Positive behaviour support for people with autism.

Here at Leap in! we have a diverse range of members with their own individual needs.

For those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), finding strategies to manage behaviour can be one of those needs and we’re often asked specific questions on how the NDIS can help.

Today, we take a closer look at positive behaviour support and how it can help members with autism (and parents of children with autism) to reduce challenging behaviour and live life to the fullest.

What is positive behaviour support?

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a way of providing guidance and support to people who may experience behavioural problems to help improve their social, communication and living skills.

Positive behaviour support recognises that challenging behaviour can occur for many reasons and looks at a person’s stress, distress and skill development.

How does PBS help people with autism spectrum disorder?

People living with ASD may have challenges with social interaction and communication.

This can include:

• Difficulty understanding non-verbal communication, such as body language
• Difficulty understanding when and how to appropriately respond in social interactions
• Finding it hard to develop, understand or maintain relationships with others.

Positive behaviour support helps by removing some of the things that trigger challenging behaviours and also teaches ways to replace or manage difficult behaviour. This can greatly improve the quality of life for adults and children living with ASD.

Positive behaviour support and the NDIS

Positive behaviour support falls under the ‘Improved Relationships’ budget and in some circumstances, funding for this support can also come ‘Assistance with Daily Life’ budget.

Improved Relationships funding may be available where concerning behaviours restrict a person’s ability to participate fully in everyday life.

There are two steps to follow:

1. Behaviour support assessment: This is an opportunity to understand the current situation such as the person’s strengths, preferences, goals, environment and communication skills or needs.
2. Behaviour support plan: A document containing recommended behavioural support strategies unique to the individual participant, such as:
   1. Therapeutic supports: strategies for coping with overwhelm, depression or extreme emotions
   2. Behaviour management strategies for managing behaviour and emotions
   3. Developing social skills to help a person participate in social or community activities
   4. Participation in peer or social support groups.

In situations where a person requires high intensity positive behaviour support or supervision from a support worker due to complex needs, funding for this support comes from the ‘Assistance with Daily Life’ budget.

Who practises positive behaviour support?

Psychologists, social workers and teachers who are trained in this area may practise positive behaviour support. Family members of people living with ASD may also be taught how to implement the approach.

We are here to help.

Here at Leap in! we help people with autism and their families with NDIS-related questions every day. Call the Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78, to ask a question, book your free NDIS pre-planning session or sign up to Leap in! plan management today.