What is positive behaviour support (PBS)?

The full answer

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a preventive, teaching-focused approach built on: 1) Understanding why the challenging behaviour happens (function analysis), 2) Changing the environment or schedule to reduce triggers, 3) Teaching replacement behaviours the person finds more rewarding, 4) Tracking changes systematically. PBS explicitly avoids punishment and coercion. It's the preferred NDIS approach and a Practice Standards requirement. PBS sits at the non-restrictive end of the behaviour-support spectrum. Examples: if a participant yells in the morning, PBS would identify whether they're in pain, need more sleep, or dislike the morning routine — then fix the root cause rather than telling them off. Behaviour support practitioners trained in PBS are in high demand.