly and updated as required.

PBS at Back to Basics is always person-centred and collaborative. We welcome questions at every stage so support remains clear, transparent, and tailored to individual needs.

Learn More About Positive Behaviour Support

Trusted resources for further reading:

Could Positive Behaviour Support Help Your Family or Community?

If behaviours of concern are making daily life more challenging, Positive Behaviour Support may help.

At Back to Basics Health Group, our team provides respectful, person-centred support for children, adults, and older adults. We work alongside carers, families, and support workers to understand behaviours, develop practical strategies, and build confidence for the future.

If you’d like to explore whether PBS could support your family, clients, or community, we’d love to start the conversation.

  • Call (03) 9763 7613
  • Email info@backtobasicshealthgroup.com.au
  • Or complete our online referral form