Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
All behaviours are a way of communicating a need. When a person cannot verbally express what they need, they can engage in behaviours of concern (or "challenging" behaviours). PBS is about understanding what a behaviour is communicating, so that we can find ways to meet that need.
When we successfully implement positive strategies across a person's life, there will be no longer a need to use challenging behaviours, because needs have been met.
PBS is more like a program, not an individual therapy.
PBS involves a series of assessments over a few month period. This is in order to gain a complete understanding of a person, their behaviours, and what problems need to be addressed.
With this complete understanding, we can develop a comprehensive behaviour support plan, and prepare for implementing multiple strategies across a set period (up to 12-months). Strategies are implemented with the person and their support team, so that everyone is working with them as consistently as possible.
Collaboration is key in PBS, and we need everyone to work together for success.
The process takes time, and we're in it for the long haul. If you're keen, here is what you can expect:
01
Comprehensive behaviour assessments
Behaviour assessments are comprehensive and span up to 5-6 months. We will start with an intensive assessment, and implement initial strategies after about a month. Strategies generally involve observations across multiple environments, trialing any 'quick fixes' identified, and quality of life evaluations. While we monitor progress of initial strategies, we will continuing gathering information to gain a complete understanding of the person's life and circumstances, and how these are impacting on behaviours of concern.
03
Multi-component support interventions
Equipped with a great amount of information from our comprehensive assessments and FBAs, we will prepare a comprehensive behaviour support plan, and develop and implement a personalised PBS Program. This is an extended Program (up to 12-months), and involves multiple components of support strategies implemented together cohesively. The process involves the person and the everyone on their team working together for success. Quarterly progress reports will use data collected to inform refinement or creation of new strategies.
02
Functional behaviour analysis (FBA)
An FBA is a systematic method of observing and analysing specific behaviours, in order to determine its 'function' or the reasons it is happening. FBAs identify where, when and the likely reasons why a behaviour occurs. It is grounded in the science-practitioner model, and requires specific knowledge and experience in experimental methods.
04
Risk and restrictive practices (RPs). Specialist behaviour support.
DMI is an NDIS registered provider for specialist behaviour supports (improved relationships category). We are a team of experienced mental health professionals with understanding of the rules set out for the use of authorised RPs. Where there may be the need for RPs, we will ensure we meet our responsibilities, guide you and your team on the process.