Positive Behavior Support (PBS)

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach to managing challenging behavior in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). PBS aims to prevent challenging behavior from occurring by focusing on promoting positive behaviors and providing support to individuals to help them develop new skills and achieve their goals.

If you or a loved one has IDD and experiences challenging behavior, it's important to understand how PBS can help. In this blog, we'll explore PBS and offer tips for implementing it effectively.

What is Positive Behavior Support?

PBS is a proactive approach to managing challenging behavior that focuses on preventing the behavior from occurring in the first place. The approach is based on the idea that challenging behavior is often a form of communication, and that individuals with IDD may engage in challenging behavior when they are not able to communicate their needs effectively.

PBS involves identifying the triggers that lead to challenging behavior and developing strategies to prevent those triggers from occurring. This might involve teaching new skills to help individuals communicate their needs more effectively, or creating an environment that supports positive behavior.

Tips for implementing Positive Behavior Support

If you are considering implementing PBS for yourself or a loved one with IDD, there are several tips to keep in mind:

1. Seek professional support: PBS is a complex approach that requires specialized training and support. Consider working with a professional who is trained in PBS to ensure that you are implementing the approach effectively.

2. Conduct a functional behavior assessment: Before implementing PBS, it's important to conduct a functional behavior assessment to identify the triggers that lead to challenging behavior. This assessment can help you develop an effective intervention plan.

3. Focus on positive behavior: PBS is all about promoting positive behavior and providing support to help individuals achieve their goals. Make sure to focus on what individuals can do, rather than what they can't.

4. Use visual aids: Visual aids can be a powerful tool in PBS, helping individuals understand the expectations and consequences of their behavior.

5. Be consistent: Consistency is key in PBS. Make sure to apply the same strategies and supports across different settings to ensure that the approach is effective.

In summary, Positive Behavior Support is an evidence-based approach to managing challenging behavior in individuals with IDD. By focusing on promoting positive behavior and providing support, individuals with IDD can develop new skills and achieve their goals. If you are considering implementing PBS, it's important to seek professional support, conduct a functional behavior assessment, focus on positive behavior, use visual aids, and be consistent in your approach.